Side by side
Adobe After Effects vs Cavalry
Both stand on motion graphics software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free trial MacWindows
After Effects focuses on animation and visual effects, with useful links to Premiere and Photoshop workflows. Check its internet and registration requirements, and use a dedicated editor for video clips.
Visit Adobe After Effects
Free plan MacWindows
Cavalry offers a broad set of 2D animation tools and free individual access without stated usage limits. Account for its Canva sign-in requirement and lack of mobile availability before choosing it.
Visit CavalryThe facts
| Adobe After Effects | Cavalry | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | A free trial | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Mac, Windows | Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Creative Cloud Pro for students and teachers: $19.99 a month | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 5 | 2 |
| Maker | Adobe After Effects | Cavalry |
| Website | adobe.com | cavalry.studio |
| On motion graphics software | #8 of 16 | #4 of 16 |
Adobe After Effects: what it does well
- Animates text, still images, and illustrations
- 3D workspace combines 3D shapes and 2D graphics
- AI Object Matte isolates moving subjects
- Links compositions to Premiere without intermediate rendering
- Includes free training guides
What to know first
- No free plan
- Seven-day trial
- Internet access and registration required for activation and online services
- Adobe recommends another app for editing video clips
Cavalry: what it does well
- Free individual use has no stated usage restrictions.
- Includes character rigging and procedural rigs.
- Connects spreadsheets for data-driven animation.
- Exports Lottie, SVG, video, and image formats.
What to know first
- Requires a Canva account.
- Not available on mobile devices.
- Legacy refunds remove Pro features in versions 2.6.1 and earlier.
Alternatives to Adobe After Effects Alternatives to Cavalry The whole list