Here is how to do both.

If you don't have the plugin, you can replicate the effect by stacking multiple layers of the built-in effect to create a smoother falloff.

For particle systems (e.g., Trapcode Particular):

If the edges look jagged, apply Effect > Mat > Simple Choker before the glow to slightly tighten the edges of your source layer.

| Parameter | Function | |-----------|----------| | Radius | Spread of glow (large = atmospheric, small = sharp hot spots). | | Intensity | Multiplier for brightness (non-linear, unlike native glow). | | Colorization | Tint glow independently from source color. | | Curve Falloff | Customizable gradient ramp from bright core to dark edge. |

If you are looking for the specific "Deep Glow" look made famous by Plugin Everything, this is the best route. It creates a natural, blooming glow that looks much better than the native effect.

The Deep Glow effect in After Effects is primarily achieved using the popular Deep Glow plugin from Plugin Everything, which provides physically accurate, GPU-accelerated glows with a natural inverse square falloff. Unlike the standard built-in glow, it simulates how light actually behaves in the real world, producing much smoother and more professional results. YouTube +1 Core Features of the Deep Glow Plugin Physically Accurate Falloff