While FreeForm Pro does not replace Element 3D for text, it can extrude any layer, including text layers, by using a luma map as the displacement source. Combined with bevel controls and edge smoothing, you can achieve beveled 3D text with custom textures and lighting—all without leaving After Effects.
The most celebrated feature of FreeForm Pro is its ability to create terrain landscapes from any image. For example:
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Note: For macOS Gatekeeper, you may need to right-click the installer and select “Open” to bypass unidentified developer warnings.
For those clinging to a classic Intel Mac Pro or a Hackintosh running High Sierra or Mojave: Absolutely. Mettle FreeForm Pro 1.88 For After Effects MAC OS X
Mettle FreeForm Pro 1.88 is a testament to how good plugin engineering used to be. It doesn't require an internet connection, it doesn't phone home every launch, and it renders exactly as fast as your GPU allows.
However, for Apple Silicon users (M1, M2, M3) running modern macOS (Ventura/Sonoma/Sequoia), this exact version 1.88 is not recommended. You would need the newer FreeForm Pro 2.0 or the Mettle Suite which have been recompiled for 64-bit ARM architecture. While FreeForm Pro does not replace Element 3D
The Verdict: If you need terrain or bend/twist effects on flat logos, FreeForm Pro remains superior.
If you have a copy of the installer (.dmg) compatible with your macOS version, here is how to integrate it into your workflow: Parameters include: Note: For macOS Gatekeeper, you may
Before you start, ensure that Mettle FreeForm Pro 1.88 is correctly installed in your After Effects on MAC OS X. Installation typically involves copying the plugin into the After Effects plugins directory and restarting After Effects.
Software updates are not always linear improvements. Here is why Mac users specifically seek out version 1.88: