How to Install Adobe After Effects on Mac

Adobe After Effects is a popular software used for creating stunning motion graphics and visual effects in films, television, video games, and web videos. If you’re looking to install Adobe After Effects on your Mac, this article is for you. In this guide, we’ll break down the steps required to install Adobe After Effects on your Mac.

Video Tutorial:

What’s Needed

To install Adobe After Effects on your Mac, you need the following:

  • A compatible Mac computer running macOS v10.14 or later
  • Minimum 8GB RAM and 2GB of free storage space
  • Active internet connection to download and install Adobe after effects

What Requires Your Focus?

The installation process of Adobe After Effects requires your focus and attention. It is advised that you read and follow the instruction carefully to avoid any issues or errors while installing the software.

Different Methods to Install Adobe After Effects on Mac

There are different ways to install Adobe After Effects on your Mac. Below are some of the most common methods to install the software.

Method 1: Adobe Creative Cloud

Adobe Creative Cloud is the official platform to download, install, and manage all Adobe products, including After Effects. Here are the steps to follow:

  • First, open your web browser and visit the Adobe Creative Cloud website.
  • Sign up for an Adobe Creative Cloud account if you don’t have one already.
  • Once you have signed in, click on the “Apps” tab located on the top of the page and choose "All Apps".
  • Now, scroll down and find Adobe After Effects from the list of apps and click on the "Install" button beside it.
  • The installer will then start downloading automatically, and once the download is complete, click on it to start the installation process.
  • Follow the installation prompts and accept the terms and conditions to complete the installation process.
  • Once the installation is complete, launch Adobe After Effects and sign in to your Adobe Creative Cloud account to start using the software.

Pros:

  • Easy to download and install
  • Official and most reliable way to install After Effects
  • Auto-updates the software when a new version is released

Cons:

  • Requires a stable internet connection to download and install
  • Monthly subscription cost

Method 2: Install from a DVD

If you have a physical copy of Adobe After Effects, you can install it from a DVD. Here are the steps to follow:

  • Insert the Adobe After Effects installation DVD into your Mac’s DVD drive.
  • Double-click on the installer icon located on the DVD drive or open the installer manually by navigating to it on your DVD drive.
  • Follow the installation prompts and accept the terms and conditions to complete the installation process.
  • Once the installation is complete, launch Adobe After Effects.

Pros:

  • You don’t need an active internet connection to install the software
  • You only need to pay for the physical copy of the software once

Cons:

  • You need a physical copy of Adobe After Effects
  • Does not auto-update the software when a new version is released

Method 3: Install from Software Center

If your organization has licensed Adobe After Effects, they may offer it as a package installable from their Software Center. Please note this method of installing Adobe After Effects is based on the organization’s software policies. Here are the steps to follow:

  • Open "Software Center" on your Mac
  • Find "Adobe After Effects" in the list of applications.
  • Click the "Install" button located next to the app.
  • Allow the installation process to complete and once complete, launch Adobe After Effects.

Pros:

  • Does not require an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription
  • Your organization may have a license agreement to install the software for free

Cons:

  • May not be available for every organization
  • May need an administrator’s permission to install the software

Why Can’t I Install Adobe After Effects?

Several factors may prevent you from installing Adobe After Effects. Some reasons you may not be able to install Adobe After Effects are as follows:

  1. Your Mac does not meet the system requirements to run Adobe After Effects.
  2. Your internet connection is not stable, and downloads are interrupted.
  3. The installation DVD is damaged or corrupt, and you can’t install Adobe After Effects from it.

Fixes:

  1. Check that your Mac meets the system requirements for Adobe After Effects before attempting to install. Update your Mac OS if necessary.
  2. Ensure that you have a strong internet connection and prevent any download interferences while installing the software.
  3. If you have a damaged installation DVD, you may need to purchase a new one or consider installing from Adobe Creative Cloud.

Implications and Recommendations

Installing Adobe After Effects on your Mac opens up new avenues for creative projects. Adobe After Effects also allows you to create and animate 3D graphics, which means you can create quality visuals and stunning motion graphics for your video projects. We recommend that you install Adobe After Effects to take advantage of these features fully.

5 FAQs about Installing Adobe After Effects on Mac

Q1: What’s the best version of macOS to install Adobe After Effects on?

A: You should install Adobe After Effects on a Mac running MacOS v10.14 or later to get the best performance.

Q2: Can I install Adobe After Effects without a Creative Cloud subscription?

A: Yes, you may be able to install Adobe After Effects from your organization’s software center, depending on your company’s software policies and agreements.

Q3: Can I install Adobe After Effects on multiple computers using one Creative Cloud subscription?

A: Yes, you can install Adobe After Effects on multiple computers using one Creative Cloud subscription. The number of devices permitted per subscription varies based on subscription options.

Q4: How do I activate Adobe After Effects after installation?

A: You can activate Adobe After Effects when you launch the application and sign in using your Adobe Creative Cloud login credentials.

Q5: How long does it take to install Adobe After Effects on a Mac?

A: The installation time will depend on your internet connection speed, system specifications, and the method of installation, but it typically takes around 15-20 minutes to complete the installation process.

Final Words

Installing Adobe After Effects on your Mac is a simple process once you know the right steps to follow. In this article, we have explained three different methods to install Adobe After Effects on Mac with their pros and cons, along with common reasons why you might not be able to install the software, and how to fix the issues. We hope this guide was helpful to you, and you can now start creating stunning motion graphics and visual effects using Adobe After Effects on your Mac.