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New Unleash Your Creativity Top Free and Paid 3D Animation Tools for 2024
Unleash Your Creativity: Top Free and Paid 3D Animation Tools
Best 3D Animation Software Free and Paid
Shanoon Cox
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Are you in search of some of the best 3D animation software? There are several uses of the 3D animation software creator, like creating movies, creating characters, adding voiceovers to the characters, etc.
The 3D animation maker has a great deal to explore, which is fun. If you are familiar with 2D animation editors or love animation just for fun, you can try the free 3D animation software.
Although you can find a great number of animation software in the market, we can trust only a few of them completely. In this article, you can explore the best 3D animation software, which is free, paid, and trending on the popularity charts.
Recommended 3D Animation Software - Filmora
If you want more controls on 3D animation videos, here we recommend using Filmora .
You need to build a white plane to start making 3D animation with keyframes easily. Filmora offers six different types of keyframes to let your animation become smooth and natural.
Besides, auto color correction and audio mixer will upgrade your 3D animation video to a new level. You can also apply light flares effects to make amazing 3D animation. Now, free download it to have a try!
Download Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )
Below is a comparison table where you can find the best free 3D animation makers. Some 3D animation makers are easy to use. Take a look!
| Price | OS | Pros | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blender | Free | Windows, Linux, and macOS | Best 3d animation software; Active community globally | Powerful rendering support |
| Wings 3D | Free | Windows, Linux, Unix and Mac OS X | Easy 3d animation software; Open source and completely free | Its interface is customizable |
| K-3D | Free | GNU/Linux, MacOS X, FreeBSD, Windows | Intuitive 3d animation maker; Node-based visualization pipeline. | Endless redo feature |
| Source Filmmaker | Free | Windows | Any games can be used in this animation maker | Game lovers will like it |
| Mixamo Maya | Free $225 per month $1,785 per year $5,085 every 3 years | Windows, MacOS and Linux Windows, MacOS and Linux | Vivid and high-quality animated 3D characters Time Editor to edit animation faster; You can collect motion capture data | Belong to adobe family Easy to use Motion graphics |
| Cinema 4D | $61.19 per month $734.40 per year | Windows, MacOS and Linux | Intuitive interface to make 3D animation | Fluid workflow to start editing for beginners |
| Houdini | $1,995/year | Windows, MacOs | Powerful VEX to make excellent 3D animations | Quick guide for learners |
| ZBrush MotionBuilder | $39.95 per month $2,045 per year $5,830 every 3 year | Windows Vista and MacOs Windows and Linux | Ideal for 3D amination. Adjust animation in moments . | Amazing sculpting tools. Simple to make adjustment. |
Part 1: Best Free 3D Animation Software
1. Blender
Pros:
- Both manual and auto-tracking
- Camera restoration is powerful
- Curve editor and dope sheets
- Customize layout and interface
An open-source professional, free 3D animation software, Blender is used to host various applications like visual effects, animated feature films, video games, and more. The Blender supports the entire 3D tree, including rigging, modeling, animating, simulating, compositing, rendering, and tracking motion. The features of Blender are:
Features:
- CPU, GPU, VR rendering support.
- Masking and textured brushes for 3D painting.
- Add-ons and customized tools with Python scripting
- Bridge fill, edge slide, grid, inset.
2. Wings 3D
Pros:
- Various modeling tools to make 3D effects.
- Completely free for use for commercial usage.
- Include a forum to communicate with users.
An easy-to-use, unconventional sector modeler, Wings 3D is a powerful 3D animation software. Whether you are a commercial 3D animation creator or a non-professional, Wings 3D is a free and open-source 3D animation software. The features of Winds 3D include:
Features:
- Customized interface.
- Support for materials and lights.
- Built-in AutoUV mapping facility
3.K-3D
Pros:
- Intuitive interface to make 3D effects
- Can always go back to undo operations
- Free-to-use
One of the best 3D animation software is K-3D. K-3D features a procedural engine plugin for its content. It is a free 3D animation software that supports polygonal modeling. A visual pipeline architecture combines the flexible plugins that make the K-3D software a powerful and versatile tool. The features include:
Features:
- Consistent and intuitive.
- Consist of basic tools for animation, patches, curves, and NURVS.
- Parametric workflow.
- It can be run on Windows, macOS X, Linux, and FreeBSD.
4.Source Filmmaker
Pros :
- The virtual movie set with lights, actors, props, and cameras.
- Create your movies and add features as per your requirement.
- Manages the entire workflow needed to make a movie into one single system.
This 3D animation software lets you make a movie inside the game engine Source. Wondering how? It is because whatever assets are present in the game, the Source Filmmaker uses them. So, the game’s assets are used by SFM in the film and vice versa. The features of this movie-making tool include:
Features:
- Renders power of a modern gaming PC.
- Whatever you see in the game is what you get in the movie.
- Completely free to download
5**_._**Mixamo
Pros:
- Download multiple animations at one go.
- Fast character and animation browsing.
With a straightforward and faster workflow, the Mixamo 3D software’s newest user experience and interface make it too easy to instantly find, create, organize, and share assets and animation. The features of this 3D animation software include:
Features:
- User experience is streamlined.
- Fully customizable animation packs.
- The faster and more accurate search function.
Part 2: Best Paid 3D Animation Software
6**_._**Maya
Pros:
- Perfect accuracy and control.
- Create flying logos, title sequences, branding, etc.
- Higher performance in a high fidelity environment
If you want to create or develop games, 3D scenes, movies, or characters, Maya is one of the best 3D animation software tools available. Although a paid software, Maya 3D animation creator does complete justice to its various coloring, animating, and modeling features.
Maya LT - Create 3D characters and environments for your indie game with a more cost-effective tool based on production-proven 3D products. Buy now! The features are:
Features:
- 30 days of a free trial
- Uncomplicated software
- Create complex technical effects
- High-level animation edits
7**_._**Cinema 4D
Pros:
- Dissect complete scenes
- Customized with a huge range of assets
A faster 3D animation software tool than Maya, Cinema 4D offers a gentle curve for learning but does not cover all like Maya. The high-speed feature makes the Cinema 4D software desirable in television, advertisements, and various motion graphics. The features are:
Features:
- Extensive library of preset scenes, material, and objects
- Develop concepts without time modeling
8.Houdini
Pros:
- Time-space motion path handles
- Support import and export to a range of formats
- Robust built-in rendering solution
Developed by the Toronto-based Side Effects Software, Houdini covers every major part that a 3D animation software should do. This 3D animation maker was adapted by the PRISMS group of procedural generation software tools. Houdini’s keen focus on procedural generation differentiates it from other 3D animation creators. The features of this 3D animation software are:
Features:
- Powerful and accessible 3D animation experience
- Rigging animate characters
- Add Character FX like fur, hair, etc.
9.ZBrush
Pros:
- A fantastic selection of sculpting tools.
- Easy to handle millions of polygons.
ZBrush 4 offers a smart technique to communicate your work with a director or online. Saved camera angles can be switched using a timeline. This improves productivity or creates intricate turntable animations. Animate between morph targets and model positions to check UV maps and facial expressions. Watch your model move with ZSpheres. Layer animation can animate between textures and PolyPaint variants. Import music or use ZBrush to create a demo reel with exact animation synchronization. The timeline interface features auto magnification, jump cuts, and relaxation. The timeline features let you present your work effectively. ZBrush is a modeling and sculpting application for organic structures.
Features:
- Several things can be animated, including layers, subtool visibility, backdrop colors, poly frame display, ZSpheres, camera angles, subdivision levels, and more.
- Your mesh animation can be exported to Modo in MDD format.
- Streamlines and expedites the movement of the face.
9.MotionBuilder:
Pros:
- Develop captivating animations for the characters.
- Participate in activities that require teamwork.
- Modify the animations in an instant.
MotionBuilder is a very specialized animation software that lets you work with 3D animation. The program is only available in a paid version, and the user interface is in two languages. You can save time by using the app to apply moves that have already been used to new characters. The animations can be watched in real-time. MotionBuilder can also be used with other Autodesk programs like Maya, 3ds Max, and others.
Features:
- Move your characters in a manner that is consistent with reality.
- Easily make adjustments and adjustments to animations.
Conclusion
This is the list of the free and paid best 3D animation software. So, whenever you are confused and need any assistance regarding 3D animation software, go through this article and find the right solution. Undoubtedly, Filmora is one of the best tools for 3D animation. With a range of features like ease of interface access, preset animation effects, multiple tracks to add various videos, and more, a complete package ensures a great 3D animation software usage tool. Just a little trial and error can make you perfect.
Download Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )
Shanoon Cox
Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Shanoon Cox
Shanoon Cox
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Are you in search of some of the best 3D animation software? There are several uses of the 3D animation software creator, like creating movies, creating characters, adding voiceovers to the characters, etc.
The 3D animation maker has a great deal to explore, which is fun. If you are familiar with 2D animation editors or love animation just for fun, you can try the free 3D animation software.
Although you can find a great number of animation software in the market, we can trust only a few of them completely. In this article, you can explore the best 3D animation software, which is free, paid, and trending on the popularity charts.
Recommended 3D Animation Software - Filmora
If you want more controls on 3D animation videos, here we recommend using Filmora .
You need to build a white plane to start making 3D animation with keyframes easily. Filmora offers six different types of keyframes to let your animation become smooth and natural.
Besides, auto color correction and audio mixer will upgrade your 3D animation video to a new level. You can also apply light flares effects to make amazing 3D animation. Now, free download it to have a try!
Download Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )
Below is a comparison table where you can find the best free 3D animation makers. Some 3D animation makers are easy to use. Take a look!
| Price | OS | Pros | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blender | Free | Windows, Linux, and macOS | Best 3d animation software; Active community globally | Powerful rendering support |
| Wings 3D | Free | Windows, Linux, Unix and Mac OS X | Easy 3d animation software; Open source and completely free | Its interface is customizable |
| K-3D | Free | GNU/Linux, MacOS X, FreeBSD, Windows | Intuitive 3d animation maker; Node-based visualization pipeline. | Endless redo feature |
| Source Filmmaker | Free | Windows | Any games can be used in this animation maker | Game lovers will like it |
| Mixamo Maya | Free $225 per month $1,785 per year $5,085 every 3 years | Windows, MacOS and Linux Windows, MacOS and Linux | Vivid and high-quality animated 3D characters Time Editor to edit animation faster; You can collect motion capture data | Belong to adobe family Easy to use Motion graphics |
| Cinema 4D | $61.19 per month $734.40 per year | Windows, MacOS and Linux | Intuitive interface to make 3D animation | Fluid workflow to start editing for beginners |
| Houdini | $1,995/year | Windows, MacOs | Powerful VEX to make excellent 3D animations | Quick guide for learners |
| ZBrush MotionBuilder | $39.95 per month $2,045 per year $5,830 every 3 year | Windows Vista and MacOs Windows and Linux | Ideal for 3D amination. Adjust animation in moments . | Amazing sculpting tools. Simple to make adjustment. |
Part 1: Best Free 3D Animation Software
1. Blender
Pros:
- Both manual and auto-tracking
- Camera restoration is powerful
- Curve editor and dope sheets
- Customize layout and interface
An open-source professional, free 3D animation software, Blender is used to host various applications like visual effects, animated feature films, video games, and more. The Blender supports the entire 3D tree, including rigging, modeling, animating, simulating, compositing, rendering, and tracking motion. The features of Blender are:
Features:
- CPU, GPU, VR rendering support.
