Released by Andrew Kramer, Saber is a free plugin designed for energy beams, but it functions as a phenomenal neon glow generator.
Author: [Generated for User Request]
Date: 2021 (Retrospective Analysis)
Subject: Motion Graphics & VFX Compositing
This method uses only native effects built into After Effects 2021. It is a "Stacked Glow" method. It turns the weak default glow into a powerful volumetric beast.
As of 2021, no direct, fully free equivalent of Deep Glow existed without significant quality or speed compromises. The closest free options were:
For serious production, artists either purchased Deep Glow or utilized university-provided licenses. Open-source alternatives like Natron (free compositor) had no equivalent Deep Glow clone until later updates (post-2022).
Deep Glow is widely considered one of the best glow effects available for After Effects. Unlike the standard "Glow" effect that comes with After Effects (which can look flat and pixelated), Deep Glow uses a more physically accurate algorithm to render light.
Key Features:
You want the look of Deep Glow without the price tag. In 2021, the open-source and native community stepped up. Here are the top three ways to achieve the identical aesthetic for free.