Beginner Guide

Everything you need to know as a new editor. Start here if this is your first time.

Getting Started

What do I need?

To get started you need a Windows PC or Mac. Most software here is resource intensive so a modern CPU with at least 16GB of RAM is recommended for After Effects. For DaVinci Resolve a dedicated GPU is strongly advised.

Which software should I download first?

If you are interested in motion graphics and visual effects start with After Effects. If you want to edit videos in a timeline start with Premiere Pro. For professional color grading DaVinci Resolve is the industry standard. If you want to create 3D content Blender is a powerful free option.

Extracting Files

Why do I need a special extraction tool?

Files on Plugixa are compressed in 7z format with password protection. The built in Windows extractor does not support 7z archives. You must use 7-Zip on Windows or Keka on macOS.

How to extract on Windows

Install 7-Zip from 7-zip.org. Right click the downloaded archive and select 7-Zip then Extract Here. When prompted for a password enter: star

How to extract on macOS

Install Keka from keka.io. Drag the archive onto the Keka icon in your menu bar. When prompted enter the password: star

Installing Plugins

What are plugins?

Plugins are add ons that extend the features of your host application such as After Effects. They appear under the Effects menu and give you access to powerful tools like Sapphire, Trapcode, Element 3D, Twixtor and many more.

Where do plugin files go on Windows?

Most plugins go to: C:\Program Files\Adobe\Common\Plug-ins\7.0\MediaCore\ Copy the .aex files to that folder. If there is an installer run it instead.

Where do plugin files go on macOS?

Most plugins go to: /Library/Application Support/Adobe/Common/Plug-ins/7.0/MediaCore/ If macOS reports the file is damaged open Terminal and run: sudo xattr -rd com.apple.quarantine then drag the plugin file next to that command.

Installing Extensions

What are extensions?

Extensions are panel based tools that integrate directly into the After Effects interface. Popular examples include Flow for easing keyframes, Motion Tools Pro for rigging and Overlord for transferring artwork from Illustrator.

How to install .zxp files

Download ZXP Installer from aescripts.com. Drag the .zxp file into ZXP Installer. You may need to enable CEP. On Windows download and run the provided CEP enabler. On Mac run the Terminal defaults write commands for CSXS versions 9 through 13.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not accept update prompts

If your software prompts you to update do not accept. Updating through official channels will overwrite the patched version and deactivate your software. Always get updates from Plugixa.

Do not use the built in Windows extractor

Windows cannot open .7z files or password protected archives natively. Always use 7-Zip.

Do not skip the patch step

Simply installing the software is not enough. You must also run the included patcher or activator. Without this step the software will either not launch or display a trial watermark.