What CustomEffects are
Click here to watch the video tutorial
We all use presets. They are very powerful and handy to use, but sometimes, when there are many expression controls involved it starts to get very messy. And that’s where CustomEffects come in.
CustomEffects are standard presets but they look like and behave as standard plugins. After Effects needs to know the definition of presets in order to interpret them correctly. Some time ago I started to publish my heavily expression–based presets as CustomEffects.
Before you install any CustomEffect make sure you have administrator privileges and that the file PresetEffects.xml Read-Only flag is set to off.
Default location of the PresetEffects.xml file on Windows:
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe After Effects CS3\Support Files\PresetEffects.xml
Default location of the PresetEffects.xml file on MAc:
/Applications/Adobe After Effects CS3/ (Show Package Contents) /Resources/PresetEffects.xml
Note for Windows users
If you run into any problems try Right-clicking on the application and choosing “Run as administrator” option, even if you are logged it as Administrator. For some strange reasons there are systems with strange settings that don’t like Adobe Air applications.
CustomEffects Installer has an auto-update feature. Each time you run the application it will check if there is a new version available. If so it will download it and run the update process automatically. This will cause the current instance of the application to close and reopen after the installation is complete.
I have already built a CustomEffect Deployer that creates polyCE files but it is still in beta, therefore it’s not available for download… yet. I hope that polyCE files will become a standard way of sharing expression–based presets. I’m looking forward to hearing your opinions about them.
179 Responses to “What CustomEffects are”
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Maltaannon recommends:
Umair
07. Nov, 2007
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!! i am the first one…. awesome buddy awesome
Jim W
07. Nov, 2007
M, I don’t see the Mac version. Is it a secret?
Maltaannon
07. Nov, 2007
It’s all explained on this site. There is no special Mac version, theres only special Win version that one may choose not to use. All you have to do is to “find the PresetEffects.xml and paste the content of my XML provided in the ZIP file along with the FFX at the end of the file – just above its last line.”
Aaron
08. Nov, 2007
umm u say Mac version on both sets of instructions yet i see no mac version….
Maltaannon
08. Nov, 2007
Theres no Mac version. Just use the FFX file and paste the content of the XML file into PresetEffects.xml like explained above. Its all in the same ZIP file that you download from tutorial page.
Bento
20. Oct, 2009
Can´t find the XML file you talk about! :( … In Zipfile I found a FFX file and a POLYCE file. What can I do with them?
Otherwise… you work seems to be outstanding, I can´t wait to test your preset by myself! Nice job, and a good mesure of altruism.
Congratulation! (If one day you come here in Brazil, let me know !!)
Jerzy Drozda Jr
31. Oct, 2009
Forgive me, but I’m sooo tired of answering the same question over and over. It’s all in the video. The ZIP you downloaded contains only the two files: FFX and POLYCE. You need CustomEffects Installer Application to get this running. You can download it from this page. Please watch the video again, and everything will be clear. I’m working on a new way of distributing the CustomEffects. Hope this helps.
Tudor
08. Nov, 2007
I can’t find the Zip file on the tutorial page either.
Jim W
08. Nov, 2007
Gotcha. Thnx.
Jim W
08. Nov, 2007
Well, all of the “custom effects” links above just reload the page. From where can the mentioned files be acquired? I saw some files listed on CCow but are they the most recent? I didn’t see any ColorCorrection preset within.
Thanks.
J.
Jim W
08. Nov, 2007
NM. Found the link at the bottom of the page. Hard to find – didn’t think it was more useful than tapping the RSS though. FYI, the link from the AE/Home pages goes directly to the video.
Thanks again,
J.
Saumin
18. Nov, 2007
hi there i have downloaded zip file which has a pscei.exe which needs the presets to install…i dont seem to find the presets at all in this site….can u give me a link
Maltaannon
18. Nov, 2007
Presets and other project files are available under each tutorial details. Click on the tutorial Title (not on the thumbnail) to read the details and get the files you need. If you are confused about this please read this: http://maltaannon.com/how-tos/
A.S.
27. Nov, 2007
Just wanted to say…you’re a genius. I definitely wanna grow up to be like you. I love your tutorials. I see all these remarks, and yet no one has said how wonderful your work is. Keep up the FANTASTIC job.
And people… common- on this page, I see no praise. Can you actually stop for a minute and thank the man for his knowledge? I mean it seems like you all are using the database and not thanking him.
Maltaannon
27. Nov, 2007
Thank you my friend. I really appreciate it. It means a lot to me. Thanks again.
25Frame
02. Dec, 2007
again and again
GEO
05. Dec, 2007
Will the presets work with AE 7 PRO?
Maltaannon
05. Dec, 2007
Yes, they should. After Effects sees them as regular presets, so if any preset made in CS3 works with AE7, than these CustomEffects will work as well, as long they don’t use any CS3 features (like CE PixelSampler).
Ryszard
09. Dec, 2007
Witam, niestety preset jak i projekt nie działa w AE7 Pro. :( Otrzymuję komunikat, że projekt oraz preset zostały utworzone w nowszej wersji AE. Czy mógłbyś przygotować wersje swych CE dla AE7? Z góry dziękuję i pozdrawiam.
Maltaannon
09. Dec, 2007
Project files from CS3 won’t work in CS2, but the presets should. As far as they don’t use any special CS3 features. Try CE ColorCorrector. It should work in CS2 even though it was build with CS3.
Jimmy
12. Dec, 2007
I’m totally into you :) Looking fantastic!!! I can’t wait to try out some of your stuff.. wooooooooooww!
peter
21. Dec, 2007
Great work, learning a lot here!
