create explosions

[M.A.D]

Does anyone know how to create explosions in after effects without using plug-ins? I have tried to use some detonation film clips but I have no control over the explosion, which I want?

If anyone knows, please let me know.

M.A.D

 

[Steve_Arm]

Explosions are standard. What you want to control?
For better results you should use different and many detonation clips together and composite them with different modes, but some particles like smoke would help too.
Definitely you can't get away with only one clip for realism.

 

[oneinfiniteloop]

What part of the explosion do you want to control? Fire is generally difficult, even in CG, if you don't have stock footage, and obviously, you can't control how an explosion occurs in stock footage.