Framechart vs. After Effects for Animated Data Charts
After Effects can create any animation imaginable but requires scripting or manual keyframing to animate CSV data — typically 2–4 hours per chart. Framechart is a DaVinci Resolve plugin purpose-built for data charts: drop the effect onto a clip, point it at a CSV, and the chart renders in your timeline at 4K (and beyond) in minutes.
An honest comparison. After Effects wins for custom, complex animation and broad NLE support. Framechart wins specifically when you edit in DaVinci Resolve and need animated data charts — fast, in-timeline, with no Adobe subscription.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Framechart (Resolve plugin) | After Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Setup time for a CSV chart | 10–15 minutes | 2–4 hours (scripting or keyframing) |
| Requires coding / scripting | ✗ No | Often (for CSV import) |
| DaVinci Resolve | ✓ Native plugin (renders in your timeline) | ✓ Yes (via PNG sequence import; requires Adobe) |
| Premiere Pro / After Effects | ✗ Resolve-only | ✓ Yes |
| Transparent compositing | ✓ In-timeline (no file round-trip) | ✓ Yes (PNG sequence / ProRes 4444) |
| Resolution | ✓ Renders at your timeline resolution (4K+) | ✓ Any |
| On-device rendering | ✓ Yes (GPU, runs in Resolve) | ✓ Yes (desktop app) |
| Operating system | Windows, Linux (macOS coming soon) | Windows, Mac |
| Price | Free with watermark; $19/mo or $99 lifetime removes it | $54.99/mo standalone |
| Custom animation | Templates + custom colors (no keyframing) | Unlimited |
| Best for | CSV data chart animation inside Resolve | All motion graphics and VFX |
When to Choose Framechart
- ✓You edit video in DaVinci Resolve
- ✓ Your animation work is primarily CSV-driven data charts
- ✓ You want chart animations rendered in your timeline — no PNG round-trip
- ✓ You don't have (or don't want to pay for) an Adobe subscription
- ✓ You need to produce chart animations quickly — minutes vs. hours
- ✓ You want a lower-cost option ($19/mo license vs. $54.99/mo for AE)
When to Choose After Effects
- ✓ You edit in Premiere Pro / After Effects, not DaVinci Resolve
- ✓ You need fully custom chart designs beyond framechart's templates
- ✓ You also need title animations, VFX, and general motion graphics in the same tool
- ✓ You have a dedicated motion designer with AE expertise on your team
- ✓ You need chart shapes framechart doesn't yet cover (scatter, treemap, etc.)
For DaVinci Resolve Users
DaVinci Resolve has no native chart-animation tool and Resolve users without an Adobe subscription have no good chart-animation option at all. Framechart fills this gap directly — install the OFX plugin and chart animations render right inside your timeline, with transparency, at 4K and beyond.
DaVinci Resolve integration guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is Framechart faster than After Effects for chart animation?
For CSV-driven data charts: yes, significantly. After Effects requires 2–4 hours of manual keyframing or scripting per chart. With framechart you drop the effect onto a clip in Resolve, point it at a CSV, and the chart renders in your timeline at 4K in minutes.
Does Framechart work for DaVinci Resolve users without After Effects?
Yes — that's the primary use case. The plugin installs into Resolve and renders chart animations natively in your timeline. No Adobe subscription, no PNG round-trip.
How much does Framechart cost compared to After Effects?
Framechart is free with a small watermark; a $19/month license removes it. After Effects costs $54.99/month standalone or $59.99/month as part of Creative Cloud All Apps.
Can Framechart replace After Effects?
No — framechart only handles CSV-driven data chart animation, and only inside DaVinci Resolve. After Effects covers all motion graphics, VFX, compositing, and titling. If chart animation in Resolve is your need, framechart is far faster and cheaper. If you need a general motion-graphics tool, you still need After Effects.
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Last reviewed: April 2026