As soon as I use something yours on a commercial base, I’ll stop by at the PayPal-logo.
(We all should, so this guy can dedicate his life to making ours easier…)
Maltaannon
21. Dec, 2007
That’s my goal. I’m glad someone understands it. Thanks my friend!
Danny
22. Dec, 2007
Hi , I just started with AE and your tutorials are great , I think no book can match to what you are doing for us .
Fine holidays and thank you for everything . Belgium
John
27. Dec, 2007
As a beginner to AE i thank you for helping me! This is a very sweet plugin
Robert Brown
28. Dec, 2007
First of all, I would like to say you are a master. I work for a cable company in alabama and I have just started using after effects to create a better commercial for our clients. I was having trouble with dropshadows until one of your recent tutorials. I have successfully learned it. I didn’t want to just download your presets, Because I wanted to learn how to do it, instead of just taking it. so I watched it over and over. But, I wanted to know if you can create it the same way for a stroke and if possible can you possibly do a tutorial on the stroke alone, as for as creating it and importing it into after effects. Other than that your tutorials ROCK! Thanks you for the help. Robert
lea
09. Jan, 2008
Hi!
im looking for this plugin for MAC system.
does it exist?
thanks!
Moi,Carole
14. Jan, 2008
Hi there,
I think your toutorial and this preset is very helpful and awesome, nevertheless after going thruogh the specified steps mentioned above, when i start up After Effects, and apply 3D Shape Extruder, it doesn’t take effect and there is a warning as follows,
After Effects Warning: Undefined value used in expression. Could be an out of range arrary subscript? Expression disable
Would you please help me solving this problem? Very appreciated.
Maltaannon
14. Jan, 2008
I wish I could. I have no idea what is causing the problem. Some other people had encountered it as well, but it seems, that when one is doing everything as explained the problem does not occur. Please make sure you have the right version of After Effects, that the CustomEffect is properly installed, and that you’re using it properly.
jamsven
13. Feb, 2008
Really nice !
But how do you build these presets ?
I don´t understand how to build all these sliders … into just one layer FX?
Even If i watch your ffx file, i don´t find a way how to set ranges or multivector attributes.
It would be really nice to see a tutorial about makin cool presets :)
Or get some Infos about that stuff
thanks !
Maltaannon
13. Feb, 2008
Oh yes this tutorial is coming soon along with an tool for building CustomEffects for both Mac and PC. Stay tuned. Cheers
Brian McGovern
19. Feb, 2008
OK…I’ve read all the entries and still can’t find the MAC CustomEffects ffx files. I understand your Mac install directions, but can’t find the CustomEffects mac version.
regards
Maltaannon
19. Feb, 2008
It’s included in the regular zip file. You should find polyCE file (for windows) and XML and FFX that are meant for manual installations for Mac. You’d be glad to hear that I’m developing new installation software what will work on both – Mac and PC. Stay tuned!
Brian McGovern
21. Feb, 2008
The only files in my download are a pscei.exe, a zlib.dll file and a read me txt file unless your speaking about the files in the 3DShapeExtruder download.
Thx
Maltaannon
21. Feb, 2008
The file you’ve downloaded is a installer package – a piece of software to install polyCE files. If you want to get some of my CustomEffects you have to download them separately from tutorial detail page.
seth
21. Feb, 2008
Hi there,
I downloaded the file and open it, but i didnt see an XML file in it? i just did it 20 minuets ago?what shell i do than???????
thanks
seth
21. Feb, 2008
Oops!
just read the last message and i understand someone else had my problem. So now i know what to do. Thanks again
Romeo
25. Feb, 2008
Are the custom effects mainly for using with AE CS3 or can it be used with older versions?
Maltaannon
25. Feb, 2008
They are meant for CS2 and CS3. Did not check it with 6.5, but even if they’d work, I’m making my presets with CS2 or CS3, so I think they wouldn’t open in any other version.
Brian
22. Mar, 2008
Thanks for these effects – looking forward to see how you make them. I’m getting an error message using the install program “Invalid procedure call or argument” I have downloaded the basic files, that didn’t seem to help. I can install manually, but . . .
aDriAn
23. Mar, 2008
Hey! Please help!! I have a big question…Im woorry about what can happen if I pasted the file “3D ShapeExtruder” in the “PresetEffects.xml” it can affect the program AE CS3????
Eassay
30. Mar, 2008
I wanna use your tool for my presets, how long does it take, till u publish it here on your site ??
Pumpus
05. May, 2008
dude im using cs3 after effects. i installed your custom effect pixel sampler manually and when i use it i drag it on to the window to make a new layer. thats fine but when i got to expand the pixel sample field it doesn’t show the boarder of the field the color changes but i cant see the out side of the field to position it.
Pumpus
05. May, 2008
i also downloaded the custom effects installer. i drag a polyce file (pixel sampler) on to it. it boots and then says (9 Subscript out of range) and idea how to fix?
michael
11. May, 2008
hey i read this through a fue time tryed it and still really confused on ho to do this please help me and all so can you do the same thing with illustrator brushes?
please i feel stupied but can you make it in to a tutorial
Teri928
18. May, 2008
does this Custom Effects Installer work with Vista? I’ve downloaded the runtime libraries, unRARed it, and when i go to open the program, it crashes and says “Invalid Picture”?? Any help would be appreciated as i’m very confused
Maltaannon
18. May, 2008
Uuuu…. sounds strange. Can’t help you with Vista. Vista baaaaaad. But I’ve got some good news. Soon there will be new and cross-platform installer. Be patient. If you want you can test it on Vista. That would help me a lot.
