UtilitiesWindows

What are the best free pc softwares to make vfx (visual effects)?

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Blender vs Natron vs HitFilm Express

Specs

Platforms

Windows, Linux, Mac, FreeBSD

Technology

C, Python

3D

Yes

2D

Yes (as of 2.8)

Graphics

OpenGL 1.4 (Blender 2.76 and earlier), OpenGl 2.1 (Blender 2.79), OpenGL 3.3 (Blender 2.8+)

Behavior trigger

Event list (global)

Logic model

Pre-built behaviors

License

-

Desktop targets

-

Import image formats

-

Export video formats

-

Import audio formats

-

Import video formats

-

Export image formats

-

Export audio formats

-

Platforms

-

Technology

-

3D

-

2D

-

Graphics

-

Behavior trigger

-

Logic model

-

License

GPL v2

Desktop targets

macOS, Linux and Windows

Import image formats

-

Export video formats

-

Import audio formats

-

Import video formats

-

Export image formats

-

Export audio formats

-

Platforms

Windows, Mac

Technology

-

3D

-

2D

-

Graphics

-

Behavior trigger

-

Logic model

-

License

-

Desktop targets

-

Import image formats

MOV

Export video formats

MP4 (AVC/H264 & AAC)

Import audio formats

AVI

Import video formats

"Quicktime

Export image formats

PS

Export audio formats

MPEG-1 (TS

Pros + Cons

Pro
 Motion tracking

Various motion tracking tools are included in-box.
Comment

Pro
 Cross platform

Linux, Windows, and OS x.
Comment

Pro
 Andvanced 3d renderer and modeler

The fact that blender is an actual 3d animation and modeling program means that you can create and render all your assets in blender itself, and not have to worry about exporting and importing 3d models from other softwares. It also lends itself to real 3d space FX rather than 2d assets.
Comment

Con
 Complex compositor

Although blender has a very complete compositor, making it do what you want is a whole different story. The node based setups can become long and complicated very fast, for simple things. Some add ons may help, such as "Easy FX". (http://www.rymdnisse.net/download/blender-addons/easyfx/)
Comment

Pro
 Advanced Compositor

A very complete compositor witch permits you to do some masking, chroma key, color correction. and pretty much anything you can imagine.
Comment

Pro
 Best open source node composing application

Comment

Pro
 Cross platform

Linux, Windows, and Mac OSx.
Comment

Con
 Free version lacks some of the major selling points of the software

Express lacks physics-driven particle simulation, the ability to import and animate 3D models, some of the more powerful plugins (such as professional denoiser and chroma key), OpenEXR export, 64-bit and GPU acceleration and OpenFX plugin support.
Comment

Pro
 Beginner friendly

Amazing all-in-one starter software thanks to a lot of powerful presets and a simplified workflow. There are tips, guides, explanations and easy access to community support. The interface is intuitive and easy to overview.
Comment

Pro
 Combines editing and VFX tools in one package

Comment
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