Wave The Path is a GPU-accelerated After Effects plugin that converts any path into waveform motion, adding Trim Paths and Taper stroke controls, and supporting After Effects versions 2020 through 2026.
Developed by François Lefebvre.
About Wave The Path
Wave The Path is a GPU-accelerated plugin for After Effects that converts vector paths into waveform motion using the graphics processor. Version 1.1.0 adds Trim Paths controls, allowing percentage‑based or effector‑mask trimming, and a Taper feature that provides independent start and end width and length settings for stroke tapering. The plugin is compatible with After Effects 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026. It was first released in December 2025, with the 1.1.0 update published in March 2026.
Features
- GPU-accelerated processing
- Transforms any path into waveform motion
- Trim Paths with percentage-based or effector mask-based trimming
- Taper for tapered stroke effects with independent start and end width and length controls
- Compatible with After Effects 2020 through 2026
Best for
After Effects artists who need waveform motion effects on animated paths and want extra control via trimming and tapered strokes.
Frequently asked questions
Does Wave The Path work with After Effects 2026?
Yes. Wave The Path supports After Effects 2026 as well as versions 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, and 2020.
Does Wave The Path need a GPU?
The plugin relies on GPU acceleration, so a functional graphics processor is required to run it.
How does trimming work in Wave The Path?
Trim Paths lets you define which segment of a path is visible, either by specifying a percentage of the total length or by using an effector mask to drive the trim.
Is Wave The Path free?
The catalog lists Wave The Path as free, but pricing and licensing terms may change; consult the developer’s page for the current status.
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