- Masking and textured brushes for 3D painting.
- Add-ons and customized tools with Python scripting
- Bridge fill, edge slide, grid, inset.
2. Wings 3D
Pros:
- Various modeling tools to make 3D effects.
- Completely free for use for commercial usage.
- Include a forum to communicate with users.
An easy-to-use, unconventional sector modeler, Wings 3D is a powerful 3D animation software. Whether you are a commercial 3D animation creator or a non-professional, Wings 3D is a free and open-source 3D animation software. The features of Winds 3D include:
Features:
- Customized interface.
- Support for materials and lights.
- Built-in AutoUV mapping facility
3.K-3D
Pros:
- Intuitive interface to make 3D effects
- Can always go back to undo operations
- Free-to-use
One of the best 3D animation software is K-3D. K-3D features a procedural engine plugin for its content. It is a free 3D animation software that supports polygonal modeling. A visual pipeline architecture combines the flexible plugins that make the K-3D software a powerful and versatile tool. The features include:
Features:
- Consistent and intuitive.
- Consist of basic tools for animation, patches, curves, and NURVS.
- Parametric workflow.
- It can be run on Windows, macOS X, Linux, and FreeBSD.
4.Source Filmmaker
Pros :
- The virtual movie set with lights, actors, props, and cameras.
- Create your movies and add features as per your requirement.
- Manages the entire workflow needed to make a movie into one single system.
This 3D animation software lets you make a movie inside the game engine Source. Wondering how? It is because whatever assets are present in the game, the Source Filmmaker uses them. So, the game’s assets are used by SFM in the film and vice versa. The features of this movie-making tool include:
Features:
- Renders power of a modern gaming PC.
- Whatever you see in the game is what you get in the movie.
- Completely free to download
5**_._**Mixamo
Pros:
- Download multiple animations at one go.
- Fast character and animation browsing.
With a straightforward and faster workflow, the Mixamo 3D software’s newest user experience and interface make it too easy to instantly find, create, organize, and share assets and animation. The features of this 3D animation software include:
Features:
- User experience is streamlined.
- Fully customizable animation packs.
- The faster and more accurate search function.
Part 2: Best Paid 3D Animation Software
6**_._**Maya
Pros:
- Perfect accuracy and control.
- Create flying logos, title sequences, branding, etc.
- Higher performance in a high fidelity environment
If you want to create or develop games, 3D scenes, movies, or characters, Maya is one of the best 3D animation software tools available. Although a paid software, Maya 3D animation creator does complete justice to its various coloring, animating, and modeling features.
Maya LT - Create 3D characters and environments for your indie game with a more cost-effective tool based on production-proven 3D products. Buy now! The features are:
Features:
- 30 days of a free trial
- Uncomplicated software
- Create complex technical effects
- High-level animation edits
7**_._**Cinema 4D
Pros:
- Dissect complete scenes
- Customized with a huge range of assets
A faster 3D animation software tool than Maya, Cinema 4D offers a gentle curve for learning but does not cover all like Maya. The high-speed feature makes the Cinema 4D software desirable in television, advertisements, and various motion graphics. The features are:
Features:
- Extensive library of preset scenes, material, and objects
- Develop concepts without time modeling
8.Houdini
Pros:
- Time-space motion path handles
- Support import and export to a range of formats
- Robust built-in rendering solution
Developed by the Toronto-based Side Effects Software, Houdini covers every major part that a 3D animation software should do. This 3D animation maker was adapted by the PRISMS group of procedural generation software tools. Houdini’s keen focus on procedural generation differentiates it from other 3D animation creators. The features of this 3D animation software are:
Features:
- Powerful and accessible 3D animation experience
- Rigging animate characters
- Add Character FX like fur, hair, etc.
9.ZBrush
Pros:
- A fantastic selection of sculpting tools.
- Easy to handle millions of polygons.
ZBrush 4 offers a smart technique to communicate your work with a director or online. Saved camera angles can be switched using a timeline. This improves productivity or creates intricate turntable animations. Animate between morph targets and model positions to check UV maps and facial expressions. Watch your model move with ZSpheres. Layer animation can animate between textures and PolyPaint variants. Import music or use ZBrush to create a demo reel with exact animation synchronization. The timeline interface features auto magnification, jump cuts, and relaxation. The timeline features let you present your work effectively. ZBrush is a modeling and sculpting application for organic structures.
Features:
- Several things can be animated, including layers, subtool visibility, backdrop colors, poly frame display, ZSpheres, camera angles, subdivision levels, and more.
- Your mesh animation can be exported to Modo in MDD format.
- Streamlines and expedites the movement of the face.
9.MotionBuilder:
Pros:
- Develop captivating animations for the characters.
- Participate in activities that require teamwork.
- Modify the animations in an instant.
MotionBuilder is a very specialized animation software that lets you work with 3D animation. The program is only available in a paid version, and the user interface is in two languages. You can save time by using the app to apply moves that have already been used to new characters. The animations can be watched in real-time. MotionBuilder can also be used with other Autodesk programs like Maya, 3ds Max, and others.
Features:
- Move your characters in a manner that is consistent with reality.
- Easily make adjustments and adjustments to animations.
Conclusion
This is the list of the free and paid best 3D animation software. So, whenever you are confused and need any assistance regarding 3D animation software, go through this article and find the right solution. Undoubtedly, Filmora is one of the best tools for 3D animation. With a range of features like ease of interface access, preset animation effects, multiple tracks to add various videos, and more, a complete package ensures a great 3D animation software usage tool. Just a little trial and error can make you perfect.
Download Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )
Shanoon Cox
Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Shanoon Cox
Shanoon Cox
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Are you in search of some of the best 3D animation software? There are several uses of the 3D animation software creator, like creating movies, creating characters, adding voiceovers to the characters, etc.
The 3D animation maker has a great deal to explore, which is fun. If you are familiar with 2D animation editors or love animation just for fun, you can try the free 3D animation software.
Although you can find a great number of animation software in the market, we can trust only a few of them completely. In this article, you can explore the best 3D animation software, which is free, paid, and trending on the popularity charts.
Recommended 3D Animation Software - Filmora
If you want more controls on 3D animation videos, here we recommend using Filmora .
You need to build a white plane to start making 3D animation with keyframes easily. Filmora offers six different types of keyframes to let your animation become smooth and natural.
Besides, auto color correction and audio mixer will upgrade your 3D animation video to a new level. You can also apply light flares effects to make amazing 3D animation. Now, free download it to have a try!
Download Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )
Below is a comparison table where you can find the best free 3D animation makers. Some 3D animation makers are easy to use. Take a look!
| Price | OS | Pros | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blender | Free | Windows, Linux, and macOS | Best 3d animation software; Active community globally | Powerful rendering support |
| Wings 3D | Free | Windows, Linux, Unix and Mac OS X | Easy 3d animation software; Open source and completely free | Its interface is customizable |
| K-3D | Free | GNU/Linux, MacOS X, FreeBSD, Windows | Intuitive 3d animation maker; Node-based visualization pipeline. | Endless redo feature |
| Source Filmmaker | Free | Windows | Any games can be used in this animation maker | Game lovers will like it |
| Mixamo Maya | Free $225 per month $1,785 per year $5,085 every 3 years | Windows, MacOS and Linux Windows, MacOS and Linux | Vivid and high-quality animated 3D characters Time Editor to edit animation faster; You can collect motion capture data | Belong to adobe family Easy to use Motion graphics |
| Cinema 4D | $61.19 per month $734.40 per year | Windows, MacOS and Linux | Intuitive interface to make 3D animation | Fluid workflow to start editing for beginners |
| Houdini | $1,995/year | Windows, MacOs | Powerful VEX to make excellent 3D animations | Quick guide for learners |
| ZBrush MotionBuilder | $39.95 per month $2,045 per year $5,830 every 3 year | Windows Vista and MacOs Windows and Linux | Ideal for 3D amination. Adjust animation in moments . | Amazing sculpting tools. Simple to make adjustment. |
Part 1: Best Free 3D Animation Software
1. Blender
Pros:
- Both manual and auto-tracking
- Camera restoration is powerful
- Curve editor and dope sheets
- Customize layout and interface
An open-source professional, free 3D animation software, Blender is used to host various applications like visual effects, animated feature films, video games, and more. The Blender supports the entire 3D tree, including rigging, modeling, animating, simulating, compositing, rendering, and tracking motion. The features of Blender are:
Features:
- CPU, GPU, VR rendering support.
- Masking and textured brushes for 3D painting.
- Add-ons and customized tools with Python scripting
- Bridge fill, edge slide, grid, inset.
2. Wings 3D
Pros:
- Various modeling tools to make 3D effects.
- Completely free for use for commercial usage.
- Include a forum to communicate with users.
An easy-to-use, unconventional sector modeler, Wings 3D is a powerful 3D animation software. Whether you are a commercial 3D animation creator or a non-professional, Wings 3D is a free and open-source 3D animation software. The features of Winds 3D include:
Features:
- Customized interface.
- Support for materials and lights.
- Built-in AutoUV mapping facility
3.K-3D
Pros:
- Intuitive interface to make 3D effects
- Can always go back to undo operations
- Free-to-use
One of the best 3D animation software is K-3D. K-3D features a procedural engine plugin for its content. It is a free 3D animation software that supports polygonal modeling. A visual pipeline architecture combines the flexible plugins that make the K-3D software a powerful and versatile tool. The features include:
Features:
- Consistent and intuitive.
- Consist of basic tools for animation, patches, curves, and NURVS.
- Parametric workflow.
- It can be run on Windows, macOS X, Linux, and FreeBSD.
4.Source Filmmaker
Pros :
- The virtual movie set with lights, actors, props, and cameras.
- Create your movies and add features as per your requirement.
- Manages the entire workflow needed to make a movie into one single system.
This 3D animation software lets you make a movie inside the game engine Source. Wondering how? It is because whatever assets are present in the game, the Source Filmmaker uses them. So, the game’s assets are used by SFM in the film and vice versa. The features of this movie-making tool include:
Features:
- Renders power of a modern gaming PC.
