Creating Twinkling Stars in After Effects
Introduction
Adding twinkling stars to a night sky scene can give your video a magical and dynamic touch. In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to create a realistic starry sky effect using After Effects, perfect for any project that requires a touch of cosmic wonder.
Step 1: Import Your Night Sky Video
Start by importing your night sky video into After Effects. Go to File > Import > File, and select the video you want to use. Once imported, drag the video onto the timeline. This video will serve as the background for your twinkling stars.
Step 2: Create a Solid Layer
Next, create a new solid layer that will act as the background for your stars. Go to Layer > New > Solid, and choose a color that matches the sky color of your video. This layer will hold the star particle system.
Step 3: Apply the CC Particle World Effect
With the solid layer selected, go to Effects & Presets and search for CC Particle World. Apply this effect to the solid layer. This will generate the particle system where your stars will be created.
Step 4: Adjust Particle Settings
In the Effect Controls Panel, adjust the following settings to create the twinkling stars:
Radius X: 2.385
Radius Y: 1.205
Velocity: 0
Gravity: 0
Particle Type: Star
Birth Size: 0.05
Death Size: 0.1
Birth Color: White
Death Color: Black
Transfer Mode: Screen
These settings will give you the right particle size, color, and behavior to mimic stars twinkling in the night sky.
Step 5: Position the Solid Layer
Move the solid layer slightly to the left on the timeline. This will ensure that the effect begins when the animation is already in full motion, creating a more seamless transition at the start of the composition.
Step 6: Preview the Animation
Once you’ve set everything up, press the spacebar to preview your animation. Make sure the stars are twinkling as you desire, adjusting the settings if needed.
Step 7: Render the Composition
Once satisfied with the look of the stars, go to Composition > Add to Render Queue. Choose your desired output settings and click Render to export your twinkling starry sky.
Conclusion
With just a few simple steps, you can add a magical, twinkling star effect to any night sky scene in After Effects. This effect is a great way to enhance your videos and give them a dreamy, otherworldly feel. Experiment with different particle settings to achieve the perfect starry effect for your project.