Pumpus
22. May, 2008
thats cool dude. yes you are right vista blows getting a new computer with xp yay their next os better be good or we wont be able to run the new programs as xp might not be compatible as will be “old”. ahh remember windows 95 them be the days i will try and test the new one out for you
cHEECH
05. Jun, 2008
Thanks for the presets buddy. I have downloaded timeshuffle and im going to give it a go now. If I may say, it is pretty complicated to get your way around downloading stuff from this site, as everything is hidden in different places.
But mostly, THANK YOU!
jiveon
13. Jun, 2008
Hey Maltaannon just wanted to say thanks for the killer tutorials and presets, I use them often and they have made my life much easier, dropped some coin in your box, please keep up the fantastic work!
Also – this is one more request for a tutorial on how you make these presets, I’ve been getting better and better with expressions over the past year and finding an easy way to make some of my custom controllers and expressions based effects more portable would make my life a whole lot easier. Again, thanks man, you rock.
Mitch
27. Jun, 2008
Thanks for the cool plugin. Unfortunately, I tried to use it with CS2 (AE7) and got the message, “created with a newer version of AE, time to upgrage.” I guess I’ll have to wait to use it.
Maltaannon
27. Jun, 2008
Sorry. Most of CEs are build for CS3. But there is a new one coming soon. Will work in CS2 as well.
Bowie Presto
09. Jul, 2008
You’re the ULTIMATE Avatar. GOD BLESSED YOU!!!
Amit
19. Jul, 2008
Hey man, 10x! i should have seen that plug sooner! :) but its going to make my work much more creative now.
take alook of how much it would have helped me on is project.
http://www.hellanimation.com/SHTIL_master-noend2.wmv
10x again Amit
zhaocge
26. Jul, 2008
YES！I LIKE IT！！I come from china.I use AE CS3,Download your presets,In accordance with the above tips to install CUSTOMEFFECTS,Always unsuccessful….
CS3 Tips:”Undefined value used in expression.Could be an rang array subscript? Expression disabled.”
Oh~~My God!!Help me plzzzzzzz~~
Sorry,My poor English….谢谢您了，帮一下我吧.
rafi_shilpe
27. Jul, 2008
i need some soft of adobe after affectes plugings
zhaocge
29. Jul, 2008
YES！I LIKE IT！！I come from china.I use AE CS3,Download your presets,In accordance with the above tips to install CUSTOMEFFECTS,Always unsuccessful….
CS3 Tips:”Undefined value used in expression.Could be an rang array subscript? Expression disabled.”
Oh~~My God!!Help me plzzzzzzz~~
Sorry,My poor English….谢谢您了，帮一下我吧.
xuli
29. Jul, 2008
perfect,great!
I come frome china,I downloaded your shapeextrude plug-in and
used AE CS3,I installed CUSTOMEFFECTS above,unsuccessful always,and no option box you metion.
Error
:”Undefined value used in expression.Could be an rang array subscript? Expression disabled.”please help me,thanks,
By the way,what does “CEShapeExtruder.polyCE” work?
luca
09. Aug, 2008
Hi Maltaannon sorry for answer, where i can download the package for mac??
luca
09. Aug, 2008
it was ok
sorry
aefreemart : CustomEffects now work on Mac
20. Aug, 2008
[...] is new cross-platform version of the CustomEffects Installer available. Now you can easily install custom expression-based presets on both Windows and Mac. Make [...]
Monroe E. "tequilaman2006"
21. Aug, 2008
i’d be happy to start broadcasting the news about the new standard in preset-deployment! cant wait for the download to be available, since i really dont know how to make these things otherwise.
keep up the good work!
Motionworks » Polygon Studio releases “Light Wrap”
24. Aug, 2008
[...] packed into a single group so it looks like a regular plug-in. For more on CustomEffects click here. posted at 9:02 am by JD [...]
Mark
30. Aug, 2008
Hi really confused just found this site and th extruder is exactly what i need but can’t seemto down load it install it or anything???? i get this ceShapeExtruder which is 2kb but i cant put it anywhere in Aftereffects cs3 ther is no preseteffects.xml file etc what do i do
Maltaannon
30. Aug, 2008
there is a introduction video on this site. read it, watch it.
F.vG
02. Sep, 2008
tried it with vista. the installer works so I got the customeffects installer running. But when I try to place the CEShapeExtruder polyCE file on the app it gives me the message: Failed: error #2058. Since you’ve build this software can you tell me what this error means? And if it can be solved.
Maltaannon
02. Sep, 2008
I’ve noticed some problems on Vista lately. I’m working on it. Error #2058 stands for “There was an error decompressing the data”. I wasn’t expecting that. First make sure you are running on the Administrator account. This Application unpacks the content of polyCE files to a temporary location. Maybe it has no privileges do to so… I’m just guessing. The issue is being worked on. Sorry for the inconvenience.
DCB
04. Sep, 2008
I have a video box not connected to the internet. Is there a downloadable version of your installer available?
Polygon Studio releases “Light Wrap” : Motionworks
05. Sep, 2008
[...] You’ll find more information including a video tutorial in which Maltaannon shows how to create a light wrap effect from scratch here. CustomEffects are Adobe After Effects Animation Presets with all the controllers packed into a single group so it looks like a regular plug-in. For more on CustomEffects click here. [...]
Duncan Rudd
18. Sep, 2008
Hi man, really cool tutorials and plugins… thanks for all the time you invest in this stuff – it really makes a difference!