- Whatever you see in the game is what you get in the movie.
- Completely free to download
5**_._**Mixamo
Pros:
- Download multiple animations at one go.
- Fast character and animation browsing.
With a straightforward and faster workflow, the Mixamo 3D software’s newest user experience and interface make it too easy to instantly find, create, organize, and share assets and animation. The features of this 3D animation software include:
Features:
- User experience is streamlined.
- Fully customizable animation packs.
- The faster and more accurate search function.
Part 2: Best Paid 3D Animation Software
6**_._**Maya
Pros:
- Perfect accuracy and control.
- Create flying logos, title sequences, branding, etc.
- Higher performance in a high fidelity environment
If you want to create or develop games, 3D scenes, movies, or characters, Maya is one of the best 3D animation software tools available. Although a paid software, Maya 3D animation creator does complete justice to its various coloring, animating, and modeling features.
Maya LT - Create 3D characters and environments for your indie game with a more cost-effective tool based on production-proven 3D products. Buy now! The features are:
Features:
- 30 days of a free trial
- Uncomplicated software
- Create complex technical effects
- High-level animation edits
7**_._**Cinema 4D
Pros:
- Dissect complete scenes
- Customized with a huge range of assets
A faster 3D animation software tool than Maya, Cinema 4D offers a gentle curve for learning but does not cover all like Maya. The high-speed feature makes the Cinema 4D software desirable in television, advertisements, and various motion graphics. The features are:
Features:
- Extensive library of preset scenes, material, and objects
- Develop concepts without time modeling
8.Houdini
Pros:
- Time-space motion path handles
- Support import and export to a range of formats
- Robust built-in rendering solution
Developed by the Toronto-based Side Effects Software, Houdini covers every major part that a 3D animation software should do. This 3D animation maker was adapted by the PRISMS group of procedural generation software tools. Houdini’s keen focus on procedural generation differentiates it from other 3D animation creators. The features of this 3D animation software are:
Features:
- Powerful and accessible 3D animation experience
- Rigging animate characters
- Add Character FX like fur, hair, etc.
9.ZBrush
Pros:
- A fantastic selection of sculpting tools.
- Easy to handle millions of polygons.
ZBrush 4 offers a smart technique to communicate your work with a director or online. Saved camera angles can be switched using a timeline. This improves productivity or creates intricate turntable animations. Animate between morph targets and model positions to check UV maps and facial expressions. Watch your model move with ZSpheres. Layer animation can animate between textures and PolyPaint variants. Import music or use ZBrush to create a demo reel with exact animation synchronization. The timeline interface features auto magnification, jump cuts, and relaxation. The timeline features let you present your work effectively. ZBrush is a modeling and sculpting application for organic structures.
Features:
- Several things can be animated, including layers, subtool visibility, backdrop colors, poly frame display, ZSpheres, camera angles, subdivision levels, and more.
- Your mesh animation can be exported to Modo in MDD format.
- Streamlines and expedites the movement of the face.
9.MotionBuilder:
Pros:
- Develop captivating animations for the characters.
- Participate in activities that require teamwork.
- Modify the animations in an instant.
MotionBuilder is a very specialized animation software that lets you work with 3D animation. The program is only available in a paid version, and the user interface is in two languages. You can save time by using the app to apply moves that have already been used to new characters. The animations can be watched in real-time. MotionBuilder can also be used with other Autodesk programs like Maya, 3ds Max, and others.
Features:
- Move your characters in a manner that is consistent with reality.
- Easily make adjustments and adjustments to animations.
Conclusion
This is the list of the free and paid best 3D animation software. So, whenever you are confused and need any assistance regarding 3D animation software, go through this article and find the right solution. Undoubtedly, Filmora is one of the best tools for 3D animation. With a range of features like ease of interface access, preset animation effects, multiple tracks to add various videos, and more, a complete package ensures a great 3D animation software usage tool. Just a little trial and error can make you perfect.
Download Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )
Shanoon Cox
Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Shanoon Cox
Shanoon Cox
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Are you in search of some of the best 3D animation software? There are several uses of the 3D animation software creator, like creating movies, creating characters, adding voiceovers to the characters, etc.
The 3D animation maker has a great deal to explore, which is fun. If you are familiar with 2D animation editors or love animation just for fun, you can try the free 3D animation software.
Although you can find a great number of animation software in the market, we can trust only a few of them completely. In this article, you can explore the best 3D animation software, which is free, paid, and trending on the popularity charts.
Recommended 3D Animation Software - Filmora
If you want more controls on 3D animation videos, here we recommend using Filmora .
You need to build a white plane to start making 3D animation with keyframes easily. Filmora offers six different types of keyframes to let your animation become smooth and natural.
Besides, auto color correction and audio mixer will upgrade your 3D animation video to a new level. You can also apply light flares effects to make amazing 3D animation. Now, free download it to have a try!
Download Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )
Below is a comparison table where you can find the best free 3D animation makers. Some 3D animation makers are easy to use. Take a look!
| Price | OS | Pros | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blender | Free | Windows, Linux, and macOS | Best 3d animation software; Active community globally | Powerful rendering support |
| Wings 3D | Free | Windows, Linux, Unix and Mac OS X | Easy 3d animation software; Open source and completely free | Its interface is customizable |
| K-3D | Free | GNU/Linux, MacOS X, FreeBSD, Windows | Intuitive 3d animation maker; Node-based visualization pipeline. | Endless redo feature |
| Source Filmmaker | Free | Windows | Any games can be used in this animation maker | Game lovers will like it |
| Mixamo Maya | Free $225 per month $1,785 per year $5,085 every 3 years | Windows, MacOS and Linux Windows, MacOS and Linux | Vivid and high-quality animated 3D characters Time Editor to edit animation faster; You can collect motion capture data | Belong to adobe family Easy to use Motion graphics |
| Cinema 4D | $61.19 per month $734.40 per year | Windows, MacOS and Linux | Intuitive interface to make 3D animation | Fluid workflow to start editing for beginners |
| Houdini | $1,995/year | Windows, MacOs | Powerful VEX to make excellent 3D animations | Quick guide for learners |
| ZBrush MotionBuilder | $39.95 per month $2,045 per year $5,830 every 3 year | Windows Vista and MacOs Windows and Linux | Ideal for 3D amination. Adjust animation in moments . | Amazing sculpting tools. Simple to make adjustment. |
Part 1: Best Free 3D Animation Software
1. Blender
Pros:
- Both manual and auto-tracking
- Camera restoration is powerful
- Curve editor and dope sheets
- Customize layout and interface
An open-source professional, free 3D animation software, Blender is used to host various applications like visual effects, animated feature films, video games, and more. The Blender supports the entire 3D tree, including rigging, modeling, animating, simulating, compositing, rendering, and tracking motion. The features of Blender are:
Features:
- CPU, GPU, VR rendering support.
- Masking and textured brushes for 3D painting.
- Add-ons and customized tools with Python scripting
- Bridge fill, edge slide, grid, inset.
2. Wings 3D
Pros:
- Various modeling tools to make 3D effects.
- Completely free for use for commercial usage.
- Include a forum to communicate with users.
An easy-to-use, unconventional sector modeler, Wings 3D is a powerful 3D animation software. Whether you are a commercial 3D animation creator or a non-professional, Wings 3D is a free and open-source 3D animation software. The features of Winds 3D include:
Features:
- Customized interface.
- Support for materials and lights.
- Built-in AutoUV mapping facility
3.K-3D
Pros:
- Intuitive interface to make 3D effects
- Can always go back to undo operations
- Free-to-use
One of the best 3D animation software is K-3D. K-3D features a procedural engine plugin for its content. It is a free 3D animation software that supports polygonal modeling. A visual pipeline architecture combines the flexible plugins that make the K-3D software a powerful and versatile tool. The features include:
Features:
- Consistent and intuitive.
- Consist of basic tools for animation, patches, curves, and NURVS.
- Parametric workflow.
- It can be run on Windows, macOS X, Linux, and FreeBSD.
4.Source Filmmaker
Pros :
- The virtual movie set with lights, actors, props, and cameras.
- Create your movies and add features as per your requirement.
- Manages the entire workflow needed to make a movie into one single system.
This 3D animation software lets you make a movie inside the game engine Source. Wondering how? It is because whatever assets are present in the game, the Source Filmmaker uses them. So, the game’s assets are used by SFM in the film and vice versa. The features of this movie-making tool include:
Features:
- Renders power of a modern gaming PC.
- Whatever you see in the game is what you get in the movie.
- Completely free to download
5**_._**Mixamo
Pros:
- Download multiple animations at one go.
- Fast character and animation browsing.
With a straightforward and faster workflow, the Mixamo 3D software’s newest user experience and interface make it too easy to instantly find, create, organize, and share assets and animation. The features of this 3D animation software include:
Features:
- User experience is streamlined.
- Fully customizable animation packs.
- The faster and more accurate search function.
Part 2: Best Paid 3D Animation Software
6**_._**Maya
Pros:
- Perfect accuracy and control.
- Create flying logos, title sequences, branding, etc.
- Higher performance in a high fidelity environment
If you want to create or develop games, 3D scenes, movies, or characters, Maya is one of the best 3D animation software tools available. Although a paid software, Maya 3D animation creator does complete justice to its various coloring, animating, and modeling features.
Maya LT - Create 3D characters and environments for your indie game with a more cost-effective tool based on production-proven 3D products. Buy now! The features are:
Features:
- 30 days of a free trial
- Uncomplicated software
- Create complex technical effects
- High-level animation edits
7**_._**Cinema 4D
Pros:
- Dissect complete scenes
- Customized with a huge range of assets
A faster 3D animation software tool than Maya, Cinema 4D offers a gentle curve for learning but does not cover all like Maya. The high-speed feature makes the Cinema 4D software desirable in television, advertisements, and various motion graphics. The features are:
Features:
- Extensive library of preset scenes, material, and objects
- Develop concepts without time modeling
8.Houdini
Pros:
- Time-space motion path handles
- Support import and export to a range of formats
- Robust built-in rendering solution
Developed by the Toronto-based Side Effects Software, Houdini covers every major part that a 3D animation software should do. This 3D animation maker was adapted by the PRISMS group of procedural generation software tools. Houdini’s keen focus on procedural generation differentiates it from other 3D animation creators. The features of this 3D animation software are:
Features:
- Powerful and accessible 3D animation experience
- Rigging animate characters
- Add Character FX like fur, hair, etc.
9.ZBrush
Pros:
- A fantastic selection of sculpting tools.
- Easy to handle millions of polygons.
