html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Left Angle has released Autograph 2025.1, the latest version of its content creation and compositing tool for motion design and visual effects.The update overhauls Autographs interface, adds new 3D features including text and shape extrusion, and adds a live link plugin for DaVinci Resolve and an After Effects project importer.In addition, Left Angle has introduced a new free Starter edition of the software that can be used on commercial projects, and reduced the prices of paid licenses.An alternative to After Effects for motion graphics and VFX workReleased in 2023, Autograph is pitched as a next-gen tool for motion design and VFX.Like After Effects, it uses a layer-based compositing model, with its timeline featuring a standard layer stack and dope sheet, but combines it with a 3D mode for manipulating 3D assets.3D workflow is based around Universal Scene Description, and the software has its own integrated real-time physically based renderer, Filament.Autograph sells itself on ease of use, with its system of Generators pitched as a simpler alternative to a node graph, and Modifiers as a simpler alternative to expressions.Autograph 2025: revamped UI and workflowAutograph 2025.1 overhauls the softwares user interface and workflow, with a new Inspector panel replacing the old Properties panel for inspecting and editing parameters.Viewers now have their own individual timelines, making it possible to play back separate compositions simultaneously: for example, to compare an intro and an outro sequence. New 3D features including text and shape extrusionThere are also a number of new 3D features, including the option to extrude Text or Shape layers, the latter making it possible to import vector logos and transform them into 3D objects.New Material and Mesh layer types make it possible to create 3D primitives and edit animated materials directly in the timeline.It is also now possible to select 3D layers in the viewport by clicking or marquee-selecting.Experimental OFX live link plugin for DaVinci ResolveHowever, perhaps a more significant change is better interoperability with other key tools in video production and motion graphics pipelines.The software now ships with Autograph Live Link, a new plugin that makes it possible to use Autograph projects and templates within OpenFX-compatible apps like DaVinci Resolve. Edits made in Autograph are transferred to DaVinci Resolve in real time, and composition parameters are exposed on import, so it is also possible to animate directly inside Resolve.The plugin is currently in beta, and is only supported on Windows and macOS.New automated converter for After Effects projectsIn addition, After Effects users can now import projects in .aep format into Autograph and have the softwares new After Effects Importer convert them automatically.The documentation only lists features that can be converted, not those that cant, but layer animation, layer styles, text animation, shapes and several effects should come across.Conversion requires After Effects to be installed on your local machine, and for you to have an active license, so it isnt enough simply to be sent an .aep file by a collaborator.New free edition, including for use on commercial projectsIn addition, Left Angle has introduced Autograph Starter, a new free edition of the software that functions as both a trial and an entry-level version.It can be used on up to two projects concurrently, including for commercial work.However, its value on commercial jobs is limited, since compositions are limited to 1080p resolution, and five key Modifiers are watermarked, including Vector Blur and Film Grain.Projects created using other versions of the software are watermarked on import, and cannot be saved.Other restrictions include lack of support for OpenFX plugins: you can find a full list in the FAQs. Lower prices for commercial licensesLeft Angle has also reduced the prices of commercial editions of the software.Autograph Creator, which used to be restricted to users with annual revenue under $1 million/year, cost $945 for a perpetual license; rental cost $35/month or $315/year.Left Angle has now lifted the revenue restrictions, and reduced the standard price of a perpetual license to 299 ($299). Rental now costs $25/month or 199/year ($199/year).Autograph Studio, aimed at larger companies, used to cost $1,795; rental cost $59/month or $599/year.Studio now comes with two bundled render licenses, and perpetual licenses have a standard price of 599 ($599). Rental now costs $39/month or 375/year ($375/year).Price and system requirementsAutograph 2025.1 is compatible with Windows 10+, Ubuntu 22.04+ and RHEL/Rocky Linux 8+, and macOS 11.0+. You can find details of the new pricing in the story above.Read a full list of new features in Autograph 2025.1 in the online release notesHave your say on this story by following CG Channel on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). As well as being able to comment on stories, followers of our social media accounts can see videos we dont post on the site itself, including making-ofs for the latest VFX movies, animations, games cinematics and motion graphics projects.