I just bought the lightwrap CE and the installer seemed to install fine. When I try and install the CE file it asks me to browse for my after effects installation which I do just like in the video – after effects CS£ folder not support files or anything. I hit OK and it just takes me straight back to the installer, no message, nothing at all happens…? I’m running vista 32bit.
Any suggestions would be much appreciated
Keep up the good work…
ThePagemaster
18. Sep, 2008
I have the same Error #2058. In Vista I can give a program full privlages by running it by right-clicking it and clicking Run As Administrator. However once I do that I can no longer drag and drop the *.polyCE files. Can you put in an import file menu?
Andrew Chan
19. Sep, 2008
The installer for the CustomEffects just doesn’t work for me. It keeps saying (from Adobe Flash) “A download error occurred. Try to download again?”.
Maltaannon
19. Sep, 2008
Some people have reported the same issue on Vista. Seems like it’s Adobe AIR not being fully compatible with it. I wanted to make everything easier for you guys and it seems like I only made it worse. Sorry for that. This issue is being resolved.
Andrew Chan
19. Sep, 2008
I found the solution. I was messing with the time a few days ago check the date. You MUST set the time CORRECTLY for the installation or it won’t work.
yoghi
15. Oct, 2008
Please is there a 56k download link without Adobe Air, that i have already installed? Thanks
will
17. Oct, 2008
Saw your vid and its great..but I donthave the folder to install
the preset..path sohws this
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe After Effects CS3\Support Files\Preset\
When I select this path I get an error that its not the correct folder
Maltaannon
17. Oct, 2008
Because it’s not. It should be C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe After Effects CS3\
Polygon Studio CustomEffects Installer - 微兰空气
23. Oct, 2008
[...] 我们都使用预置。他们是非常强大和易于使用。但有时，当有许多表达参与控制它开始变得非常混乱。所以，CustomEffects 应运而生。 CustomEffects 是标准预置但是它看起来像一个预置插件。 [...]
Dennis Leppell
03. Nov, 2008
I’m having the same issue as Duncan Rudd. Trying to install 3d extruder, select my after effects cs3 folder,and it returns me to the installer….and keeps doing that. If i select a different folder it has an install error, as expected.
Maltaannon
03. Nov, 2008
Make sure there are read&write permissions set to the Adobe folder and to the file as well. It’s all in the tutorial at the top of this page.
dex
08. Nov, 2008
still doesn’t work. just tell us how to do it manually without adobe AIR, please
Maltaannon
08. Nov, 2008
You can’t do it manually anymore. I had cases like that before. It was always system settings or similar thing that was causing the problem. You can look up Creative Cow. There are few of my CEs there – the old versions that still allow manual installation.
qsalas
11. Nov, 2008
HELP!!!
when i try the instaler, gets me an error that sais that the air version its older, and ask me to get a newer version…but im pretty shure that i have the latest from adobe air…help!
Maltaannon
11. Nov, 2008
Uninstall AIR and install it again. This sometimes happens, if you had AIR beta installed. You might not even know you have, so reinstalling is the best practice.
ruben
11. Nov, 2008
perfet respectmen
Chris Standley
18. Nov, 2008
Hi
Can’t get the installer to work. It stops immediately with an error 2032.
Any thoughts?
By the way – your tutorials are really fantastic and it’s a joy to see how you work and the beautiful solutions to complex problems that you come up with.
Chris Standley
20. Nov, 2008
Regarding my last post. I got this working by reinstalling Java. Installed fine then.
Thanks again for your great work.
jimmy
23. Nov, 2008
a download error occured !!! ive done all the steps , ive got adobe air and checked my properties for the xml file and there not checked but my xml file is on d: drive if that matters
help please
jimmy
23. Nov, 2008
THE DATE HAS TO BE Current .. i finally got 3d extruder setup correctly
THanks so much for your great tutorials.
John
26. Nov, 2008
Well My time is current up today month and year and minutes. not sure about seconds. anyways it still says AIR is causing a problem.
Maltaannon
26. Nov, 2008
If it’s Vista make sure not only the file privileges are correct, but also Adobe folders. That causes problems, but is easily fixed.
John
28. Nov, 2008
Well for me the Custom Effects Installer at the top of the page wont even load. It says I need a newer version of AIR but I know its current.
John
28. Nov, 2008
What about Adobe folders? I dont even get that far to chose a directory
dan
28. Nov, 2008
for some reason i cant install the plug in i have your installer but everytime i choose OK on the adobe after effects folder the directory box just disappears and nothing happens. any idea on how to fix this?
Maltaannon
28. Nov, 2008
Adobe folders, Adobe folders, ADOBE FOLDERS PEOPLE!…. Phef… I’m ok now. Sorry. There are few things that might help. It’s all in the comments above.
1) Check your system date. For some reason when it’s incorect AIR fails
2) Check permissions to the PresetEffects.xml file
3) Check permissions to the Adobe folder in the Program Files
4) If nothing else helps uninstall AIR and install it again.
JRS
21. Dec, 2008
Vista and After Effects CS4:
When the ceInstaller does not seem to work, try next:
1) Start ceInstaller as an Administrator.
2) Fastclick twice on the polyCE file you downloaded to your HD (dragging and dropping does not work).
3) The button on the ceInstaller will turn to green.
4) Click on Install, point to the Adobe After Effects CS4 folder and click on OK.
5) The ceInstaller will install the polyCE file now.
This worked for me.
sharky
21. Dec, 2008
Failed Error #3001:
Applications/Adobe After effects CS3/Adobe After effects CS3.app/Contents/Resources/preseteffects.xml
am i selecting the right directory?