ZBrush 4 offers a smart technique to communicate your work with a director or online. Saved camera angles can be switched using a timeline. This improves productivity or creates intricate turntable animations. Animate between morph targets and model positions to check UV maps and facial expressions. Watch your model move with ZSpheres. Layer animation can animate between textures and PolyPaint variants. Import music or use ZBrush to create a demo reel with exact animation synchronization. The timeline interface features auto magnification, jump cuts, and relaxation. The timeline features let you present your work effectively. ZBrush is a modeling and sculpting application for organic structures.
Features:
- Several things can be animated, including layers, subtool visibility, backdrop colors, poly frame display, ZSpheres, camera angles, subdivision levels, and more.
- Your mesh animation can be exported to Modo in MDD format.
- Streamlines and expedites the movement of the face.
9.MotionBuilder:
Pros:
- Develop captivating animations for the characters.
- Participate in activities that require teamwork.
- Modify the animations in an instant.
MotionBuilder is a very specialized animation software that lets you work with 3D animation. The program is only available in a paid version, and the user interface is in two languages. You can save time by using the app to apply moves that have already been used to new characters. The animations can be watched in real-time. MotionBuilder can also be used with other Autodesk programs like Maya, 3ds Max, and others.
Features:
- Move your characters in a manner that is consistent with reality.
- Easily make adjustments and adjustments to animations.
Conclusion
This is the list of the free and paid best 3D animation software. So, whenever you are confused and need any assistance regarding 3D animation software, go through this article and find the right solution. Undoubtedly, Filmora is one of the best tools for 3D animation. With a range of features like ease of interface access, preset animation effects, multiple tracks to add various videos, and more, a complete package ensures a great 3D animation software usage tool. Just a little trial and error can make you perfect.
Download Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )
Shanoon Cox
Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Shanoon Cox
FCP X Visual Effects: Green Screen and Beyond
FCP X: Create a Chroma-Key (Green-screen) Effect
Benjamin Arango
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Chroma-key (also called “green screen”) effects are a staple in video production. What FCP X effect does is allow you to make the background behind an actor transparent so you can place the actor into a different environment than a studio.
This is a basic tutorial about Apple Final Cut Pro X, professional video editing software. However, if video editing is new to you, consider Wondershare Filmora for Mac . This is a powerful but easy-to-use tool for users just starting out. Download the free trial version below.
Download Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )
Getting Started
First, the best thing you can do to improve the quality of your keys is to improve how you shoot them. Here are seven basic production rules:
- Actors should be at least 10 feet in front of the green screen. This avoids light from the background “spilling” around their body or shoulders.
- In general, don’t cast shadows on the green screen. Be very careful shooting feet.
- The green background should be as smooth as possible. Paint is always better than fabric; avoid wrinkles and folds.
- The green background should be lit smoothly, both from side to side and top to bottom. I try to have the green background display between 40-50% level on the waveform monitor.
- There is NO relationship between how the background is lit and how your actors are lit. This article will illustrate that.
- Light your background for smoothness. Light your actors for drama.
- Don’t worry about having the green background fill the frame. It only needs to completely surround the edges of your actors. Garbage mattes are used to get rid of junk around the edges.
Setting up the Key
The green screen image is always placed above the background. You can place either the green screen or background image into the Primary Storyline. I find it easier to put the background in the Primary Storyline, because it makes editing the green screen image easier. But this is purely personal choice.
Step 1: Select the green screen clip
From the Effects Browser > Keying category, double-click the Keyer effect, which applies it to the selected clip. (You can also drag the effect on top of the clip, if you forgot to select the green-screen clip first.)
Don’t panic if your image looks weird – we will fix it.
Click the Sample Color icon. This allows fine-tuning the selection of the background color.
In the green-screen image, drag to select a representative section of the background. I try to get close to the face, but not so close that I accidentally select loose hair or skin.
Your key should look better immediately. Most of the time, you can probably stop here. But there are three other adjustments that can make your key look even better:
- Cleaning up the matte
- Edge adjustments
- Light wrap
Click the Matte button to display your key as a white foreground on a black background.
Your goal is the make the foreground solid white, which means opaque, and the background solid black, which means transparent. Adjust the Fill Holes and Edge Distance sliders until your key looks solid. (For REALLY bad keys, you’ll need to also adjust Color Selection, mentioned below.)
If an edge is too pronounced, or needs help, click the Edges icon.
Step 2: Tweaks Video
Then, click and drag a line from the foreground to the background in the Canvas. Drag the midpoint slider (where my cursor is) until the edge looks the best it can. Different video formats make this easy (ProRes), while others (HDV, avchd) make this much harder. Perfection is impossible – do the best you can.
Final Cut provides four additional tweaks at the bottom of the keyer filter:
- Color Selection
- Matte Tools
- Spill Suppression
- Light Wrap
The first three are designed to clean up poorly shot keys – read the FCP X Help files to learn how these work. (I used the Color Selection tools to clean up the very dark key I use an example later in this article.)
Light wrap, though, is aesthetic. What it does is blend colors from the background into the edges of the foreground, to make the entire key look more “organic,” as if the foreground and background were actually in the same space.
This is a subtle effect, but very cool.
Twirl down Light Wrap and adjust the Amount slider and watch what happens. Drag the other sliders around and see what happens. The nice thing about this setting is that when it looks good to you, it is good. The amount of the effect is totally up to you. Remember, Light Wrap only affects the edges of the foreground and should be used subtly.
When you are done, you have a great looking key!
Clean up the Image with a Garbage Mask
Sometimes, however, you don’t have, ah, perhaps, the best green-screen image to work with. Here, for example, there are lighting instruments in the foreground, with a very inadequately lit green screen in the background. (Sigh… this is just pitiful.)
Once you pull the key – which is film-speak for creating a green-screen shot, as I described above – and get it looking as good as possible, there’s one more step: adding a garbage matte to get rid of all the garbage surrounding your actors.
Once you get your key looking as good as you can – which in this case isn’t all that good – drag the Mask effect (Effects > Keying > Mask) on top of the green-screen clip.
NOTE: The Mask effect should always be added after the Keying effect, so that the Mask is below the Keyer in the Inspector.
Then, drag each of the four circles to create a shape such that your foreground image is contained inside it, and everything you want to exclude is outside. Here, for instance, we removed the light stand, the edge of the green background and the tearing at the top of the image. I’ve found this Mask effect works best when applied to a connected clip.
However, the big limitation of the Mask effect is that you only have four points to work with. That’s where a free effect comes in, which allows you to create far more flexible shapes with it. It’s written by Alex Gollner and is available on his website – alex4d.wordpress.com/fcpx/ – I recommend his effects highly.
How to Create a Chroma-Key in easier ways?
Chroma-key, or green screen, is an essential part of every editor to make all kinds of effects. Is there any way to make this sophisticated procedure easier way? Yes, try Filmora.
In version 10.5 for Mac, Filmora added a new feature: AI portrait. It allows you to do a green screen effect with just one click.
By adopting AI portrait, you can add those stunning effects in simple steps: How to Remove or Change Video Background in One Step?
Or: How to Add a Shake Effect to your Videos?
Conclusion
The chroma-key filter in FCP X allows us to create some amazing effects. If you want to use green screen effects more easily, here is Filmora for you. You can appaly Chroma-Key effects with just a few click. Have fun playing with it.
Download Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )
Benjamin Arango
Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Benjamin Arango
Benjamin Arango
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Chroma-key (also called “green screen”) effects are a staple in video production. What FCP X effect does is allow you to make the background behind an actor transparent so you can place the actor into a different environment than a studio.
This is a basic tutorial about Apple Final Cut Pro X, professional video editing software. However, if video editing is new to you, consider Wondershare Filmora for Mac . This is a powerful but easy-to-use tool for users just starting out. Download the free trial version below.
Download Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )
Getting Started
First, the best thing you can do to improve the quality of your keys is to improve how you shoot them. Here are seven basic production rules:
- Actors should be at least 10 feet in front of the green screen. This avoids light from the background “spilling” around their body or shoulders.
- In general, don’t cast shadows on the green screen. Be very careful shooting feet.
- The green background should be as smooth as possible. Paint is always better than fabric; avoid wrinkles and folds.
- The green background should be lit smoothly, both from side to side and top to bottom. I try to have the green background display between 40-50% level on the waveform monitor.
- There is NO relationship between how the background is lit and how your actors are lit. This article will illustrate that.
- Light your background for smoothness. Light your actors for drama.
- Don’t worry about having the green background fill the frame. It only needs to completely surround the edges of your actors. Garbage mattes are used to get rid of junk around the edges.
Setting up the Key
The green screen image is always placed above the background. You can place either the green screen or background image into the Primary Storyline. I find it easier to put the background in the Primary Storyline, because it makes editing the green screen image easier. But this is purely personal choice.
Step 1: Select the green screen clip
From the Effects Browser > Keying category, double-click the Keyer effect, which applies it to the selected clip. (You can also drag the effect on top of the clip, if you forgot to select the green-screen clip first.)
Don’t panic if your image looks weird – we will fix it.
Click the Sample Color icon. This allows fine-tuning the selection of the background color.
In the green-screen image, drag to select a representative section of the background. I try to get close to the face, but not so close that I accidentally select loose hair or skin.
Your key should look better immediately. Most of the time, you can probably stop here. But there are three other adjustments that can make your key look even better:
- Cleaning up the matte
- Edge adjustments
- Light wrap
Click the Matte button to display your key as a white foreground on a black background.
Your goal is the make the foreground solid white, which means opaque, and the background solid black, which means transparent. Adjust the Fill Holes and Edge Distance sliders until your key looks solid. (For REALLY bad keys, you’ll need to also adjust Color Selection, mentioned below.)
If an edge is too pronounced, or needs help, click the Edges icon.
Step 2: Tweaks Video
Then, click and drag a line from the foreground to the background in the Canvas. Drag the midpoint slider (where my cursor is) until the edge looks the best it can. Different video formats make this easy (ProRes), while others (HDV, avchd) make this much harder. Perfection is impossible – do the best you can.
Final Cut provides four additional tweaks at the bottom of the keyer filter:
- Color Selection
- Matte Tools
- Spill Suppression
- Light Wrap
The first three are designed to clean up poorly shot keys – read the FCP X Help files to learn how these work. (I used the Color Selection tools to clean up the very dark key I use an example later in this article.)
Light wrap, though, is aesthetic. What it does is blend colors from the background into the edges of the foreground, to make the entire key look more “organic,” as if the foreground and background were actually in the same space.
This is a subtle effect, but very cool.
Twirl down Light Wrap and adjust the Amount slider and watch what happens. Drag the other sliders around and see what happens. The nice thing about this setting is that when it looks good to you, it is good. The amount of the effect is totally up to you. Remember, Light Wrap only affects the edges of the foreground and should be used subtly.
When you are done, you have a great looking key!
