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When you’re adding visual effects to your footage, the best VFX software is essential.
That is pairs nicely with Premiere Pro is a bonus, too.
Best VFX software overall
1.
Adobe After Effects
Our expert review:
Adobe After Effects is our pick for the best VFX software overall.
It can be an overwhelming VFX app, but theres really very little you cant do with it."
After Effects is a complex video compositing software package.
Couple this with welcome under-the-hood improvements for power management, and you have a winner on your hands.
you’ve got the option to gain access to Adobes entire stack with the All Apps subscription.
Best free VFX software
2. you’re able to then power up the effects library by purchasing individual add-ons for Express.
That makes HitFilm is a flexible option for beginner filmmakers who want to edit videos with basic VFX.
Best video editor & VFX software combo
3.
Hitfilm Pro
HitFilm Pro is a top all-in-one video editor and VFX software package that delivers professional results.
This makes for for a gentler learning curve if youre not used to editing software.
This is this apps biggest selling point, as it offers hundreds of effects and presets.
From the extensive VFX toolset, you might see why HitFilm Pro is used in big Hollywood movies.
Best free VFX software for professionals
4.
Top features include compositing live-action footage with 3D models, working with 360o VR, and stereoscopic 3D effects.
That offers a taste of the complexities behind Fusion.
Blackmagics all-in-one post-production program lets you edit your video, then switch to the Fusion tab to add effects.
The real-time collaboration tools enable an editor and a VFX artist to work on the same project simultaneously.
The best thing about Fusion is that the standard visual effects software is free.
The premium version has a few advanced features, including faster internet-based rendering.
Read our fullDaVinci Resolve review.
Best VFX software for Mac
5.
Apple Motion
AppleMotion offers some of the best VFX software for Macs.
It’s still powerful - but it’s a lot more accessible to less-experienced VFX artists.
Among its features are advanced color correction and a useful set of tools for designing and animating text.
But for most projects that arent blockbuster movies, you should find everything that you need.
Adobe After Effects is VFX software; Adobe Premiere Pro is video editing software.
They also work seamlessly together, letting you cut videos in PP before adding effects in AE.
What computer do I need for the best VFX software?
VFX software, like even the best free video editing software, can be very resource-intensive.
So, for top performance, it’s best to use a dedicated computer or laptop for VFX software.
Select a unit with a powerful GPU.
Plenty of RAM is critical, too, while CPU is more important for running video editing software.
In short, check the specs.
If your skill level is low, an entry-level program will be the best visual effects software for you.
Check which platform your chosen special effects software is for.
Decide what other features you need, and the size of the effects library.
Youll find certain tools are a lot more feature-rich than others.
Whatever software we’re testing, we take the same extensive, rigorous approach for each one.
Our readers want to know theyre making the right choice - a choice they can trust.
First, we evaluate the overall user experience.
It should be simple to navigate, with a clean, intuitive interface.
During this time, we assess how well the program meets the needs of the intended audience.
