Today, however, they are widely used in many different digital media in addition to movies, including advertising, social media, educational media, and websites. Most motion graphics designers work with computer software such as Adobe After Effects, Apple Final Cut Pro, or DaVinci Resolve.
Motion graphics have become popular for a number of reasons. Not only are they a great way to present complex information in a form that is both quick and easy to understand, but motion graphics can also make content fun and engaging for viewers. A number of research studies have shown that media that incorporates motion graphics is more likely to attract viewers, and to keep them for longer. As a result, motion graphics have become common in many different industries, and motion graphics design has become an in-demand skill.
The Ten Best Online Motion Graphics Classes
- Studio Arts—After Effects 101 (Online)
- UCLA Extension—Motion Graphics I (On Demand)
- Training Connection—After Effects Bootcamp (Online)
- Noble Desktop—Motion Graphics Certificate (Online)
- headTrix—After Effects Bootcamp (Online)
- Manhattan Edit Workshop—Adobe After Effects Level 1 (Online)
- ExitCertified—An Introduction to Motion 5 (Online)
- NYC Career Centers—Video Editing & Motion Graphics Certificate (Online)
- American Media Training—After Effects 1 (Online)
- Udemy—Complete Adobe After Effects Megacourse: Beginner to Expert (Online)
#1: Studio Arts—After Effects 101 (Live Online)
Studio Arts is based in Los Angeles, and offers a variety of classes designed for creative people who work in the entertainment industry. After Effects 101 is an online class that introduces students to the Adobe After Effects program, and teaches them about motion graphics, compositing, and visual effects. Covered topics include: layers, keyframes, importing and interpreting footage, using the timeline, rotation, transport and motion blur effects, and easing animation in and out of footage through scale. Instructor Ben Bardens has been working with Adobe software since 1996.
Key Information
There are eight class sessions, which run on Mondays, from 6:15 pm to 10 pm Pacific Time. Students should have basic computer skills.
There are two student funding opportunities offered by Studio Arts. Students may be able to get up to 240 hours of Studio Arts training funded through the State of California Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. In order to qualify for this funding, they need to be out of work, have contacted the EDD, and have requested WIOA training. A second option is the Studio Arts Scholarship Grant, which covers up to 50 percent of the regular cost of classes. It is for certain students who are out of work, on hiatus, or in need of financial aid, and are not covered by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
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Studio Arts has been reviewed positively by former students. For instance, Andrea R. says, “I LOVE Studio Arts! I've taken several classes they're over the years and the classes have enabled me to move up in my career. I'm so grateful they're a school that offers classes for working people in the entertainment industry. Plus, they offer several grant options as well as scholarships for those in need. All the classes are TOP notch led by some of the greatest talent in the industry. The owner Eric is one of the nicest most down to earth dudes out there. It's a rarity to have an owner so invested in his students helping them achieve their career goals. The whole staff is awesome! I just love this place and look forward to taking several more classes over the years.”
#2: UCLA Extension—Motion Graphics I (Online)
UCLA Extension is one of the oldest and largest continuing and professional studies providers in the United States. It runs a number of motion graphics classes, including Motion Graphics I. This class is intended to teach students how to integrate digital artwork into After Effects. The instructor covers workflow strategies, common resolutions, complex motion paths and masks, bit depths, color modes, graphic and video file formats, frame rates, and frame and pixel aspect ratios. The class is offered in both in-person and online formats.
Key Information
Tuition for Motion Graphics I is $829. UCLA Extension accepts credit cards, cash, checks, and money orders. It also offers access to a number of different financial aid programs, including a variety of loans and grants.
Students do not need to apply for acceptance before enrolling; instead, this is an open-enrollment class. After enrolling, students log into Canvas, which is UCLA Extension’s cloud-based learning management system, and use this platform to access course material such as webinars, readings, and videos, and to connect with the instructor and classmates. There are no live meetings, however, new course content is delivered weekly, and assignments are due regularly. Instructors also provide office hours through Zoom.
The class website states that the online course can also be completed in as little as 11 weeks. Students who want to enroll in this class should have knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
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There are a number of positive reviews for UCLA Extension classes online. For example, one former student says, “The UCLA Extension Film/TV Certificate Program is a great course with great classes with great teachers in a great school. We learn a lot not only about the subjects of the classes but also about the Film & TV industry. It's a great way to do network too.” Some students do caution that certain instructors were not as responsive as they would have liked.
#3: Training Connection—After Effects Bootcamp (Live Online)
The After Effects Bootcamp at Training Connection is designed for graphic and video professionals, and covers video editing, motion editing, and compositing with Adobe After Effects. It is designed to take users from a beginner to an advanced level over five sessions. No prior experience with After Effects is required. The class covers real-world usage, setting up, basic animation, animating text and shapes, working with masks, color correction, rendering, compositing, keying, rotoscoping, and a number of more advanced topics. Training Connection is an Adobe Authorized Training Center based in Los Angeles. It also offers in-person classes.