Clean up the Image with a Garbage Mask
Sometimes, however, you don’t have, ah, perhaps, the best green-screen image to work with. Here, for example, there are lighting instruments in the foreground, with a very inadequately lit green screen in the background. (Sigh… this is just pitiful.)
Once you pull the key – which is film-speak for creating a green-screen shot, as I described above – and get it looking as good as possible, there’s one more step: adding a garbage matte to get rid of all the garbage surrounding your actors.
Once you get your key looking as good as you can – which in this case isn’t all that good – drag the Mask effect (Effects > Keying > Mask) on top of the green-screen clip.
NOTE: The Mask effect should always be added after the Keying effect, so that the Mask is below the Keyer in the Inspector.
Then, drag each of the four circles to create a shape such that your foreground image is contained inside it, and everything you want to exclude is outside. Here, for instance, we removed the light stand, the edge of the green background and the tearing at the top of the image. I’ve found this Mask effect works best when applied to a connected clip.
However, the big limitation of the Mask effect is that you only have four points to work with. That’s where a free effect comes in, which allows you to create far more flexible shapes with it. It’s written by Alex Gollner and is available on his website – alex4d.wordpress.com/fcpx/ – I recommend his effects highly.
How to Create a Chroma-Key in easier ways?
Chroma-key, or green screen, is an essential part of every editor to make all kinds of effects. Is there any way to make this sophisticated procedure easier way? Yes, try Filmora.
In version 10.5 for Mac, Filmora added a new feature: AI portrait. It allows you to do a green screen effect with just one click.
By adopting AI portrait, you can add those stunning effects in simple steps: How to Remove or Change Video Background in One Step?
Or: How to Add a Shake Effect to your Videos?
Conclusion
The chroma-key filter in FCP X allows us to create some amazing effects. If you want to use green screen effects more easily, here is Filmora for you. You can appaly Chroma-Key effects with just a few click. Have fun playing with it.
Download Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )
Benjamin Arango
Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Benjamin Arango
Benjamin Arango
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Chroma-key (also called “green screen”) effects are a staple in video production. What FCP X effect does is allow you to make the background behind an actor transparent so you can place the actor into a different environment than a studio.
This is a basic tutorial about Apple Final Cut Pro X, professional video editing software. However, if video editing is new to you, consider Wondershare Filmora for Mac . This is a powerful but easy-to-use tool for users just starting out. Download the free trial version below.
Download Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )
Getting Started
First, the best thing you can do to improve the quality of your keys is to improve how you shoot them. Here are seven basic production rules:
- Actors should be at least 10 feet in front of the green screen. This avoids light from the background “spilling” around their body or shoulders.
- In general, don’t cast shadows on the green screen. Be very careful shooting feet.
- The green background should be as smooth as possible. Paint is always better than fabric; avoid wrinkles and folds.
- The green background should be lit smoothly, both from side to side and top to bottom. I try to have the green background display between 40-50% level on the waveform monitor.
- There is NO relationship between how the background is lit and how your actors are lit. This article will illustrate that.
- Light your background for smoothness. Light your actors for drama.
- Don’t worry about having the green background fill the frame. It only needs to completely surround the edges of your actors. Garbage mattes are used to get rid of junk around the edges.
Setting up the Key
The green screen image is always placed above the background. You can place either the green screen or background image into the Primary Storyline. I find it easier to put the background in the Primary Storyline, because it makes editing the green screen image easier. But this is purely personal choice.
Step 1: Select the green screen clip
From the Effects Browser > Keying category, double-click the Keyer effect, which applies it to the selected clip. (You can also drag the effect on top of the clip, if you forgot to select the green-screen clip first.)
Don’t panic if your image looks weird – we will fix it.
Click the Sample Color icon. This allows fine-tuning the selection of the background color.
In the green-screen image, drag to select a representative section of the background. I try to get close to the face, but not so close that I accidentally select loose hair or skin.
Your key should look better immediately. Most of the time, you can probably stop here. But there are three other adjustments that can make your key look even better:
- Cleaning up the matte
- Edge adjustments
- Light wrap
Click the Matte button to display your key as a white foreground on a black background.
Your goal is the make the foreground solid white, which means opaque, and the background solid black, which means transparent. Adjust the Fill Holes and Edge Distance sliders until your key looks solid. (For REALLY bad keys, you’ll need to also adjust Color Selection, mentioned below.)
If an edge is too pronounced, or needs help, click the Edges icon.
Step 2: Tweaks Video
Then, click and drag a line from the foreground to the background in the Canvas. Drag the midpoint slider (where my cursor is) until the edge looks the best it can. Different video formats make this easy (ProRes), while others (HDV, avchd) make this much harder. Perfection is impossible – do the best you can.
Final Cut provides four additional tweaks at the bottom of the keyer filter:
- Color Selection
- Matte Tools
- Spill Suppression
- Light Wrap
The first three are designed to clean up poorly shot keys – read the FCP X Help files to learn how these work. (I used the Color Selection tools to clean up the very dark key I use an example later in this article.)
Light wrap, though, is aesthetic. What it does is blend colors from the background into the edges of the foreground, to make the entire key look more “organic,” as if the foreground and background were actually in the same space.
This is a subtle effect, but very cool.
Twirl down Light Wrap and adjust the Amount slider and watch what happens. Drag the other sliders around and see what happens. The nice thing about this setting is that when it looks good to you, it is good. The amount of the effect is totally up to you. Remember, Light Wrap only affects the edges of the foreground and should be used subtly.
When you are done, you have a great looking key!
Clean up the Image with a Garbage Mask
Sometimes, however, you don’t have, ah, perhaps, the best green-screen image to work with. Here, for example, there are lighting instruments in the foreground, with a very inadequately lit green screen in the background. (Sigh… this is just pitiful.)
Once you pull the key – which is film-speak for creating a green-screen shot, as I described above – and get it looking as good as possible, there’s one more step: adding a garbage matte to get rid of all the garbage surrounding your actors.
Once you get your key looking as good as you can – which in this case isn’t all that good – drag the Mask effect (Effects > Keying > Mask) on top of the green-screen clip.
NOTE: The Mask effect should always be added after the Keying effect, so that the Mask is below the Keyer in the Inspector.
Then, drag each of the four circles to create a shape such that your foreground image is contained inside it, and everything you want to exclude is outside. Here, for instance, we removed the light stand, the edge of the green background and the tearing at the top of the image. I’ve found this Mask effect works best when applied to a connected clip.
However, the big limitation of the Mask effect is that you only have four points to work with. That’s where a free effect comes in, which allows you to create far more flexible shapes with it. It’s written by Alex Gollner and is available on his website – alex4d.wordpress.com/fcpx/ – I recommend his effects highly.
How to Create a Chroma-Key in easier ways?
Chroma-key, or green screen, is an essential part of every editor to make all kinds of effects. Is there any way to make this sophisticated procedure easier way? Yes, try Filmora.
In version 10.5 for Mac, Filmora added a new feature: AI portrait. It allows you to do a green screen effect with just one click.
By adopting AI portrait, you can add those stunning effects in simple steps: How to Remove or Change Video Background in One Step?
Or: How to Add a Shake Effect to your Videos?
Conclusion
The chroma-key filter in FCP X allows us to create some amazing effects. If you want to use green screen effects more easily, here is Filmora for you. You can appaly Chroma-Key effects with just a few click. Have fun playing with it.
Download Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )
Benjamin Arango
Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Benjamin Arango
Benjamin Arango
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Chroma-key (also called “green screen”) effects are a staple in video production. What FCP X effect does is allow you to make the background behind an actor transparent so you can place the actor into a different environment than a studio.
This is a basic tutorial about Apple Final Cut Pro X, professional video editing software. However, if video editing is new to you, consider Wondershare Filmora for Mac . This is a powerful but easy-to-use tool for users just starting out. Download the free trial version below.
Download Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )
Getting Started
First, the best thing you can do to improve the quality of your keys is to improve how you shoot them. Here are seven basic production rules:
- Actors should be at least 10 feet in front of the green screen. This avoids light from the background “spilling” around their body or shoulders.
- In general, don’t cast shadows on the green screen. Be very careful shooting feet.
- The green background should be as smooth as possible. Paint is always better than fabric; avoid wrinkles and folds.
- The green background should be lit smoothly, both from side to side and top to bottom. I try to have the green background display between 40-50% level on the waveform monitor.
- There is NO relationship between how the background is lit and how your actors are lit. This article will illustrate that.
- Light your background for smoothness. Light your actors for drama.
- Don’t worry about having the green background fill the frame. It only needs to completely surround the edges of your actors. Garbage mattes are used to get rid of junk around the edges.
Setting up the Key
The green screen image is always placed above the background. You can place either the green screen or background image into the Primary Storyline. I find it easier to put the background in the Primary Storyline, because it makes editing the green screen image easier. But this is purely personal choice.
Step 1: Select the green screen clip
From the Effects Browser > Keying category, double-click the Keyer effect, which applies it to the selected clip. (You can also drag the effect on top of the clip, if you forgot to select the green-screen clip first.)
Don’t panic if your image looks weird – we will fix it.
Click the Sample Color icon. This allows fine-tuning the selection of the background color.
In the green-screen image, drag to select a representative section of the background. I try to get close to the face, but not so close that I accidentally select loose hair or skin.
Your key should look better immediately. Most of the time, you can probably stop here. But there are three other adjustments that can make your key look even better:
- Cleaning up the matte
- Edge adjustments
- Light wrap
Click the Matte button to display your key as a white foreground on a black background.
Your goal is the make the foreground solid white, which means opaque, and the background solid black, which means transparent. Adjust the Fill Holes and Edge Distance sliders until your key looks solid. (For REALLY bad keys, you’ll need to also adjust Color Selection, mentioned below.)
If an edge is too pronounced, or needs help, click the Edges icon.
Step 2: Tweaks Video
Then, click and drag a line from the foreground to the background in the Canvas. Drag the midpoint slider (where my cursor is) until the edge looks the best it can. Different video formats make this easy (ProRes), while others (HDV, avchd) make this much harder. Perfection is impossible – do the best you can.
Final Cut provides four additional tweaks at the bottom of the keyer filter:
- Color Selection
- Matte Tools
- Spill Suppression
- Light Wrap
The first three are designed to clean up poorly shot keys – read the FCP X Help files to learn how these work. (I used the Color Selection tools to clean up the very dark key I use an example later in this article.)
Light wrap, though, is aesthetic. What it does is blend colors from the background into the edges of the foreground, to make the entire key look more “organic,” as if the foreground and background were actually in the same space.
This is a subtle effect, but very cool.
Twirl down Light Wrap and adjust the Amount slider and watch what happens. Drag the other sliders around and see what happens. The nice thing about this setting is that when it looks good to you, it is good. The amount of the effect is totally up to you. Remember, Light Wrap only affects the edges of the foreground and should be used subtly.
