LongShadow 2 is a comprehensive After Effects shadow plugin offering anti‑aliased, textured, directional and soft shadows with post‑smoothing, supporting After Effects 2026 back to CC 2014 and including native Apple Silicon (M1) support.
Developed by BGRA Entertainment.
About LongShadow 2
LongShadow 2, developed by BGRA Entertainment, provides detailed control over shadow rendering in After Effects. It features shadow anti‑aliasing, external‑layer texturing in both 1D and 2D modes, a Brute‑Force Directional mode that retains semi‑transparency, a Soft Shadow option, and a post‑smoothing algorithm. The plugin runs on After Effects versions from 2026 down to CC 2014 and includes native M1 (Apple Silicon) support. Version 1.6 added explicit support for AE 2025, while earlier updates introduced Multi‑Frame Rendering and Apple Silicon compatibility. A demonstration video is available from the developer.
Features
- Shadow anti-aliasing
- Shadow texturing with an external layer in 1D or 2D texture modes, controlling colors and transparency precisely
- Brute-Force Directional shadow mode that preserves the original layer’s semi-transparency and anti-aliasing
- Soft Shadow feature
- Post-smoothing algorithm
- Compatible with After Effects 2026 down to CC 2014, with native M1 support
Best for
After Effects artists who need precise, customizable shadows, including textured, directional, and soft shadow workflows.
Frequently asked questions
Which After Effects versions does LongShadow 2 support?
LongShadow 2 supports After Effects 2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 and CC releases from 2019 back to CC 2014; version 1.6 added explicit support for AE 2025.
Does LongShadow 2 run on Apple Silicon Macs?
Yes. LongShadow 2 includes native M1 (Apple Silicon) support, allowing it to run on recent Mac hardware without emulation.
Is LongShadow 2 free?
The catalog lists LongShadow 2 as free, though licensing terms may change; consult the developer’s page for current pricing details.
What does the shadow texturing feature in LongShadow 2 use?
The shadow texturing feature uses an external layer that can be configured in 1D or 2D texture modes, letting users control color and transparency precisely.
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