FILM & TV

Visual effects software

Autodesk software for visual effects (VFX) professionals powers modern production pipelines.

Image courtesy of Rising Sun Pictures

What is Visual Effects? (0:12 min.)

What is visual effects?

Visual effects (VFX) is the process through which imagery is altered, created, or enhanced for live-action media that could not be captured during live-action filming due to it being costly, dangerous, impractical, or impossible to shoot. Visual effects allow for the integration of live-action footage and VFX to create realistic objects, characters and environments.

What is the difference between VFX, CGI and special effects?

Movie special effects terms are often used interchangeably but are different in that VFX are created using a combination of live action shots and digital imagery, CGI is anything created digitally, and Special Effects are captured live, without the aid of a computer.

VISUAL EFFECTS

VFX (visual effects) in film is a process of creating imagery that does not physically exist through the use of CGI, Compositing and Motion Capture. Examples include 3D modelling, green screen filming and performance capture.

difference between cgi and special effects

CGI

(Computer-generated imagery) is anything that is created digitally within a computer. CG can be incorporated into a VFX shot in a live-action movie (i.e., The dinosaurs in Jurassic World) or used to create a fully CG film (i.e., Toy Story).

Image courtesy of Amaru Zeas

SPECIAL EFFECTS

SFX (special effects) are practical effects that do not use CGI. They are implemented directly on set during filming and are either mechanical or optical effects. Examples include prosthetics, miniatures, paintings, stop motion photography and animation and composite imagery.

Our VFX software

Scale your studio’s rendering and simulation capabilities, while equipping artists with powerful modeling and animation tools

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3D animation, modeling, simulation, and rendering software for film, games, and TV

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3D modeling, animation, and rendering software for games and design visualization

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A review and production tracking toolset for VFX, games, and animation teams

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Tools for 3D visual effects, finishing, and 3D compositing—available as Flame, Flame Assist, Flare, Lustre

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3D character animation software

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Digital painting and sculpting software

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Free VFX software

Free software for students, educators and educational institutions

We offer free Autodesk software for students and educators. Use the same visual effects software as top professionals around the world.

Free visual effects software for nonprofits

Are you a nonprofit or entrepreneur working to create positive impact through design? See if you qualify for our Technology Impact Program.

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See how studios are using visual effects software

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Thanks to the power and remarkable malleability of VFX work, Image Engine was able to give a series as familiar as “Lost in Space” new life, reimagining 50-year-old concepts for the modern era.

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Double Negative talks VFX on "Thor: Ragnarok"

The rising popularity of superhero movies has brought new challenges to VFX studios. Double Negative shares their work on “Thor: Ragnorok”, the hurdles they faced, and how they tackled them.

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My journey to "Blade Runner 2049"

Richard Hoover, VFX Supervisor at Framestore's Montreal office, shares how the studio pulled off some of the most demanding sequences filmgoers have ever seen for “Blade Runner 2049”.

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VFX resources

Learn more about rendering software with these tutorials, tips, and guides.

Maya Learning Channel

Tutorials of all levels to help you learn Maya, our 3D animation and modeling software

3ds Max Learning Channel

3D modeling and rendering software for design visualization
Tutorials of all levels to help you learn 3ds Max.

Flame Learning Channel

3D visual effects (VFX), finishing, and color grading software Tutorials of all levels to help you learn Flame.

Arnold Answer Hub

Global illumination rendering software
The place to ask and answer questions and share knowledge about using Arnold.

Learning on AREA

The learning hub on AREA has free tutorials for software used by VFX professionals, ranging from beginner to advanced skill levels.

Life in 3D

From big studios to independent film makers, learn more about our customers, their VFX work, and the problems they’re solving.

Frequently asked questions

What types of VFX can be created with Autodesk software?

Autodesk software including Maya, 3ds Max, and Flame can be used for a wide range of VFX, from sophisticated particle, liquid, and character effects to 3D compositing and finishing.

Whether you’re looking to create blazing explosions or complex snowstorms, Bifrost for Maya is a powerful visual programming environment for creating blockbuster-worthy VFX simulations, procedurally. Bifrost for Maya includes ready-to-use graphs, physically-based solvers for aerodynamics, combustion, granular effects, and cloth simulation, and more.

How can Autodesk software help speed up VFX workflows and production pipelines?

Look to VFX software from Autodesk for the support you need to help your teams work quickly and create stunning visual effects. Bifrost for Maya’s prebuilt graphs allow you to create realistic effects right out of the box. Autodesk Arnold is integrated with Maya and 3ds Max, so you can see high-quality previews and iterate changes quickly. Flame 3D VFX and finishing software provides powerful tools for 3D compositing, visual effects, and editorial finishing.

What collaboration features are included in Autodesk VFX software?

Autodesk software is engineered to streamline collaboration throughout the VFX pipeline by connecting creative workflows and teams. ShotGrid production management software integrates with Maya, 3ds Max, and Flame enabling creative teams to seamlessly submit work for reviews, collaborate, and iterate on changes – even while geographically dispersed.

Are rendering workflows integrated with Autodesk VFX software?

Autodesk Arnold is the default renderer in Maya and 3ds Max, allowing you to keep your rendering workflows right in-tool. Arnold is an advanced Monte Carlo ray tracing renderer that offers a powerful rendering experience for beautiful and predictable results. Visualize changes to lighting, textures, and objects, adjust cameras, and diagnose problems without ever leaving your 3D tool.

Why choose 3ds Max or Maya?

3ds Max and Maya are both used by creative studios around the world for animation, modeling, visual effects, and rendering. 3ds Max offers a robust toolset for modeling, intuitive texturing and shading, and high-quality rendering while Maya offers powerful tools for character creation, lifelike animation, and detailed simulations. Read more about the differences between 3ds Max and Maya.