Can a New MacBook Pro 2018 Work with Adobe After Effects?

Yes, a new MacBook Pro 2018 can work effectively with Adobe After Effects. The 2018 models come equipped with powerful hardware, making them a solid choice for creative professionals looking to work with this professional video editing software.

System Requirements and Compatibility

Ensure that the version of After Effects you plan to use is compatible with macOS on your MacBook Pro. Adobe frequently updates its software, and system requirements may change. In general, the 2018 MacBook Pro meets or exceeds the minimum hardware requirements for running After Effects smoothly.

Performance Considerations

While the 2018 MacBook Pro can handle After Effects, performance will depend on the complexity of your projects. For simple animations and effects, it should perform well. However, more demanding projects may require more RAM or a better GPU. If you plan to work on more intensive projects, upgrading the RAM can significantly improve performance.

Storage and High-End Projects

Consider the storage capacity, especially if you work with large video files. Opting for SSD storage will provide faster read/write speeds, which is beneficial for video editing. Additionally, for high-end projects, a high-speed external Thunderbolt disk greater than 1GB is recommended. I personally use a 4TB external drive for storage and other network storage for backups. This setup ensures that I can handle large files efficiently.

First-Hand Experiences

I recently started using a 13-inch MacBook Air 2018 with Adobe After Effects (AE) and have noticed no issues with device performance or speed. I truly enjoy using AE, but I would recommend Final Cut Pro X as an alternative for Mac users looking for a more streamlined editing experience. With Final Cut Pro X, you can have a more integrated experience with other Apple software and tools.

Based on my experience and feedback from others, a 2018 MacBook Pro should work just fine for most standard use cases. A mid-2012 MacBook Pro with 16GB RAM and a 1TB SSD runs all Adobe apps smoothly, including After Effects. The newer MacBook Pro models, optimized for 2023, will undoubtedly run After Effects with no significant lag or performance issues.

Conclusion

The 2018 MacBook Pro is more than capable of running After Effects effectively. Whether you're working on simple projects or more intensive ones, this model offers the necessary hardware and speed to handle your creative needs. Upgrade your RAM if you plan to do more demanding work, and consider a high-speed external disk for larger projects.