When you are done, you have a great looking key!
Clean up the Image with a Garbage Mask
Sometimes, however, you don’t have, ah, perhaps, the best green-screen image to work with. Here, for example, there are lighting instruments in the foreground, with a very inadequately lit green screen in the background. (Sigh… this is just pitiful.)
Once you pull the key – which is film-speak for creating a green-screen shot, as I described above – and get it looking as good as possible, there’s one more step: adding a garbage matte to get rid of all the garbage surrounding your actors.
Once you get your key looking as good as you can – which in this case isn’t all that good – drag the Mask effect (Effects > Keying > Mask) on top of the green-screen clip.
NOTE: The Mask effect should always be added after the Keying effect, so that the Mask is below the Keyer in the Inspector.
Then, drag each of the four circles to create a shape such that your foreground image is contained inside it, and everything you want to exclude is outside. Here, for instance, we removed the light stand, the edge of the green background and the tearing at the top of the image. I’ve found this Mask effect works best when applied to a connected clip.
However, the big limitation of the Mask effect is that you only have four points to work with. That’s where a free effect comes in, which allows you to create far more flexible shapes with it. It’s written by Alex Gollner and is available on his website – alex4d.wordpress.com/fcpx/ – I recommend his effects highly.
How to Create a Chroma-Key in easier ways?
Chroma-key, or green screen, is an essential part of every editor to make all kinds of effects. Is there any way to make this sophisticated procedure easier way? Yes, try Filmora.
In version 10.5 for Mac, Filmora added a new feature: AI portrait. It allows you to do a green screen effect with just one click.
By adopting AI portrait, you can add those stunning effects in simple steps: How to Remove or Change Video Background in One Step?
Or: How to Add a Shake Effect to your Videos?
Conclusion
The chroma-key filter in FCP X allows us to create some amazing effects. If you want to use green screen effects more easily, here is Filmora for you. You can appaly Chroma-Key effects with just a few click. Have fun playing with it.
Download Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )
Benjamin Arango
Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Benjamin Arango
Best 4K Proxy Video Editors : Top Picks for Smooth Editing
Top 8 Video Editing Apps for 4K Proxy Video Editing
Max Wales
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Shooting videos in high resolutions can help you create visually impressive content your followers on social media are going to adore. The only trouble is that the size of 4K videos can slow you down during the video editing process if your computer doesn’t have enough RAM memory or processing power. Additionally, quite a few inexpensive or free video editing apps don’t allow their users to create low-resolution proxy files that make the process of editing 4K videos much faster. That’s why in this article we are going to take you through the best 8 video editors you can use for 4K proxy video editing.
The Best Video Editing Apps for Proxy Editing in 2020
Some of the video editing apps we featured in this article can only run on computers that already have the advanced hardware setups. However, even if you have a computer setup that can easily support processing of the 4K video files, proxy editing can still be useful as it can reduce the amount of time you will have to spend on performing complex video editing tasks. Let’s take a look at some of the best video editors that support proxy editing.
1. Filmora
Price: Free version available, subscription plans start at $49.99 per year
Compatibility: macOS, Windows
The wide range of video editing options, support for nearly all popular video file formats or quick and simple exporting process are only a few reasons why Filmora is one of the best video editors you can use this year. Creating proxy files in Filmora is not a difficult task, because the software generates them automatically for you. You just have to choose between the 1280x720p or 1920x1080p resolutions and Filmora will create proxies for all media files that are larger than the resolution you’ve selected. However, the amount of time Filmora is going to need to create proxies depends on your computer’s processing power, but also on the size and the number of the RAW files you imported into a project.
2. Adobe Premiere Pro CC
Price: $20,99 per month, different subscription plans available
Compatibility: Windows, macOS
This is probably one of the best, if not the best non-linear video editing software ever created, so it is hardly surprising that you can easily create proxy files for all videos you use in a project you create in Adobe Premiere Pro. So, to create proxy files you just need to open the folder that contains those files from the Media Browser and then click on the Ingest button. You should then click on the wrench tool and pick the Create Proxies option from the drop-down menu located next to the Ingest option. Afterward, you should select one of the available resolution presets and proceed to import the footage into the project. However, before you can start editing with proxies you have to click on the Toggle Proxy button.
3. Final Cut Pro X
Price: Free trial available, $299,99
Compatibility: macOS
Transcoding media with FCPX doesn’t require too much effort, as the software offers a couple of options that make the editing process faster. You can opt to generate optimized media files by transcoding the original video clips into Apple ProRes 422 codec format that shortens the amount of time needed for rendering and provides excellent quality of color that is required for compositing. The proxy media files will also be created by transcoding the videos to Apple ProRes 422 codec format that retains original aspect ratio and frame rate of the video clips you transcoded. It is also worth noting that FCPX transcodes all mp3 files you import into a project to MOV audio files.
4. Vegas Pro
Price: Subscription plans start from $249,00
Compatibility: Windows
This video editor is often overlooked in conversations about the most powerful video editing apps, but the tools it offers are powerful enough to enable you to edit videos at a professional level. Creating proxy files in Vegas Pro is remarkably easy, as you just have to import the files into a new project, select each file you want to transcode and then choose the Create Video Proxy option from the right-click menu. Just keep in mind that you must create proxy files before you do any actual editing because otherwise, the transcoding process is not going work.
5. Blender
Price: Free
Compatibility: Linux, macOS, Windows
Blender is a 3D modeling and VFX software that lets you track objects or use 3D painting tools among numerous other options. Even though creating proxies with this app is not a particularly complicated process, you still have to be familiar with Blender in order to make full use of its transcoding options. The software allows you to generate proxy files whose size is only 25% of the video’s original size, although you can also create proxies that have 50% and 75% of the video’s original size. After you’ve adjusted the transcoding settings you should simply click on the Rebuild Proxy and Timecode Indices button.
6. Shotcut
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux
Despite the fact that this cross-platform video editor supports 4K and ProRes files that can cause it to lag at times, creating proxies in Shotcut is a highly technical process. In case you decide to make a proxy file by yourself, you will have to export a version of the file that is two or four times smaller than the original. You must also remember that you have to go through the entire process of creating proxies before you make any edits. The trick to creating proxies in Shotcut is to make a project file with the larger version of the video, then replace the larger version of the file with a smaller version of that same video file, before you actually start editing. Once you’ve completed the editing process, you can then once again add the larger source file to the project and export your video in high resolution.
7. Lightworks
Price: Free trial available, subscription plans start at $24,99 per month
Compatibility: Linux, macOS, Windows
The process of creating proxies in Lightworks is rather simple since you just have to import the video files you’d like to edit into the software and make sure they are selected before you right-click on them. Once the right-click menu appears on the screen you should click on the Media submenu and select the Make Proxies option. The amount of time Lightworks is going to need to generate the proxy files depends on the number of the source files and their size. You can then proceed to add the proxies to the timeline, edit them and Lightworks will automatically use the source files instead of proxies during the rendering process.
8. HitFilm Express
Price: Free
Compatibility: macOS, Windows
Once you create a new project and import all video clips you want to use in that project into the editor you should just go to the Assets menu that is located in the Media panel and click on the Make Proxy option. You will be able to continue editing while the transcoding process is still in progress, and after the source files are transcoded they will be replaced by proxies. However, making adjustments to a proxy version of a composite shot will invalidate that proxy file, which is why it is important to make all edits on that shot before you create its proxy.
Conclusion
Reducing the size of video clips you use in your projects is going to save you a lot of time during the video editing process. Each video editing software we featured in this article allows its users to generate proxy files effortlessly. Which video editor are you going to be using for proxy video editing? Leave a comment below and let us know.
Max Wales
Max Wales is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Max Wales
Max Wales
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Shooting videos in high resolutions can help you create visually impressive content your followers on social media are going to adore. The only trouble is that the size of 4K videos can slow you down during the video editing process if your computer doesn’t have enough RAM memory or processing power. Additionally, quite a few inexpensive or free video editing apps don’t allow their users to create low-resolution proxy files that make the process of editing 4K videos much faster. That’s why in this article we are going to take you through the best 8 video editors you can use for 4K proxy video editing.
The Best Video Editing Apps for Proxy Editing in 2020
Some of the video editing apps we featured in this article can only run on computers that already have the advanced hardware setups. However, even if you have a computer setup that can easily support processing of the 4K video files, proxy editing can still be useful as it can reduce the amount of time you will have to spend on performing complex video editing tasks. Let’s take a look at some of the best video editors that support proxy editing.
1. Filmora
Price: Free version available, subscription plans start at $49.99 per year
Compatibility: macOS, Windows
The wide range of video editing options, support for nearly all popular video file formats or quick and simple exporting process are only a few reasons why Filmora is one of the best video editors you can use this year. Creating proxy files in Filmora is not a difficult task, because the software generates them automatically for you. You just have to choose between the 1280x720p or 1920x1080p resolutions and Filmora will create proxies for all media files that are larger than the resolution you’ve selected. However, the amount of time Filmora is going to need to create proxies depends on your computer’s processing power, but also on the size and the number of the RAW files you imported into a project.
2. Adobe Premiere Pro CC
Price: $20,99 per month, different subscription plans available
Compatibility: Windows, macOS
This is probably one of the best, if not the best non-linear video editing software ever created, so it is hardly surprising that you can easily create proxy files for all videos you use in a project you create in Adobe Premiere Pro. So, to create proxy files you just need to open the folder that contains those files from the Media Browser and then click on the Ingest button. You should then click on the wrench tool and pick the Create Proxies option from the drop-down menu located next to the Ingest option. Afterward, you should select one of the available resolution presets and proceed to import the footage into the project. However, before you can start editing with proxies you have to click on the Toggle Proxy button.
3. Final Cut Pro X
Price: Free trial available, $299,99
Compatibility: macOS
Transcoding media with FCPX doesn’t require too much effort, as the software offers a couple of options that make the editing process faster. You can opt to generate optimized media files by transcoding the original video clips into Apple ProRes 422 codec format that shortens the amount of time needed for rendering and provides excellent quality of color that is required for compositing. The proxy media files will also be created by transcoding the videos to Apple ProRes 422 codec format that retains original aspect ratio and frame rate of the video clips you transcoded. It is also worth noting that FCPX transcodes all mp3 files you import into a project to MOV audio files.
4. Vegas Pro
Price: Subscription plans start from $249,00
Compatibility: Windows
This video editor is often overlooked in conversations about the most powerful video editing apps, but the tools it offers are powerful enough to enable you to edit videos at a professional level. Creating proxy files in Vegas Pro is remarkably easy, as you just have to import the files into a new project, select each file you want to transcode and then choose the Create Video Proxy option from the right-click menu. Just keep in mind that you must create proxy files before you do any actual editing because otherwise, the transcoding process is not going work.
