After Effects vs Blender for SVG

After Effects excels at 2D motion graphics animation of vector layers, while Blender adds full 3D capability at no cost.

2D Motion Graphics vs 3D Animation Capability

After Effects is purpose-built for 2D motion graphics, offering a mature, industry-standard workflow for animating SVG-derived vector layers, text, and shapes with keyframe-based control, while Blender's animation tools extend into full 3D space, letting an SVG-derived flat asset be animated with genuine three-dimensional movement and lighting.

After Effects offers a mature, industry-standard 2D motion graphics workflow
Blender's animation tools extend into genuine 3D space and lighting
2D-focused polish versus 3D capability is the key differentiator here

Cost and Industry Adoption Differences

After Effects requires an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription and remains the dominant industry standard specifically for 2D motion graphics and broadcast design work, while Blender is completely free and increasingly used for 3D-inclusive animated content, making the choice partly about whether the project genuinely needs 3D capability.

After Effects requires a subscription and remains the 2D motion graphics standard
Blender is completely free and increasingly used for 3D-inclusive content
Whether the project genuinely needs 3D capability should guide the choice

Frequently Asked Questions

Can After Effects import SVG files directly for animation?

Yes, After Effects supports importing SVG as vector layers that can be animated with its full suite of keyframe, expression, and effect tools while maintaining vector scalability within the composition.

Is Blender a reasonable choice for purely 2D SVG animation work?

Blender can handle 2D animation through its grease pencil tools, but After Effects' purpose-built 2D motion graphics workflow is generally more efficient and industry-standard for that specific type of work.

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