Maltaannon
22. Dec, 2008
This is correct path to set the Read/Write privilages for the file, but when ceInstaller asks you “where your AE is installed” please choose /Applications/Adobe After effects CS3/
Matt
27. Dec, 2008
Hey maltaannon, just purchased MILG5 great stuff love it, keep up the good work. I was pleased to see the custom effects as a bonus too & finally got there with the installer & Vista :)
Philipp
07. Jan, 2009
Hmm I can’t install any Plug-ins.
Receiving this all the time: “Failed: Error #2058”
Have Vista with AE CS4 running.
Any one has ani?
Also my Program Folder is not called “Program Files” since I’m from Germany the Folders Name is “Programme”. That should not be the problem.
Thanx for any help you can get me.
By the Way very nice Tutorials I admire your work!
Josh
08. Jan, 2009
I have also received the 3001 error, but after selecting “applications/adobe after effects cs3″
It appears I do not have the preseteffects.xml” file anywhere. Is this unusual?
混合主题 » Polygon Studio CustomEffects Installer
08. Jan, 2009
[...] 我们都使用预置。他们是非常强大和易于使用。但有时，当有许多表达参与控制它开始变得非常混乱。所以，CustomEffects 应运而生。 CustomEffects 是标准预置但是它看起来像一个预置插件。 [...]
Philipp
09. Jan, 2009
Is there a way to install the presets manually on PC?
Jason
09. Jan, 2009
I purchased the MILG 5 disk (wow! it’s great) and noticed that the custom effects install is not working when I navigate to the AE CS4 folder and click OK, nothing happens. I’m currently running Vista Ultimate x64 bit. I see from the thread that the install doesn’t work on vista x32 bit either. No one had mentioned x64 vista, so I thought I would let you know the result.
You are a master of the expressions. I’m in awe. Thank you for sharing your skills.
Jason
09. Jan, 2009
Installing on Vista Ultimate x64 update:
The install instructions for x32 vista WORK in x64 also. YES! I’m recopying them here for convenience.
1) Start ceInstaller as an Administrator.
2) Fastclick twice on the polyCE file you downloaded to your HD (dragging and dropping does not work).
3) The button on the ceInstaller will turn to green.
4) Click on Install, point to the Adobe After Effects CS4 folder and click on OK.
5) The ceInstaller will install the polyCE file now.
Philipp
09. Jan, 2009
I did everything as told in the list.
After step two folowing appears: Error #2058
What should I do?
Thanx for any help
Mike
20. Jan, 2009
What I was able to do with Vista. I am using Vistax64
1. Right Click polyce and open as administrator.
2. Go to source(shape extruder is example) right click, select open and it will load it in polyce, then install, pick where your cs3 or cs4 is and it should work.
Sam
26. Jan, 2009
FINALLY MIKE THANK YOU!
It’s working for me now on Vistax32 using CS3!
Kinda annoying, though, but it still works!
Philipp
27. Jan, 2009
OK here is what I do maybe someone can finally help me:
1. I Right Click polyce and open as administrator.
2. I go to source(shape extruder is example) right click, select open and it will load it in polyce, then an Error window inside polyce appears: Error #2058
only thing I can do now is click on ‘close’
plz Help
B
29. Jan, 2009
For some reason when i installed the 3d Shape extruder it said drag file to install i done that when i installed it just came up with a preset folder with nothing in it. I’m using a mac so maybe its different?
B
29. Jan, 2009
Actually i have the same problem as Phillipp it comes up with Error 3001 / Applications/ Abode after effects CS3/ adobe After EffectsCS3.app/Contents/Resources/preseteffects.xml
Thats all it say and theres no other option but to close
BananaNeil
30. Jan, 2009
I am using vista and after effects cs4 and every thing seems to be working fine, it says to click install (to install the 3D shape extruder) so i do. and i find my after effects folder, i click “ok”
and nothing happens, the window to find my AE folder closes but that is it.
it doesn’t install or any thing.
if you have any idea what maybe be wrong, please help me. thank you.
Maltaannon
30. Jan, 2009
Yes. This problem has been solved already. It’s a Vista / AIR bug, that will hopefully be fixed with the next patch to AIR platform. Make sure you have the correct privileges on the Adobe folder (not only PresetsEffects.xml). Just to make sure you may run the application as an Administrator (right click), and then drag the polyCE file onto the CEInstaller. That should help. Read the comments above if that doesn’t help.
Sorry for the inconvenience.
TimK
31. Jan, 2009
Has anyone experienced any problems with their system after installiing AIR? I recently did a full system reinstall (after years of no problems) and am very cautious about what I install. This is an NLE, After Effects and 3D app machine that is running perfectly, and I don’t want to hose it up, so am naturally VERY cautious about what I install. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!
Tasos
03. Feb, 2009
this looks amazing, but i can’t make it work on AE CS4. I’m on OS X 10.5.4, but when I try to install I get an error 3001.. Any ideas??
Maltaannon
03. Feb, 2009
Privileges on the folder / file? Or run as administrator? It’s alway one of those things.
Tasos
03. Feb, 2009
I am logged in as admin and file/ folder are unlocked. I’m trying to install straight in theAdobe After Effects CS4 folder, right?
Thanks!
Aaliyah
08. Feb, 2009
Hi there, im also trying to make this work on CS4, is it actually possible?
Separating RGB channels » maltaannon.com
18. Feb, 2009
[...] currently working on a much nicer version along with some CustomEffect to wrap around the Pixel Bender code for your convinience. I hope you’ll find this [...]