5. Blender
Price: Free
Compatibility: Linux, macOS, Windows
Blender is a 3D modeling and VFX software that lets you track objects or use 3D painting tools among numerous other options. Even though creating proxies with this app is not a particularly complicated process, you still have to be familiar with Blender in order to make full use of its transcoding options. The software allows you to generate proxy files whose size is only 25% of the video’s original size, although you can also create proxies that have 50% and 75% of the video’s original size. After you’ve adjusted the transcoding settings you should simply click on the Rebuild Proxy and Timecode Indices button.
6. Shotcut
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux
Despite the fact that this cross-platform video editor supports 4K and ProRes files that can cause it to lag at times, creating proxies in Shotcut is a highly technical process. In case you decide to make a proxy file by yourself, you will have to export a version of the file that is two or four times smaller than the original. You must also remember that you have to go through the entire process of creating proxies before you make any edits. The trick to creating proxies in Shotcut is to make a project file with the larger version of the video, then replace the larger version of the file with a smaller version of that same video file, before you actually start editing. Once you’ve completed the editing process, you can then once again add the larger source file to the project and export your video in high resolution.
7. Lightworks
Price: Free trial available, subscription plans start at $24,99 per month
Compatibility: Linux, macOS, Windows
The process of creating proxies in Lightworks is rather simple since you just have to import the video files you’d like to edit into the software and make sure they are selected before you right-click on them. Once the right-click menu appears on the screen you should click on the Media submenu and select the Make Proxies option. The amount of time Lightworks is going to need to generate the proxy files depends on the number of the source files and their size. You can then proceed to add the proxies to the timeline, edit them and Lightworks will automatically use the source files instead of proxies during the rendering process.
8. HitFilm Express
Price: Free
Compatibility: macOS, Windows
Once you create a new project and import all video clips you want to use in that project into the editor you should just go to the Assets menu that is located in the Media panel and click on the Make Proxy option. You will be able to continue editing while the transcoding process is still in progress, and after the source files are transcoded they will be replaced by proxies. However, making adjustments to a proxy version of a composite shot will invalidate that proxy file, which is why it is important to make all edits on that shot before you create its proxy.
Conclusion
Reducing the size of video clips you use in your projects is going to save you a lot of time during the video editing process. Each video editing software we featured in this article allows its users to generate proxy files effortlessly. Which video editor are you going to be using for proxy video editing? Leave a comment below and let us know.
Max Wales
Max Wales is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Max Wales
Max Wales
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Shooting videos in high resolutions can help you create visually impressive content your followers on social media are going to adore. The only trouble is that the size of 4K videos can slow you down during the video editing process if your computer doesn’t have enough RAM memory or processing power. Additionally, quite a few inexpensive or free video editing apps don’t allow their users to create low-resolution proxy files that make the process of editing 4K videos much faster. That’s why in this article we are going to take you through the best 8 video editors you can use for 4K proxy video editing.
The Best Video Editing Apps for Proxy Editing in 2020
Some of the video editing apps we featured in this article can only run on computers that already have the advanced hardware setups. However, even if you have a computer setup that can easily support processing of the 4K video files, proxy editing can still be useful as it can reduce the amount of time you will have to spend on performing complex video editing tasks. Let’s take a look at some of the best video editors that support proxy editing.
1. Filmora
Price: Free version available, subscription plans start at $49.99 per year
Compatibility: macOS, Windows
The wide range of video editing options, support for nearly all popular video file formats or quick and simple exporting process are only a few reasons why Filmora is one of the best video editors you can use this year. Creating proxy files in Filmora is not a difficult task, because the software generates them automatically for you. You just have to choose between the 1280x720p or 1920x1080p resolutions and Filmora will create proxies for all media files that are larger than the resolution you’ve selected. However, the amount of time Filmora is going to need to create proxies depends on your computer’s processing power, but also on the size and the number of the RAW files you imported into a project.
2. Adobe Premiere Pro CC
Price: $20,99 per month, different subscription plans available
Compatibility: Windows, macOS
This is probably one of the best, if not the best non-linear video editing software ever created, so it is hardly surprising that you can easily create proxy files for all videos you use in a project you create in Adobe Premiere Pro. So, to create proxy files you just need to open the folder that contains those files from the Media Browser and then click on the Ingest button. You should then click on the wrench tool and pick the Create Proxies option from the drop-down menu located next to the Ingest option. Afterward, you should select one of the available resolution presets and proceed to import the footage into the project. However, before you can start editing with proxies you have to click on the Toggle Proxy button.
3. Final Cut Pro X
Price: Free trial available, $299,99
Compatibility: macOS
Transcoding media with FCPX doesn’t require too much effort, as the software offers a couple of options that make the editing process faster. You can opt to generate optimized media files by transcoding the original video clips into Apple ProRes 422 codec format that shortens the amount of time needed for rendering and provides excellent quality of color that is required for compositing. The proxy media files will also be created by transcoding the videos to Apple ProRes 422 codec format that retains original aspect ratio and frame rate of the video clips you transcoded. It is also worth noting that FCPX transcodes all mp3 files you import into a project to MOV audio files.
4. Vegas Pro
Price: Subscription plans start from $249,00
Compatibility: Windows
This video editor is often overlooked in conversations about the most powerful video editing apps, but the tools it offers are powerful enough to enable you to edit videos at a professional level. Creating proxy files in Vegas Pro is remarkably easy, as you just have to import the files into a new project, select each file you want to transcode and then choose the Create Video Proxy option from the right-click menu. Just keep in mind that you must create proxy files before you do any actual editing because otherwise, the transcoding process is not going work.
5. Blender
Price: Free
Compatibility: Linux, macOS, Windows
Blender is a 3D modeling and VFX software that lets you track objects or use 3D painting tools among numerous other options. Even though creating proxies with this app is not a particularly complicated process, you still have to be familiar with Blender in order to make full use of its transcoding options. The software allows you to generate proxy files whose size is only 25% of the video’s original size, although you can also create proxies that have 50% and 75% of the video’s original size. After you’ve adjusted the transcoding settings you should simply click on the Rebuild Proxy and Timecode Indices button.
6. Shotcut
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux
Despite the fact that this cross-platform video editor supports 4K and ProRes files that can cause it to lag at times, creating proxies in Shotcut is a highly technical process. In case you decide to make a proxy file by yourself, you will have to export a version of the file that is two or four times smaller than the original. You must also remember that you have to go through the entire process of creating proxies before you make any edits. The trick to creating proxies in Shotcut is to make a project file with the larger version of the video, then replace the larger version of the file with a smaller version of that same video file, before you actually start editing. Once you’ve completed the editing process, you can then once again add the larger source file to the project and export your video in high resolution.
7. Lightworks
Price: Free trial available, subscription plans start at $24,99 per month
Compatibility: Linux, macOS, Windows
The process of creating proxies in Lightworks is rather simple since you just have to import the video files you’d like to edit into the software and make sure they are selected before you right-click on them. Once the right-click menu appears on the screen you should click on the Media submenu and select the Make Proxies option. The amount of time Lightworks is going to need to generate the proxy files depends on the number of the source files and their size. You can then proceed to add the proxies to the timeline, edit them and Lightworks will automatically use the source files instead of proxies during the rendering process.
8. HitFilm Express
Price: Free
Compatibility: macOS, Windows
Once you create a new project and import all video clips you want to use in that project into the editor you should just go to the Assets menu that is located in the Media panel and click on the Make Proxy option. You will be able to continue editing while the transcoding process is still in progress, and after the source files are transcoded they will be replaced by proxies. However, making adjustments to a proxy version of a composite shot will invalidate that proxy file, which is why it is important to make all edits on that shot before you create its proxy.
Conclusion
Reducing the size of video clips you use in your projects is going to save you a lot of time during the video editing process. Each video editing software we featured in this article allows its users to generate proxy files effortlessly. Which video editor are you going to be using for proxy video editing? Leave a comment below and let us know.
Max Wales
Max Wales is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Max Wales
Max Wales
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Shooting videos in high resolutions can help you create visually impressive content your followers on social media are going to adore. The only trouble is that the size of 4K videos can slow you down during the video editing process if your computer doesn’t have enough RAM memory or processing power. Additionally, quite a few inexpensive or free video editing apps don’t allow their users to create low-resolution proxy files that make the process of editing 4K videos much faster. That’s why in this article we are going to take you through the best 8 video editors you can use for 4K proxy video editing.
The Best Video Editing Apps for Proxy Editing in 2020
Some of the video editing apps we featured in this article can only run on computers that already have the advanced hardware setups. However, even if you have a computer setup that can easily support processing of the 4K video files, proxy editing can still be useful as it can reduce the amount of time you will have to spend on performing complex video editing tasks. Let’s take a look at some of the best video editors that support proxy editing.
1. Filmora
Price: Free version available, subscription plans start at $49.99 per year
Compatibility: macOS, Windows
The wide range of video editing options, support for nearly all popular video file formats or quick and simple exporting process are only a few reasons why Filmora is one of the best video editors you can use this year. Creating proxy files in Filmora is not a difficult task, because the software generates them automatically for you. You just have to choose between the 1280x720p or 1920x1080p resolutions and Filmora will create proxies for all media files that are larger than the resolution you’ve selected. However, the amount of time Filmora is going to need to create proxies depends on your computer’s processing power, but also on the size and the number of the RAW files you imported into a project.
2. Adobe Premiere Pro CC
Price: $20,99 per month, different subscription plans available
Compatibility: Windows, macOS
This is probably one of the best, if not the best non-linear video editing software ever created, so it is hardly surprising that you can easily create proxy files for all videos you use in a project you create in Adobe Premiere Pro. So, to create proxy files you just need to open the folder that contains those files from the Media Browser and then click on the Ingest button. You should then click on the wrench tool and pick the Create Proxies option from the drop-down menu located next to the Ingest option. Afterward, you should select one of the available resolution presets and proceed to import the footage into the project. However, before you can start editing with proxies you have to click on the Toggle Proxy button.
3. Final Cut Pro X
Price: Free trial available, $299,99
Compatibility: macOS
Transcoding media with FCPX doesn’t require too much effort, as the software offers a couple of options that make the editing process faster. You can opt to generate optimized media files by transcoding the original video clips into Apple ProRes 422 codec format that shortens the amount of time needed for rendering and provides excellent quality of color that is required for compositing. The proxy media files will also be created by transcoding the videos to Apple ProRes 422 codec format that retains original aspect ratio and frame rate of the video clips you transcoded. It is also worth noting that FCPX transcodes all mp3 files you import into a project to MOV audio files.