Key Information
There are five class sessions in this bootcamp, and they each run from 9 am to 4 pm Pacific time. Tuition is $1,845, and is payable upon enrollment. Training is available on both Mac and PC.
Training Connection offers computer and business skills training in-person and online. It is based in Los Angeles.
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Students who take this course will receive an After Effects Training Manual and an Adobe Certificate of Course Completion. Training Connection also offers a free class repeat within six months.
The school has been reviewed favorably by a number of students, with many mentioning that the school facility is clean, modern, and spacious. For instance, Carolina Z. says, “The location for the Training Connection is convenient, as it is steps away from the Metro station. Upon arrival I was greeted by a friendly person who checked me in and asked me to help myself to coffee or other refreshments. There were also snacks and a stellar view. The labs were new and clean and the instructor we had was awesome.” Hannah S. comments, “If you're thinking about taking a class here—DO IT! I just can't say enough good things about my experience here—From the break room to the staff and teachers—top notch! Drastically improved my skills—worth every penny!”
#4: Noble Desktop—Motion Graphics Certificate (Live Online)
Noble Desktop’s Motion Graphics Certificate is designed for students who want to become motion graphics designers. It covers motion graphics and video editing skills, and includes instruction in a number of apps used by professional motion graphics designers. Students learn to use Adobe After Effects to create motion graphics and visual effects, and Cinema 4D Lite to render 3D animations. Instructors help them develop a workflow that goes from concept, to design, to fully animated graphics. Students also work with Adobe Premiere Pro on a variety of video editing techniques including adding music, editing video, adding voiceover and dialogues, and adjusting the color, speed, and placement of video clips. Finally, this class includes working on a demo reel that showcases students’ best motion graphics projects for prospective clients or employers. Noble Desktop is a design and coding school that was founded in 1990, and is based in Midtown Manhattan. This class–like many Noble offerings–is available either in-person or live online.
Key Information
Tuition for this certificate program is $3,495, payable at the time of registration. Noble also offers two flexible payment plans, with no interest or financing fees. One option is to make a deposit of $349.50, paid one week before the start of class, and then pay the remaining balance in four installments, over the duration of the course. The second option is a 12-month financing plan, where a deposit of $500 is due before the class starts, and then students pay $249.58 per month for 12 months.
The course takes two months of full-time study or four months of part-time study to complete, with a total of 102 hours of instruction. A variety of scheduling options are available, including weekdays and weeknights. The average class size is 15 people. The Motion Graphics Certificate is licensed by the New York State Department of Education, and students receive a certificate of completion at the end.
In order to take this class, students need to have a working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and/or Adobe Illustrator. Basic design skills and a basic knowledge of video timeline editing are recommended, but not required.
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All Noble classes include the option of a free retake within a year. Students can also access recordings of the class sessions through their student portal. Recordings are available for a month after the session. In addition to regular class sessions, students also get five one-on-one mentoring sessions where they can work on challenging concepts, and receive expert advice on their portfolio and resume.
Noble Desktop’s website includes many positive reviews from students who have taken this course. Many like the professional quality of instruction, and the valuable insider insights that they received. Dora says, “I took a motion graphics and video editing course and I couldn't be happier…. I would highly recommend Noble Desktop to anyone—the courses are worth every penny and I'm pretty sure it's the best you can get for this type of training school in this field.” Lynn Bartolotta comments, “After taking the Motion Graphics Certificate course, I am able to edit and create animations. I recommend this course for anyone who wants to bring their design skills into the digital age.”
#5: HeadTrix—After Effects Bootcamp (Live Online)
The After Effects Bootcamp offered by headTrix is a combination of the school’s Level 1 and Level 2 After Effects classes, and is designed to take students through both beginner and intermediate topics. Instructors cover real-world usage of After Effects, setting up a project, importing and manipulating graphics, importing and manipulating video clips, importing and manipulating sound, creating text and titles, working with effects and transitions, rendering, keying, stabilization, and color correction. headTrix is a computer training company that offers a variety of different design, animation, and video classes, both in-person and online.
Key Information
This class runs from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, over a total of four days. Tuition is $1,295, and is payable at the time of registration. Students should have basic computer and file management skills on Windows or Mac.
To take an online class with headTrix, students just need a computer, an internet connection, and a headset with a microphone. The headTrix website has a link to download a free trial of Adobe After Effects.