Craig
21. Feb, 2009
The installer is ***not*** working. I’m on Mac and I’m getting the same error message as others. I cannot install to CS4 or CS3.
I see no reason for an installer with such a product. It’s just a preset, right?
I cannot use this at all — AND I’m wasting my time. Not cool.
Craig
21. Feb, 2009
Knock. Knock. Just read through up and down this page…and consider the needless headache and wasted time of dozens of users around the world. Verrrrry unprofessional.
I regret every buying the product.
Jerry YOU are responsible to provide a usable installer. (I know because I’ve had that responsibility myself with my products).
You can’t blame it on Adobe. This has been going on for months. Use a different method!
villas
03. Mar, 2009
OK … for vista users need to run as admin to work but as a simple preset i think should be more simple as drag file ffx to folder and done like dozens of free presets of mr. andrew kramer.
Thanks for th tuto.
jaime
04. Mar, 2009
I am try to install CustomEffects on a Mac and is given me this error # 2058
Steve
06. Mar, 2009
After watching the tutorial I’m still having trouble installing the effects. I’m running AE CS4 on a Mac, OS 10.5.6. I found the PresetEffects.xml file and changed it to read&write. I then installed the ceInstaller. Then I go to the effect I want to install (namely ceShapeExtruder) and double click and it gives me an Error #2058. Did I do something wrong, or is there something else I need to do?
Steve
06. Mar, 2009
One small update to the post i just put up. I was able to install ceTimeshuffler just fine. But for some reason the ceExtruder doesn’t work. The icon associated with the ceExtruder on my desktop is just a gray box not the polystudio icon (the ceTimeshuffler has the polystudio icon). Any thoughts?
Maltaannon
07. Mar, 2009
Uuu… strange. Maybe Mac OS things it’s a different type of file. Hard to say. Can you IM me on Skype? We’ll try to work thins out.
will
08. Mar, 2009
any luck on making it work for vista when i try to install the package it asks me where i have installed adobe after effects. i can’t seem to point it to it even though i pick the folder its in.
Martin Baker
08. Mar, 2009
same error 2058 here on Mac 10.5.6 with CS4.
Maltaannon
08. Mar, 2009
#2058 is the compression error. i know there are some of my CE still hosted on Creative Cow. they are in old format. make sure to download the CE’s from this site. still working on solving the issue.
CE LightWrap | maltaannon.com
25. Jun, 2009
[...] installation instructions go to What CustomEffects are [...]
CE ColorCorrection | maltaannon.com
26. Jun, 2009
[...] installation instructions go to What CustomEffects are [...]
הבלוג של ערן שטרן » סַמָנים לוהטים - אפקט חדש + מדריך חדש
24. Jul, 2009
[...] כמובטח, לאחר שבועות ארוכים של עבודה, אני גאה להציג בפניכם הרחבה חדשה לאפטר אפקטס בשם Markers Leaks או בעברית: סמנים לוהטים (לא תרגום מילולי אבל מה זה חשוב כרגע). זהו אפקט הבנוי כתבנית אנימציה מבוססת ביטויים וארוז כמו פלאג-אין לכל דבר. מטרתו לעבוד באופן אוטומטי עם סמנים שניתן להוסיף על כל שכבת וידאו. האפקט יאפשר לכם לבצע – פלאש (תאורה), הגדלה או טשטוש מעל כל סמן שנמצא על גבי השכבה באופן אוטומטי. ניתן לשנות את מאפייני האפקט וגם את הזמן שלוקח לכל משתנה לפעול. את האפקט ניתן להתקין כתבנית אנימציה סטנדרטית או כאפקט מותאם. עזרה טכנית בפיתוח הקוד ואריזתו כאפקט מותאם התקבלה באהבה מחברי Maltaannon. [...]
Blog by Eran Stern » Markers Leaks - New Custom Effect + New Tutorial
25. Jul, 2009
[...] help of my friend Maltaannon will allow you to do just that. This preset is also available as a Custom Effect that will allow you to create automatic actions such as light flashes, scales or blurs to a layer [...]
100款Adobe AIR应用程序 | 帕兰映像
17. Aug, 2009
[...] 我们都使用预置。他们是非常强大和易于使用。但有时，当有许多表达参与控制它开始变得非常混乱。所以，CustomEffects 应运而生。 CustomEffects 是标准预置但是它看起来像一个预置插件。 [...]
arda yalkin
11. Sep, 2009
hi,
first of all thanks for what you do for us. i’ve done whatever you said. i have re-install the air e.t.c. when i double click on 3dshapeextruder.polyce icon, it opens the installer, but even if i choose the right path of after effects cs4 folder, nothing happens. i use windows 7 64 bit. can you help me?
Jerzy Drozda Jr
11. Sep, 2009
Other users said that on Windows Vista or Windows 7 it helps to right click on the Installer and choose “Run as administrator”.
Robbie1985
19. Sep, 2009
DUDE! you rock!
a lot of people seem to be giving you a lot of stick on here and it’s not really fair as this is a free product and it works as long as you read this page very carefully. it didnt work for me first time on vista and ae cs4 but after reading the comments i found out why and got it running fine
if some of the other people on here did the same this page would be a lot shorter!
keep it up!
sebastian
30. Sep, 2009
hmm— i loved your tutorial and bought your plugin but can’t seem to get it to work. i’m on mac os 10.4 running AEP CS4. The ceLightWrap.polyCE won’t open for me…
I dumped the ceLightWrap.ffx into my presets folder, but when i open use the preset PS: LihgtWrap is listed as ‘missing.’
