Designer Mike Gaynor launches Caddis, a GPU-accelerated compositing and animation tool that merges layer-based and node-based workflows. Its timeline resembles After Effects, but each layer contains an internal node graph. It is in free beta, and its commercial version will arrive next month. It does not import AE projects: only standard files like video, audio, images, and vectors.
A GPU engine that merges two worlds in a single timeline 🚀
Caddis allows organizing layers in a traditional timeline, but within each one, it deploys a node graph for effects and animations. GPU rendering accelerates processes like particles, distortions, and blends in real-time. Users import common files and rebuild the composition from scratch. There is no compatibility with After Effects projects, forcing manual migration, but it promises a more agile workflow for those who master both paradigms.
After Effects, fear not: Caddis is not here to steal your job 😅
If you are one of those who break into a cold sweat at the sound of new animation tool, breathe. Caddis does not import your AE projects, so your library of templates and inherited expressions is safe. You will have to rebuild each composition by hand, like a digital artisan. That said, you will see long faces in the forums when someone asks how to migrate without crying. But hey, at least the beta is free so you can prepare.