We left it up to our readers to pick their favorite animation and vfx tools/software packages of the year. Here are the terrific 10 items that earned the most votes, in alphabetical order: 3ds Max. Dec 20, 2020 There are a handful of free VFX software as well if you want to just experiment without the financial hit. Whichever you choose, they are all fantastic in their own unique way. They give you the ability to create some of the most impressive visuals just short of being featured in the film.
Making digital art of any kind can be difficult. Check out our list of the top 5 free programs available.
Which is why I have put together my list of the top 5 best programs for movie makers, 3D artists, VFX specialist, or just a digital art enthusiast. Whatever the case may be, these programs are a must have. Plus, did I mention, FREE?
1. Celtx
All of the terms and styles of a professional script are built into the interface, helping you to write screenplays that look beautiful and professional. There is also project coordination built in, which makes it easy to share your project with your crew so others can write notes and comments and help move the creative process along.
2. Gimp
A completely free image manipulation program that is quickly rising in popularity, Gimp gives you lots of creative options for post processing and image manipulation.
3. Krita
Krita gives you the opportunity to paint, edit, manipulate, and polish images all digitally and on a beautiful interface. This is also a great resource for 3D and VFX artists, as you can create unique textures and overlays that can be exported to other programs.
4. Blender
Not only can you use Blender for modeling, texturing, sculpting, rigging, animating, and compositing, but Blender also has a very capable video sequence editor and camera solver. This makes it a great option to add Visual Effects and 3D awesomeness to your movies.
5. HitFilm Express
With a wonderful community that is growing quickly, HitFilm Express is a perfect option for making epic VFX. So download HitFilm Express, go shoot some footage, then download some of ActionVFXs's freebies and start making epic visuals without spending a single penny.
Now one could easily argue that learning these programs is a waste of time if you eventually plan on paying for the commercial counterpart.
However, I believe that more experience with a wider variety of programs will help you become a more well-rounded artist. You may also find that things you learn from a certain program will come in handy when trying to understand a concept in another program.
Sure, you will always have a learning curve when you set out to try a new program, but challenging your brain to use what is available to you is how good artists become great.
So conclusion: budget got you down? There are so many wonderful options that are free and ready for you to use and start making incredible digital art.
First time here? ActionVFX creates action stock footage for VFX and filmmaking. (We also have some great free stuff!)
Cover image via
Get 15 free explosion elements and 25 explosive sound effects for your next video.
Whether you are shooting an action scene or promoting a company's big fire sale, these free fiery explosions and SFX are perfect for video editors and motion designers.
These free explosion sound effects and video elements work in nearly every NLE, including Premiere Pro, FCPX, After Effects, DaVinci Resolve, and more! Record music at home free.
Download Detonate: 40 Free Explosion SFX and VFX
To download these 40 free SFX and explosion elements, click the button below. These SFX and VFX are free to use in any personal or commercial projects. By downloading, you agree not to resell or redistribute these free assets.
DOWNLOAD DETONATE: 40 FREE EXPLOSION SFX AND VFX
What Do You Get?
With this free pack of 40 explosion elements, you'll get all of the following.
15 Free Explosion VFX:
- Canon Blasts
- Fireballs
- Groundblast
- Oil Rig Fire
- Large Plumes
- Shockwave
- Smoke
25 Free Explosion SFX:
Free Vfx Editing Software
- Blasts
- Bombs
- Mine Explosions
- Grenades
Want real explosions?
RocketStock has also released their own Detonate pack with over 50 real explosions captured in 6K. The elements were shot on set using cutting-edge RED cameras and Zeiss Master Prime lenses. The results are truly epic, with the largest explosion reaching 200 feet.
Bonus: 3 More Free SFX Packs from PremiumBeat.com
Looking for more sound effects for you next project? On top of these other free SFX packs, be sure to check out our curated collection of SFX.
20 Free Movie Trailer SFX
Vfx Tools Free Download
Download the FREETrailer Construction Kit (Lite Version) from PremiumBeat. Inject your trailers with high-quality Hollywood-style SFX. Our music and video team handpicked 20 'action trailer' sound effects for thisfree pack: sweeps, risers, slams, and intense atmospheres.
You can get the 20 Free Movie Trailer SFX here.
SCI-FI UI: 29 FREE Futuristic Computer and HUD Sound Effects
Working with futuristic computers or HUDs in your next project? Download this pack of 29 FREE Sci-Fi UI SFX. Perfect to accentuate your techno-future operating systems or interfaces. If you need HUD elements and digital display elements too, be sure to check our RocketStock's Interface pack with over 400 overlays and video elements.
You can get the 29 free Sci-Fi UI SFX here.
15 Free Ambient Noise SFX
Need help setting a scene? This ambient noise tracks are the perfect background SFX for creating a rich atmosphere. From busy street traffic to forests and deserts, these 15 free SFX are perfect for you next project.
You can get the 15 Free Ambient Noise SFX here.