Not sure I understand everything you’ve mentioned here about preseteffects.xml.
i’m not seeing an xml file in your zip to copy paste? and i can’t find the preseteffects.xml to paste it into…
:(
Jukka
01. Oct, 2009
No, this isnt just working. Yes, i have administrator rights, and yes, preset.xml file is NOT read-only. Yes, i have installed adobe air. BUT – its not working, cant even install.
Im running Windows 7 Ultimate RTM, downloaded from msdntech. After Effects CS4 v.9.0. Error says: minimum AE version required.. Im sad.. Here is the error:
http://bayimg.com/BAeIeaacD
Someone here said, that you need to fast double click on that green polygon. BS.. Its not even clickable.
Jerzy Drozda Jr
02. Oct, 2009
I don’t see any error on your screenshot. What are you trying to install? Windows 7 is not oficially released. Don’t be surprised if something doesn’t work as it supposed to. Try running as administrator – this is NOT the same as having an account with administrator rights! Right click – and choose “Run as administrator”.
Jukka
04. Oct, 2009
Im trying to install your CustomEffects. These are the steps what i do:
1) I click on the button “Install Now”
2) I choose to save CustomEffects *.air installation file to desktop
3) And then double click on it to install
Problem is that which i already stated in screenshot – install button is not working and i cant click it. And it says: “Minimum After Effects version required” although i have the latest CS4..
Funniest thing is that i have no such option as “Run as Administator”, when i make the right click on any installation file.
Govind
06. Oct, 2009
Hi Mr. Maltaannon,
I am tying yo istall custom effect. I have downloaded polygonstudio custom effects installer. when i try to install custom effects nothing is happening. I am choosing AE cs3 root folder but not getting message istalled sucessfuly.
Please help
Thanks
Govind
rabel
14. Oct, 2009
I don’t have an internet connection on my pc. How can I install your custom effects on it.
Human
27. Oct, 2009
Yes, i would like to know that too.. It would be much simpler and cooler with no AIR instalation and so on..
Farsan
15. Oct, 2009
Work this in CS4?
Bradlee
18. Oct, 2009
Hey, sorry i am an absolute beginner at AE, I bought your effect, but I can’t seem to get it to install, I followed all of the instructions but I can’t find Resoucres: PresetEffects.xml anywhere on my system. I am running CS4 on a mac. Any advice?
Jerzy Drozda Jr
31. Oct, 2009
It’s all in the description and in the video. On a Mac there’s not Resources “folder” (as regular folder). You need to right-click on the AE app (or whatever it is you do on a Mac to bring out the context menu) and choose “Show Package Content”. Then you’ll find the Resources folder.
AE Vernacular That Often Gets Mixed Up: « 3DKiwi
19. Oct, 2009
[...] it comes to CustomEffects. He has a number of them that you can download from his site along with a video explaining them in his own [...]
Marc
01. Nov, 2009
Is there an alternate way to install it?
I’m getting 2058 on Windows XP.
Curtis
22. Nov, 2009
Just wanted to say I had no problem installing your installer nor you timeshuffle plugin and I have a MAC with CS4. Just an FYI.
Jukka
28. Nov, 2009
My bad before. Was going nuts with that installation cause i coudnt find subtitles plugin, which was in making it look great 5 videos :) Otherwise, every plugin that you can download from this site, works. Just drag and drop, and youre set. Works even with Win7.
Nico
30. Nov, 2009
Hi Maltannon, you really do a great job. Thanks for your presets.. but I had a problem when I try to install it via ceInstaller. It says Failed: Error #2058.
I hope this report can make the installer perfect.
Thanks again.
Jerzy Drozda Jr
30. Nov, 2009
#2058 is a decompressing error, which means you probably have an old installer, or an old CustomEffect package. Please redownload all files (the installer and the CE you wish to install) and try again. Should work like a charm.
[Probl
03. Dec, 2009
[...] [...]
Muhammad
08. Dec, 2009
Installed your installer on Windows 7 , installed OK, but when I tried to install the your ShapeExtruder nothing happened.
Fred M
11. Dec, 2009
Just found your site doing a search. Spent a good couple of hours looking through your stuff…very impressed.
However I have the same problem as above: Error #2058
Have downloaded from link above but no luck. Using vista 64. Hope it can get sorted. If not will enjoy your high quilty videos anyway.Keep up he good work. Thanks
Jerzy Drozda Jr
12. Dec, 2009
Error #2058 is a decompression error. However it just occurred to me, that it might be Error #3001 hiding beneath error #2058. Error #3001 is with file privileges. No privileges to save/store new files equals no decompression. No decompression equals error #2058. Try double checking the permissions you use to run the application. Even if you’re logged in with an Administrator account try Right-clicking and using Run As… Administrator just to make sure. Let me know how it goes.
Fred M
19. Dec, 2009
Thanks…all working.
scott
14. Dec, 2009
I just tried installing CE Extrude and wasn’t able. I run the installer and select my my CS 4 folder, and nothing happens. I click the install button and it prompts me to select the AE folder, and it do it again and hit OK and nothing happens. Is there a manual workaround for the install? It would be nice is there was a simpler installation procedure.
Jerzy Drozda Jr
14. Dec, 2009
It IS the simpler solution. You should have seen how it used to be before I wrote the installer. Anyway… like I said in the video tutorial – just copy the FFX to the presets.
cagri
19. Dec, 2009
if i copy ffx to the presets, ae is saying “missing”. after then i watched ur video and i did everything. when i try to change any color, there is no change. ae is not saying “missing” but everything is same. What should i do?
ps: great preset thnx for tihs but i hope i will use this preset….
cagri
19. Dec, 2009
okay its my fault i forgot amaount value. everythings okay now. thank u for your preset and the videos.