4. Vegas Pro
Price: Subscription plans start from $249,00
Compatibility: Windows
This video editor is often overlooked in conversations about the most powerful video editing apps, but the tools it offers are powerful enough to enable you to edit videos at a professional level. Creating proxy files in Vegas Pro is remarkably easy, as you just have to import the files into a new project, select each file you want to transcode and then choose the Create Video Proxy option from the right-click menu. Just keep in mind that you must create proxy files before you do any actual editing because otherwise, the transcoding process is not going work.
5. Blender
Price: Free
Compatibility: Linux, macOS, Windows
Blender is a 3D modeling and VFX software that lets you track objects or use 3D painting tools among numerous other options. Even though creating proxies with this app is not a particularly complicated process, you still have to be familiar with Blender in order to make full use of its transcoding options. The software allows you to generate proxy files whose size is only 25% of the video’s original size, although you can also create proxies that have 50% and 75% of the video’s original size. After you’ve adjusted the transcoding settings you should simply click on the Rebuild Proxy and Timecode Indices button.
6. Shotcut
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux
Despite the fact that this cross-platform video editor supports 4K and ProRes files that can cause it to lag at times, creating proxies in Shotcut is a highly technical process. In case you decide to make a proxy file by yourself, you will have to export a version of the file that is two or four times smaller than the original. You must also remember that you have to go through the entire process of creating proxies before you make any edits. The trick to creating proxies in Shotcut is to make a project file with the larger version of the video, then replace the larger version of the file with a smaller version of that same video file, before you actually start editing. Once you’ve completed the editing process, you can then once again add the larger source file to the project and export your video in high resolution.
7. Lightworks
Price: Free trial available, subscription plans start at $24,99 per month
Compatibility: Linux, macOS, Windows
The process of creating proxies in Lightworks is rather simple since you just have to import the video files you’d like to edit into the software and make sure they are selected before you right-click on them. Once the right-click menu appears on the screen you should click on the Media submenu and select the Make Proxies option. The amount of time Lightworks is going to need to generate the proxy files depends on the number of the source files and their size. You can then proceed to add the proxies to the timeline, edit them and Lightworks will automatically use the source files instead of proxies during the rendering process.
8. HitFilm Express
Price: Free
Compatibility: macOS, Windows
Once you create a new project and import all video clips you want to use in that project into the editor you should just go to the Assets menu that is located in the Media panel and click on the Make Proxy option. You will be able to continue editing while the transcoding process is still in progress, and after the source files are transcoded they will be replaced by proxies. However, making adjustments to a proxy version of a composite shot will invalidate that proxy file, which is why it is important to make all edits on that shot before you create its proxy.
Conclusion
Reducing the size of video clips you use in your projects is going to save you a lot of time during the video editing process. Each video editing software we featured in this article allows its users to generate proxy files effortlessly. Which video editor are you going to be using for proxy video editing? Leave a comment below and let us know.
Max Wales
Max Wales is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Max Wales
Elevate Your Storytelling: Expert-Approved 1080P Video Editing Solutions
Get the Great 1080p Video Editing Software to Edit 1080p Videos
Ollie Mattison
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
I uploaded some 1080p videos I took from my digital video camera to my computer. I want to add some effects to them, so I tried After Effects CS4. But in both programs, they didn’t play properly. Anyone know a better 1080p video editing software program?
1080p video now can be easily captured by common devices such as cell phones or consumer camcorders. But some the editing software may have trouble importing or editing this kind of video sometimes. If you are looking for great 1080p video editing software, I highly recommend the Wondershare Filmora . Here are the main features of the program:
- Create exceptional movies using many formatted video, photo and audio clips.
- Easily rotate, split, crop and trim audio, videos and photos on the timeline
- Make your videos personal with filters, picture-in picture, transitions and many more features
- Share your creation anywhere on YouTube, your TV, iPhone, Facebook and elsewhere
Download Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )
Easy steps to edit 1080p videos with this 1080p video editing software
1 Import video clips
After transferring your video from camcorder or other devices, click the Import button. Then you can preview and choose the target video files, click the Open to add them to the program. You can also directly drag and drop your files to the primary window.
2 Edit your 1080p video on the timeline
Before editing, you should drag the imported clips to timeline. After that, you can cut, trim, delete, rearrange clips without difficulties on the timeline.
Place your cursor on the timeline, watch your video in the preview window while it is playing, you can choose the specific frames for trimming or cutting. If the video is shot in vertical or upside down, you can easily flip it to the right location by hitting the Rotate button. If the video is shot in dark environment, you can even adjust it to make it brighter by adjusting contrast and brightness. Volumes and speed also can be changed easily.
You can go to the Effects tabs to add special effects like Linear Light, Rain Drop, Snow and more to make your videos more personalized and special. Or switch to Transition tab and choose from 50+ scene transition effects provided.
3 Save or share your new videos
After you finish the editing, click Create to save your new creation. You can save it in different formats, directly upload it to YouTube or Facebook or burn to DVD as you like.
Download Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )
Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
I uploaded some 1080p videos I took from my digital video camera to my computer. I want to add some effects to them, so I tried After Effects CS4. But in both programs, they didn’t play properly. Anyone know a better 1080p video editing software program?
1080p video now can be easily captured by common devices such as cell phones or consumer camcorders. But some the editing software may have trouble importing or editing this kind of video sometimes. If you are looking for great 1080p video editing software, I highly recommend the Wondershare Filmora . Here are the main features of the program:
- Create exceptional movies using many formatted video, photo and audio clips.
- Easily rotate, split, crop and trim audio, videos and photos on the timeline
- Make your videos personal with filters, picture-in picture, transitions and many more features
- Share your creation anywhere on YouTube, your TV, iPhone, Facebook and elsewhere
Download Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )
Easy steps to edit 1080p videos with this 1080p video editing software
1 Import video clips
After transferring your video from camcorder or other devices, click the Import button. Then you can preview and choose the target video files, click the Open to add them to the program. You can also directly drag and drop your files to the primary window.
2 Edit your 1080p video on the timeline
Before editing, you should drag the imported clips to timeline. After that, you can cut, trim, delete, rearrange clips without difficulties on the timeline.
Place your cursor on the timeline, watch your video in the preview window while it is playing, you can choose the specific frames for trimming or cutting. If the video is shot in vertical or upside down, you can easily flip it to the right location by hitting the Rotate button. If the video is shot in dark environment, you can even adjust it to make it brighter by adjusting contrast and brightness. Volumes and speed also can be changed easily.
You can go to the Effects tabs to add special effects like Linear Light, Rain Drop, Snow and more to make your videos more personalized and special. Or switch to Transition tab and choose from 50+ scene transition effects provided.
3 Save or share your new videos
After you finish the editing, click Create to save your new creation. You can save it in different formats, directly upload it to YouTube or Facebook or burn to DVD as you like.
Download Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )
Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
I uploaded some 1080p videos I took from my digital video camera to my computer. I want to add some effects to them, so I tried After Effects CS4. But in both programs, they didn’t play properly. Anyone know a better 1080p video editing software program?
1080p video now can be easily captured by common devices such as cell phones or consumer camcorders. But some the editing software may have trouble importing or editing this kind of video sometimes. If you are looking for great 1080p video editing software, I highly recommend the Wondershare Filmora . Here are the main features of the program:
- Create exceptional movies using many formatted video, photo and audio clips.
- Easily rotate, split, crop and trim audio, videos and photos on the timeline
- Make your videos personal with filters, picture-in picture, transitions and many more features
- Share your creation anywhere on YouTube, your TV, iPhone, Facebook and elsewhere
Download Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )
Easy steps to edit 1080p videos with this 1080p video editing software
1 Import video clips
After transferring your video from camcorder or other devices, click the Import button. Then you can preview and choose the target video files, click the Open to add them to the program. You can also directly drag and drop your files to the primary window.
2 Edit your 1080p video on the timeline
Before editing, you should drag the imported clips to timeline. After that, you can cut, trim, delete, rearrange clips without difficulties on the timeline.
Place your cursor on the timeline, watch your video in the preview window while it is playing, you can choose the specific frames for trimming or cutting. If the video is shot in vertical or upside down, you can easily flip it to the right location by hitting the Rotate button. If the video is shot in dark environment, you can even adjust it to make it brighter by adjusting contrast and brightness. Volumes and speed also can be changed easily.
You can go to the Effects tabs to add special effects like Linear Light, Rain Drop, Snow and more to make your videos more personalized and special. Or switch to Transition tab and choose from 50+ scene transition effects provided.
3 Save or share your new videos
After you finish the editing, click Create to save your new creation. You can save it in different formats, directly upload it to YouTube or Facebook or burn to DVD as you like.
Download Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )
Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
I uploaded some 1080p videos I took from my digital video camera to my computer. I want to add some effects to them, so I tried After Effects CS4. But in both programs, they didn’t play properly. Anyone know a better 1080p video editing software program?
1080p video now can be easily captured by common devices such as cell phones or consumer camcorders. But some the editing software may have trouble importing or editing this kind of video sometimes. If you are looking for great 1080p video editing software, I highly recommend the Wondershare Filmora . Here are the main features of the program:
- Create exceptional movies using many formatted video, photo and audio clips.
- Easily rotate, split, crop and trim audio, videos and photos on the timeline
- Make your videos personal with filters, picture-in picture, transitions and many more features
- Share your creation anywhere on YouTube, your TV, iPhone, Facebook and elsewhere
Download Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )
Easy steps to edit 1080p videos with this 1080p video editing software
1 Import video clips
After transferring your video from camcorder or other devices, click the Import button. Then you can preview and choose the target video files, click the Open to add them to the program. You can also directly drag and drop your files to the primary window.
2 Edit your 1080p video on the timeline
Before editing, you should drag the imported clips to timeline. After that, you can cut, trim, delete, rearrange clips without difficulties on the timeline.
Place your cursor on the timeline, watch your video in the preview window while it is playing, you can choose the specific frames for trimming or cutting. If the video is shot in vertical or upside down, you can easily flip it to the right location by hitting the Rotate button. If the video is shot in dark environment, you can even adjust it to make it brighter by adjusting contrast and brightness. Volumes and speed also can be changed easily.
You can go to the Effects tabs to add special effects like Linear Light, Rain Drop, Snow and more to make your videos more personalized and special. Or switch to Transition tab and choose from 50+ scene transition effects provided.
3 Save or share your new videos
After you finish the editing, click Create to save your new creation. You can save it in different formats, directly upload it to YouTube or Facebook or burn to DVD as you like.
Download Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )
Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Ollie Mattison
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- Title: New Unleash Your Creativity Top Free and Paid 3D Animation Tools for 2024
- Author: Charlotte
- Created at : 2024-04-29 06:47:18
- Updated at : 2024-04-30 06:47:18
- Link: https://smart-video-creator.techidaily.com/new-unleash-your-creativity-top-free-and-paid-3d-animation-tools-for-2024/
- License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
