Objective Comparison
Cavalry vs After Effects
Cavalry is a procedural 2D motion tool, now free for individuals. After Effects is the established standard for motion graphics and compositing. A fair comparison.
The Fundamental Architectural Difference
After Effects is the established standard for layer-based motion graphics, compositing and effects, backed by the largest template and plugin ecosystem. Cavalry takes a procedural approach — duplicators, behaviours and data sources drive animation — which makes patterns, charts and generative layouts faster to build and easier to change, and it is now free for individual artists. After Effects is the safer generalist; Cavalry is the faster specialist for procedural 2D work.
Side-by-Side Matrix
Feature & Capability Breakdown
| Dimension | Cavalry | After Effects | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animation model | Procedural: duplicators, behaviours, data | Layer-based timelines, expressions and effects | Tie |
| Compositing and VFX | Not its focus | Industry standard, deep toolset | After Effects |
| Procedural and data-driven motion | Built for it | Possible via expressions, but more manual | Cavalry |
| Plugin and template ecosystem | Smaller and newer | The largest in the industry | After Effects |
| Lottie export | Yes | Via the Bodymovin plugin | Tie |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS | Tie |
| Pricing | Free for individuals (free Canva account); SSO via Canva Enterprise | Creative Cloud subscription; no free version | Cavalry |
When to Choose After Effects
- You need compositing, keying, tracking or heavy effects.
- You rely on the template, script and plugin ecosystem.
- Your pipeline and team are already built around After Effects.
When to Choose Cavalry
- You build procedural, data-driven or generative 2D motion.
- You want patterns, charts and repeating systems that stay easy to edit.
- You want a capable 2D motion tool at no cost for individual work.
If your animation is interface motion meant to ship rather than become video, see Interactive UI design
Direct Answers