Le Dinh Thi
20. Dec, 2009
When I’m learning about the syntax of PresetEffects.xml, I find “popup” type, but I don’t know it’s syntax because it’s not used in PresetEffects.xml. I know popup type will make a popup where I show a list I want. Can you help me to know it’s syntax ?
Thanks very much !
Sorry for my bad english…
Jason
29. Dec, 2009
Maltannon –
I’m looking for a way to create a custom effect from my own presets. Is there a way to do this without going into the PresetEffects.xml?
I saw this comment from you above
“Oh yes this tutorial is coming soon along with an tool for building CustomEffects for both Mac and PC. Stay tuned. Cheers”
Is this still in the works?
Jerzy Drozda Jr
29. Dec, 2009
Yes. It’s a work in progress. And no – you have to play with the xml file, unless you’re ok with AE saying that the effect is “missing”. Even if it does it will still work.
Bong
30. Dec, 2009
Hi, I’m Bong from the Philippines, Congratulation for the tutorials you gave, i’m learning a lot. Thank You Very Much.
You use plug ins in your tutorials & it say’s PS which i understand Polygon Studio, where can i download those plug ins, are they for free or i have to buy?
colemeister
02. Jan, 2010
Hey, so I have AE CS4 and have downloaded your file (I am working on a Mac). I have turned off the access for the read only file for all users (admin. and guest). I then double click on your .ffx file and AE opens with an error which reads: After Effects error: Can’t import file “ce3DShapeExtruder.ffx”: unsupported filetype or extension.
(0 :: 1 )
What could this mean? Thanks in advance and you have a wonderful site with amazing tutorials. I give many thanks!
colemeister
02. Jan, 2010
I apologize, I realize after reading a comment that all I need to do is to copy the FFX to the presets. Thanks, I’ll try that!
Ed Octoor
13. Jan, 2010
I found the AE Cs4 Keyboard CheatSheet
http://aetuts.s3.amazonaws.com/176_cheat/aecheatcs4.jpg
Thanks in advance if you were looking for it for me..
Shola
08. Feb, 2010
Hi jerzy! i kow you must be tired of explaning over and over again how to install the ce sampler but i really need your help on this, so pls help………………..(by the way, judging from what i’ve seen with this cool presets, “you rock”)
I keep getting this message 5 invalid procedure call or argument “how do i fix this” pls help. It’s driving me nuts that other can use this presets but i can’t.
John-M
13. Feb, 2010
Many thanks for sharing your brain power with us mortals,
JM
B. Austin
19. Feb, 2010
Hi! Am running XP at work and the installer worked perfectly with awesome-looking results onscreen! At home running Vista and AE CS4 version 9.0.0.346, things didn’t go so well. After trying every other fix that people mentioned above, I uninstalled Adobe AIR and reinstalled the latest version. It finally LOOKED like the installation went okay. Your XML has been added to the PresetEffects.xml file. and your preset has been added to Presets\PolygonStudio\. Still, AE doesn’t seem to know the preset is available. I suppose other people had the same problem. If you have any suggestions, please let us know. Thanks!
Jerzy Drozda Jr
19. Feb, 2010
That is oddly strange. If the XML was added and the FFX file ended in the Presets\PolygonStudio directory everything should be fine. Theres not much more to the installation process. It just puts the file in the directory and adds something to the XML (and even that step could be skipped). I guess you’ve tried restarting AE?
B. Austin
19. Feb, 2010
Thanks for the suggestion, but yes I restarted AE. More than once I think. Who knows? Maybe I goofed up something very simple.
Maybe this will help others… I also had a problem with ceInstaller sending me back to the “Select your After Effects folder” dialog box. I tried SO MANY things. Then uninstalling AIR and reinstalling the newest version finally solved the problem.
Interesting result on my Vista machine… When I right-clicked ceInstaller and ran it in Admin mode, I couldn’t even drop the *polyCE file into ceInstaller’s drop zone box. But when I ran ceInstaller in non-Admin mode, it actually worked BETTER. Vista is crazy : )
Jerron Smith
01. Mar, 2010
I am running a Mac Book Pro with the snow leopard operating system.
The install ran very smoothly and the effects I downloaded seem to be working very well in AE CS4.
Excellent work, thank you very much.
Jerzy Drozda Jr
01. Mar, 2010
Thanks for the feedback.
jorge
10. Mar, 2010
HI, im using windows 7 when i want to install the preset with the ceInstaller, I select the directoy and nothing happens. also when I right-clicked ceInstaller and ran it in Admin mode, I couldn’t even drop the *polyCE file into ceInstaller’s drop zone box.
Jerzy Drozda Jr
12. Mar, 2010
I know. This is a Adobe AIR security issue. The answer to this is already in the comments. You can’t drag it, but you can double click it once the app is opened in the Admin mode.
Takasaurus
12. Mar, 2010
Hello
I’m on an iMac Intel running OS X 10.5.8. I am running After Effects CS4. I have installed the ceinstaller and have attempted to load a couple of presets including Time Shuffle and Eran Stern’s Marker Leaks. Both times I get to the end and hit install… I select my After Effects CS4 folder and hit return. I then get a message which says “Installation failed! Check if your After Effects Installation directory is selected correctly and try again.”
I have attempted a few times and always get the same result. I made sure to change the READ WRITE settings in the xml files as per your instructions. I am following everything else to a T.
Any thoughts?
Thanks
TAK