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The headTrix website has reviews from students who have had good experiences taking classes at this school. Edwin S. comments, “I have taken several classes with headTrix in the past year and plan on taking some more. They are really great at what they do–they're patient and very knowledgeable…They keep their group classes very small so you still get the proper attention from thier knowledgeable Instructors. They have a good syllabus in place and answer all types of questions you may have (patiently).” Jordis M. says, “I took a class on After Effects and was so pleased with the instructor Steve, he was awesome! I will defiantly be taking the advanced training.”
#6: Manhattan Edit Workshop—Adobe After Effects Level 1 (Live Online)
The Manhattan Edit Workshop was founded in 2002, and is in New York City’s Flatiron District. This school provides post-production training for a number of different platforms, including Apple, Adobe, and Avid. It offers a class called Adobe After Effects Level 1, which is an introductory course designed for editors, producers, motion graphics artists, and anyone else who wants to learn After Effects basics. Students learn After Effects fundamentals, working with the traditional workflow, how to use effects and presets, working with masks, animating text, working with shape layers, using the puppet tool, other effects, and rendering and output. By the end of the course, they should be able to create their own motion graphics and effects.
Key Information
This class is designed to be intense, and has three sessions, running from 10 am to 6 pm each day. Tuition is $1,295, and is due at the time of registration. Payment can be made by Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, money order, personal check, or cash. Educational organizations receive a 10 percent discount on most classes. Students who want to take After Effects Level II and After Effects Level III can bundle the course and save 15 percent on tuition. They will have 30 days to complete all three courses.
In order to take this class, students need to have basic knowledge of the Mac operating system. The school website has a link for students to use for a free After Effects trial to use during the class. Online classes run via Zoom, and school staff helps students with the download process prior to the workshop. Any books are sent as an eBook before the start of class.
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Students who have taken courses at the Manhattan Edit Workshop have posted a number of favorable reviews, with many people commenting on the professionalism and teaching ability of the instructors. For instance, Christopher Olsen says, "The instructors are the program's greatest strength, especially in combination with the small class size. They have a solid program and an excellent school." Jose Taveras writes, "A priceless experience you will never forget! I can't stress enough how nice and supportive the whole staff is and how they make the learning experience productive, complete, natural, and over all Inspirational!"
#7: ExitCertified—An Introduction to Motion 5 (Live Online)
ExitCertified offers IT training and certification, both in-person and virtually. It runs a live online class called An Introduction to Motion 5, where students can learn to use Motion 5, a motion graphics tool that is used with Apple Final Cut Pro X. Instruction covers the fundamentals of motion graphics, creating smart motion templates, creating parameter rigs, using keyframes, animating cameras, stabilizing and tracking media, and using generators, shapes, and paint strokes. Instruction is interactive and hands-on.
Key Information
An Introduction to Motion 5 has three class sessions, which run from 10 am to 6 pm Eastern time. Tuition is $1,595, and is payable upon enrollment. There are no prerequisites for this class.
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Students get access to the PDF of course books and guides after completing the course.
There are thousands of online reviews for ExitCertified, and the majority are positive, with many people mentioning that the instructors at this school are knowledgeable and professional. For instance, one former student says, “Well presented with a knowledgeable instructor and clear objectives. Another comments, “The training was well-organized, inciteful, and pointed. The instructor was knowledgeable both in and outside of the material covered and tailored the discussion to our organizational needs. Very satisfied with the overall experience!”
#8: NYC Career Centers—Video Editing & Motion Graphics Certificate (Live Online)
NYC Career Centers offers a variety of professional development and corporate training programs in New York City and in a virtual format. Its Video Editing & Motion Graphics Certificate covers a variety of video editing and motion graphics skills. Students learn audio editing in Adobe Audition, video editing with Premiere Pro, and motion graphics with After Effects. Instructors cover workflow strategies, and help students create projects, from design to polished final product. Students also work on a demo reel that they can use to showcase their motion graphics skills.
Key Information
The Video Editing & Motion Graphics Certificate costs $4,995. Tuition can be paid in full at the time of registration, or there are two payment plan options, with no interest or financing charges. Under the first option, students can make a deposit of $499.50, one week before the start of class, and then pay the remaining balance in four installments, over the duration of the course. The second option is a 12-month financing plan, where a deposit of $500 is due before the class starts, and then students pay $374.58 per month for 12 months.
There are a total of 40 class sessions in this program, and it takes two months of full-time study to complete, or four months of part-time study. NYC Career Centers offers both weekday and weeknight scheduling options. This course is licensed by the New York State Department of Education, and students receive a certificate of completion at the end.
There are no prerequisites, but a basic knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator is helpful. Design skills will also make the learning process easier.
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Students who take this class can do one free retake within a year. They also have access to recordings of the class sessions through their student portal. Recordings are available for a month after the session. In addition to regular class sessions, students also get five one-on-one mentoring sessions where they can work on challenging concepts, and receive expert advice on their portfolio and resume.
