The release provides features that were previously lacking - an update to the After Effects 3D toolkit, which began in December of last year with the release of After Effects 24.1. The new version allows importing 3D models directly into the software, instead of using a third-party plugin such as Element 3D, but only in the glTF and GLB formats. Additionally, After Effects 24.2 adds the ability to import models in OBJ format. In After Effects 24.1, the ability to illuminate objects in the workspace using an HDRI environment map was introduced, but only in the .hdr format; in After Effects 24.2, support for the .exr format has been added.
Additionally, now you can choose whether 3D objects cast or receive shadows, which should simplify their integration with background images for motion graphics or visual effects work.
Other changes in After Effects 24.2 include the ability to create a video preview for use as a thumbnail when exporting a composition as a motion graphics template. There is now the ability to encode H.264 in the MOV container and export and import videos using the codec.
It is noted that the CycoreFX HD plugins, included with After Effects, improve the performance or workflow of the Ball Action, Star Burst, Particle World, and Environment effects.
After Effects 24.2 is available for Windows 10 and above and macOS 12.0 and above on a rental basis only. The subscription cost for a single After Effects application is $34.49 per month or $263.88 per year. In the online documentation, the update is also referred to as the February 2024 release or After Effects 2024.2.