Modern versions of Windows 11 or macOS (especially M1/M2/M3 Macs) often struggle to run CC 2018. It’s prone to crashing or simply refusing to open.
If you have a school email address, you can get the entire Creative Cloud suite for about 60% off .
Adobe offers a 7-day free trial of the absolute latest version. It’s the full program, no watermarks, and 100% safe.
Skip the sketchy downloads. Your computer (and your sanity) will thank you. If you just want to learn motion graphics today, grab the DaVinci Resolve download or the official Adobe trial!
Even if you find a version that isn't a virus, CC 2018 is now several years old.
If you’re on a budget or just starting out, there are better paths than risking your computer:
If "free" is a hard requirement, check out DaVinci Resolve . The standard version is completely free, professional-grade, and has a built-in motion graphics tool called "Fusion" that does exactly what After Effects does.
Those installers are the #1 way hackers distribute malware, ransomware, or keyloggers . You might get the software to open, but you might also be giving someone access to your saved passwords or banking info in the background. The Compatibility Headache