A number of students have posted positive reviews of NYC Career Centers. Many mention that they found the instructors engaging and helpful. Anya Berube says, “The instructor was very patient in balancing everyone and their individual technology needs and experience levels. I enjoyed the course.” Kimbeliza Ocasio says, “Amazing and informative! We covered a lot of ground, especially for a beginner class!”
#9: American Media Training—After Effects Level 1 (Live Online)
American Media Training provides in-person and online training for Adobe, Apple, and Microsoft software, with certified instructors teaching.After Effects Level 1 is a class intended for beginners to digital video, and is designed to introduce them to Adobe After Effects, and also get them started on the path to mastering it. Students learn about the workflow, basic animation, animating text, working with shape layers, animating layers, working with masks, using the puppet tool and the rotobrush tool, color correction, building 3D objects, advanced editing features, and editing and output.
Key Information
There are no prerequisites for this class. Tuition is $1,295, and is payable at registration. There are a total of three class sessions.
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The American Media Training website has positive reviews of many of the school’s instructors. For instance, Ramona Tyler says, "The class went great with Rick. The professor rearranged his training style to accommodate me all the while keeping the class on schedule. I will recommend him to others and hope to be able to take more classes in the future." Nicole Houston also has good things to say about her instructor, commenting, "Stephen was an excellent instructor. He was well paced, patient, informative and was able to keep my attention and focus. I would definitely recommend Stephen as an instructor."
#10: Udemy—Complete Adobe After Effects MegaCourse: Beginner to Expert (On-Demand)
Udemy offers an on-demand motion graphics class called Complete Adobe After Effects Megacourse: Beginner to Expert, which is designed to teach students how to create visual effects and motion graphics with After Effects. The class starts with a definition of common After Effects terms, then covers a long list of skills including morphing, looping, logo motion, animations, 3D text, and a number of video editing skills. Students will also learn to make GIFs and work with advanced VFX.
Key Information
Tuition is $15.99 and is payable upon enrollment. There are no prerequisites for this class. Students receive access to 60 hours of on-demand video (a total of 206 lectures), and 71 downloadable resources.
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Udemy offers lifetime access to its courses, meaning that once a student has purchased a particular course, they has access to it for life. Students can also access their courses on mobile devices. They receive a certificate of completion upon finishing.
Udemy has reviews from former students on its website. Many liked the format of this course. For example, Rod C. says, “I know a lot about After Effects, so I took this course to learn more. I love how simple this person is explaining the steps. It's not hard to understand her at all and I'm learning new things. This course is great so far!” Dan M. says, “Your attention to detail is outstanding. You go into detail of all the options which is very helpful in learning After Effects.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Different Types of Online Motion Graphics Classes?
There are a number of different formats for online motion graphics classes. Live online classes are conducted live over a conferencing platform like Zoom. Students log on at a specific time, and just as with an in-person class, instructors lecture in real-time, and students can ask questions and get immediate feedback. In contrast, on-demand classes are not live. Students access and complete the course material at their own pace, working as quickly, or as slowly, as they want to. In addition to these two formats, students will probably find free or inexpensive introductory classes online. These typically focus on specific topics, or provide a basic overview, and are usually much less comprehensive than live online or on-demand classes.
What Will I Need for an Online Motion Graphics Class?
Students who plan to take an online class will need a computer and an internet connection. They will also need access to whatever design program(s) they will be using in the class. Many providers offer a free trial of their software. For instance, Adobe provides a free seven-day trial of its Creative Cloud, which includes all of its apps, or students can choose a free seven-day trial for an individual app like After Effects. Apple offers a free 90-day trial of Final Cut Pro.
Can I Learn Motion Graphics Online for Free?
It is definitely possible to learn something about motion graphics online for free. Even a quick search will reveal a long list of free information and tutorials. These free resources can be a great way to get an overview of what motion graphics is all about, learn a specific skill, or troubleshoot a problem. However, to become a motion graphics designer, most people find that they need to enroll in a paid class, where an experienced instructor can provide comprehensive and reliable information.
Another thing to consider about learning motion graphics is software costs. Most motion graphics designers use at least one design application, and while there are free trials for many of these programs, designers who plan to work with motion graphics for more than a few weeks will need to invest in a paid subscription.
Is It Better to Learn Motion Graphics in a Live or Self-paced Class?
There are disadvantages and advantages to both the live and self-paced formats. Live classes are popular because students get real-time instruction and immediate feedback. They also have the opportunity to interact and network with other students. In comparison, with self-paced classes, students watch a pre-recorded lecture, and might find it more difficult to understand challenging concepts without the ability to interact with the instructor. However, self-paced classes have become popular in recent years because they offer much more flexibility than other formats. Students don’t have to attend class at a specific time, they can work at their own pace, and they can even pause, rewatch, or fast-forward material if they want to.