For making striking visual effects proper setup is most important after technical skills. VFX creating software is necessary to start your journey as a VFX artist where you get every possible thing needed to make Impressive visual effects or 3D animation.
so here are 5 prominent VFX software that provide striking results-
- MAYA
This Software by Autodesk has been a top choice for producing striking visual effects and animation.
Its features include -
Bi frost for Operational effects which is the Latest portable plugin of Maya , an excellent note graph to design effects .It includes improved graph readability.
In 3D animation its F curve Editor provides before and after popularizing functions, improved arrangement of UX(user experience) and enhancements.
Other features include cached playback, Native motion library which helps to access High quality motion capture, toolset for keyframe.
Its Integrated renderer Arnold is good in perceiving created scenes.
Maya was used in many huge films like Harry potter, Transformers, kungfu panda, etc.
- ADOBE AFTER EFFECTS
It is primarily Based on animation. It is a compositing Software.
Adobe is good for after production. Motion tracking to handle shaky footage, converting Animation into High resolution videos.
Adobe illustrator is a blessing to after effects. Keyframes for better experience in motion.
Easy adding of visual effects just by simple dragging from character animator project panel to after effect panel.
It's an excellent video editor with limited nodes. It can be tested without any cost for 1 week.
A recent Star Wars film has used it to add VFX .
- 3DS MAX
Another one from Autodesk. It comes with great modelling tools that can be used to make Multiplex 3D models.
Its user interface is quite appreciative as it is easy to handle and work with.
A vast range of 3D modelling makes it different from Maya.
It is best suited for Architectural representation due to its incorporation with CAD Software.
Its capability of creating VR visualizations is Impressive.
More features like creation of procedural animation and character rigging using CAT,
Particle flow effects, Creation of custom workspaces, Integrated Arnold renderer, Raytracer Renderer for architectural shots.
Films like Avatar are made with the help of this software.
- BLENDER 17-Side FX
Blender is used to put in visual effects to the projects .
It can create animations, rendering, 3D pipeline-models , simulations etc .
It is a Great Tool and is Completely free to use.
It supports NURBS surfaces and polygon meshes that makes it an arch rival of 3DS Max. This powerful software can help you create professional looking 3D projects with animations but it's important to have some experience in using it.
some more features include UV features for creating models, color administration.
Coffee run, Hero, Spring are some movies who used this software.
- HOUDINI
Houdini is a sturdy tool that grants you to create and put in visual effects with ease ,this is a node-based software.
This feature is useful because of the fact that with every action, a node is created. This feature allows easy changes either to particular nodes or networks.
The best feature of Houdini is the capability to create advanced particle and dynamic simulations – realistic smoke and fire with Pyro FX, water effects that respond to viscosity, surface tension and also dynamic particles for constructing debris and dust.
It has 4 distinct versions-
- The Houdini Apprentice version is free of Cost and is designed for beginners.
- Houdini FX offers a thorough 3D experience.
- Houdini Indie has most animations and VFX tools and is under an indie license for game developers and animators.
- Houdini Core is designed for character riggers, modelers, and animators.
Films like Frozen , Zootopia have used this software.
These were some of the most prominent VFX software nowadays and are widely accepted.
HAPPY READING!