The Best VFX Software?!

 

Well, obviously there are many and each has its own speciality. Here, I am listing some of them I have been using for the last few years being a VFX/Animation student. (not ranked in any order)

1. Autodesk Maya -

Main Uses – 3d Modeling, Animation, Dynamics, Simulation

Maya, hands down, is the most used 3d application in the Industry. Although, I was a bit hesitant at first in making the transition from 3ds Max to Maya because the complex UI scared me, Ive never looked back once I moved to Maya, be it for modeling, animation or, most importantly, dynamics/fx.

 

2. Adobe After Effects -

Main Uses – Motion Graphics, Compositing

Almost every VFX artist’s first love! Simple yet powerful.

AE has the most user-friendly interface as opposed to any other VFX software that exists. Although its mostly used for motion graphics these days, its a great tool for both fx and compositing. Remember to check Andrew Kramer’s http://www.videocopilot.net/ if you haven’t yet!

 

3. The Foundry Nuke -

Main Uses – Compositing

Used by most of the post-production facilities all over the world. While it's an excellent VFX system, Nuke isn't a motion-graphics tool. I never wanted to switch from AE to Nuke cuz I was in love with AE’s interface and although I still use AE for some motion design stuff Nuke is my main compositing tool.

4. SynthEyes -

Main Uses – Camera/Object Tracking, Match-moving

The easiest tracking software. SynthEyes’ super-simple UI is its biggest asset and it didnt take more than an hour to know it in and out. I haven’t tried PFTrack yet but I have heard that its much more complex.

 

5. Adobe Photoshop

Last, but not the least, the software used alike by both advanced users and noobs. Photoshop has been a part of almost all of my projects ever! Used by almost every one in the multimedia industry, it never gets old!