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Download EffectCraft: free, open-source motion graphics and compositing

EffectCraft is ArtCraft's free, open-source Rust app for motion graphics and compositing, with a After Effects-style workflow. Choose an official Windows, macOS or Linux package below. The project is in alpha; the downloads are verified against GitHub releases, while compatibility and production reliability have not been independently tested by us.

Download EffectCraftInstallation guideView the source code

Our take: Worth trying for motion graphics and compositing on copies; still alpha.

EffectCraftIn development
Compared workflowAfter Effects
Release
0.14.0
Platforms
macOS · Windows · Linux · Web
License
MIT or Apache-2.0
Verified
2026-10-22

Official GitHub assets · Checked 2026-10-22

Download EffectCraft for your computer

Free and open source. Choose your system below; every download comes directly from the official storytold/effectcraft repository. We do not host or repackage installers.

Version 0.14.0 · Released · Check for a newer release ↗

Windows ARM64 or 32-bit PC? Linux ARM64, DEB, RPM, Flatpak or a portable Windows ZIP? Choose another package in the full release ↗. Match the architecture to your computer; the buttons above are not suitable for every device.

How to install EffectCraft on Windows, macOS or Linux

Windows

  1. Check Settings → System → About for your system type. The button above is for x64 Intel/AMD PCs.
  2. Download the MSI and run it, then follow the installer.
  3. Launch EffectCraft and open a copied test file. For ARM PCs, 32-bit systems or a portable ZIP, use the full release list.

macOS

  1. Download the universal DMG and open it.
  2. Drag EffectCraft to Applications, then launch it.
  3. If macOS blocks the app, verify the source and read the official repository’s signing and installation notes before proceeding.

Linux

  1. Download the AppImage that matches your processor. The button above is for x86_64.
  2. In file properties, allow execution as a program, then launch it.
  3. If it does not start, read the repository’s system-library and FUSE requirements, or choose a documented DEB, RPM or Flatpak package.

App-specific platform requirements

Windows: Choose the x64 MSI below for Intel/AMD PCs; ARM64, x86 and portable packages are listed in the full release.

macOS: The checked universal DMG supports Apple silicon and Intel Macs.

Linux: Choose the x86_64 AppImage below for Intel/AMD systems. Other architectures and package formats are in the release.

Web: A WebAssembly build is distinct from a hosted editor. Check the repository for browser setup and limitations.

Before opening important work, compare the downloaded file with the release’s SHA256SUMS.txt. Open a copy, save or export it, and inspect the output in another app. We checked package availability; we have not run every installer or independently tested production compatibility.

Standalone version 0.14.0Free · MIT or Apache-2.0 · Development software
All packages and release notes ↗

Installing several tools? ArtCraft Launcher 0.6.1 is a separate project; check its supported app list. The WebAssembly ZIP is a self-hostable build, not a hosted web editor. Browse all 13 download guides or find repositories in our GitHub directory.

The short answer

Can EffectCraft replace After Effects?

Worth trying for motion graphics and compositing on copies; still alpha.

The README says macOS is the most tested platform and records basic interaction bugs on Windows and Linux. Project conversion, expressions, third-party plug-ins and the optional tracking models should not be assumed to match After Effects.

What is already there

What can you do with EffectCraft?

These are capabilities documented by the official project. They are reasons to test the app, not a promise that every After Effects workflow behaves identically.

01

Animate layers

The project documents compositions, layers, keyframes and expressions. Start with a short title animation and inspect timing and interpolation in the exported result.

02

Composite and apply effects

Effects, layer styles, cameras and lights are documented. Compare a representative frame with the result you need before committing a longer composition.

03

Render a small test

The README lists a render queue and multiple movie and image-sequence outputs. Check your codec, transparency, audio and frame rate with a short export first.

Before you switch

Who should try EffectCraft now?

A good test candidate

Try it if you…

  • Short compositions, animated titles and experiments with keyframes and effects.
  • You can compare exported results with your established After Effects workflow.
  • You want a local open-source app and can report reproducible problems upstream.

Wait or test carefully

Do not switch blindly if you…

  • You require lossless After Effects projects and rendered video compatibility without testing.
  • A deadline depends on features, plug-ins or team workflows you have not verified.
  • The README says macOS is the most tested platform and records basic interaction bugs on Windows and Linux. Project conversion, expressions, third-party plug-ins and the optional tracking models should not be assumed to match After Effects.

Common questions

EffectCraft FAQ

Where can I download EffectCraft?

Use the checked official GitHub assets linked on this page or github.com/storytold/effectcraft/releases/latest for newer builds. We do not host or repackage installers. Match your processor architecture and compare the file with the release's SHA256SUMS.txt.

Is EffectCraft free and open source?

EffectCraft is published under MIT or Apache-2.0, with free official downloads. Bundled assets and branding may have separate terms. Download availability does not imply production readiness.

Can I move an After Effects project into EffectCraft?

Do not assume a faithful project conversion. Check the official import documentation and try a copy with your expressions, footage and effects. We have not independently validated AEP interchange or third-party plug-in compatibility.

How do I update EffectCraft?

Check the official latest-release page and read its release notes before installing a newer standalone package. Back up your projects first. ArtCraft Launcher is a separate option for managing multiple Crafting Apps; check that its current app list includes the tool you need.

How we evaluated this page

Official facts, practical guidance, visible limits.

This guide summarizes the official EffectCraft product page and repository. We have not yet independently tested production files, performance or long-session stability, so those claims remain clearly bounded.

Read our editorial approach →

Development journal

Recent updates for this app

All updates →

· Official release

EffectCraft 0.14.0: published release

The v0.14.0 notes list documentation and review-automation changes, without describing a new editing capability. Published packages are available, but the larger version number does not establish new effects, compatibility or production readiness.

· Official release

EffectCraft 0.11.1: published release checked October 20

The notes describe unique temporary files for atomic writes, avoiding duplicate automation edits after lost replies, preserving earlier effects in GPU Echo, and copying only selected transform keyframes. Composition import can retain layer sizes for PDF and Illustrator files. These are project-reported changes.

· Community report

An EffectCraft user reports freezing during rotoscope propagation

A MacBook Pro user reports heat, fan activity and freezing while propagating rotoscope frames, while also saying the result impressed them. The app version, chip, memory and footage specifications are not reported. This is one person’s account, not an independent performance benchmark or a confirmed cause.

SRC

Sources

Sources used for the facts and attributed reports on this page.

  1. 01
    Crafting Apps: open-source creative tools — ArtCraft

    official page · Accessed 2026-10-20

  2. 02
    Effectcraft — ArtCraft official page

    official page · Accessed 2026-10-22

  3. 03
    storytold/effectcraft — GitHub repository

    official repository · Accessed 2026-10-22

  4. 04
    effectcraft v0.14.0 — official GitHub release

    official repository · Accessed 2026-10-22