loopFlow is an After Effects plugin that creates looping cinemagraphs from still images using two masks to define flow direction and area, producing continuous motion such as water, smoke, fire, hair, or fabric.
Developed by irrealix.
About loopFlow
loopFlow is an After Effects plugin that turns still photos into looped videos, commonly known as cinemagraphs or plotagraphs. The user places two masks to define the animated region and the direction of flow; the plugin then slides that region along a mesh generated between the masks. The result loops seamlessly and can be set to start, stop, or reverse. Blend modes include linear, soft‑noised, or wiped, each controllable with individual curve adjustments. Optional distortion adds realism, and a Speed Ramp lets the flow speed vary over time. Version 1.3 introduced a Flow Map feature, and version 1.3.1 improved compatibility with Intel HD GPUs. The plugin supports After Effects CC 2014 through the 2025 release.
Features
- Animated area defined by two masks that set flow and direction
- Seamless looping with options to start or stop the cycle
- Animation can move forward or backward
- Blend can be linear, soft noised or wiped, with the transition shaped by curves individually for both layers
- Optional distortion to make the animation look more natural
- Speed Ramp to dynamically change the flow speed
- Flow Map feature added in version 1.3
Best for
Artists who want to add continuous motion to still photos, such as water, smoke, fire, particles, hair, fur, fabrics, or patterned surfaces.
Frequently asked questions
Which After Effects versions does loopFlow support?
loopFlow supports After Effects versions CC 2014, CC 2015, CC 2015.3, CC 2017, CC 2018, CC 2019, and the 2020‑2025 releases.
Can loopFlow animate water and smoke in a photo?
Yes. loopFlow is designed for continuous fluid motion and can animate elements like flowing water and billowing smoke, as well as fire, particles, hair, fur, fabrics, and patterns.
How does loopFlow animate a still image?
The plugin animates a still image by sliding a defined area of the image along a mesh created between two user‑placed masks that set the flow area and direction, with optional blending, distortion, and speed ramping.
Is loopFlow free?
The catalog lists loopFlow as free, but licensing terms may change. Verify the current status on the developer’s page before relying on the free designation.
What did recent loopFlow updates change?
Recent updates include version 1.3.1 improving Intel HD GPU compatibility, version 1.3 adding a Flow Map feature and fixing glow edges on semitransparent images, and earlier fixes for Multi Frame Render crashes on macOS and licensing framework updates.
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