Adobe After Effects 2020 is industry-standard software for dynamic graphics and visual effects, designed specifically for macOS systems. This version has been optimized for Apple Silicon M1 chips, and cannot be run on Macs with non-M1 chips.
Important Note: This guide pertains to an activated version. To maintain software stability, do not update, upgrade, or log in to your Adobe ID.
One. Core Features Overview
After Effects 2020 provides powerful capabilities for video content creation:
- Professional Subtitles and Opening/Closing Credits: Create film-level subtitles, opening credits, closing credits, and dynamic transitions.
- Advanced Visual Effects: Easily achieve object removal, adding flames, rain, and other natural phenomena.
- Logo and Character Animation: Transform any graphic, logo, or character into a lively animation.
- Text Animation: Provide rich presets or create dynamic text effects from scratch.
- Synthesis and VR: Synthesize videos and images to create awe-inspiring explosions, or produce immersive VR videos.
- Efficient Workflow: Create animations using keyframes, expressions, or presets, and seamlessly collaborate with Adobe Creative Cloud suite (such as Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Illustrator).
Two. Performance Enhancements in This Version
- Reliable Playback Preview: Improved threading and a new GPU-accelerated display system ensure faster and more accurate design previews.
- EXR Performance Boost: Multi-channel EXR file processing speeds up by up to 12 times, supporting direct import into synthesis.
- Enhanced Expression Functionality: New text style expression, dropdown menu expression control, and performance improvements.
- Efficient Object Removal: Content-aware fill feature speeds up by 25%, reducing memory usage by two-thirds, without frame-by-frame processing.
Three. Installation Steps
Preparation: Please enable 「Any Source」 option in the «System Preferences» > «Security & Privacy» before installation. (See detailed tutorial)
- Disconnect from the Network: Please ensure all network connections (Wi-Fi and wired) are disconnected before installation.
- Run the Installer: Open the downloaded DMG image file and double-click the 「Installer」 program to begin installation.
- Completion: After installation, the software will automatically activate. You can then reconnect to the network and use it normally.
Four. Common Issues and Solutions
Issue: When double-clicking the Installer, it prompts “Error: The installation cannot continue as the installer file may be damaged…”
Solution: This issue is often related to system permissions or file integrity. Refer to the dedicated troubleshooting guide for further assistance. (See solution)
Five. Software Interface Screenshots
Here are screenshots of the Adobe After Effects 2020 for Mac (M1 chip version) running interface:




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