Blog : Special Effect Software

Below is a list of Award-winning special effect software that's been used to create some of the best special effects seen in today's blockbusters from around the world. These powerful software are used by the experts in the industry who live a breathe special effects every single day of their lives. 

The good news is that people like you and me can also use these software since they run on ordinary PC systems that we use everyday. Gone are the days when these software needed special super-computing workstations to work their magic. A normal PC or Mac with 1GB RAM and good processing power is normally sufficient to run these packages.

Another unbelievable fact is that all these special effect software can be LEGALLY downloaded FREE of Cost from their respective company websites. Of course, these are trial versions that work for a limited number of days, but many of them are fully-functional versions with all the features intact. Unbelievable but true!



3D Animation & Special Effect Software

Autodesk Maya 2009

The award-winning Autodesk® Maya® software is a powerful, integrated 3D modeling, animation, visual effects, and rendering solution. Because Maya is based on an open architecture, all your work can be scripted or programmed using a well-documented and comprehensive API (application programming interface) or one of two embedded scripting languages, the Maya Embedded Language (MEL) or Python®. This level of openness, combined with an industry-leading suite of 3D visual effects, computer graphics, and character animation tools, enables you to realize your creative vision for your film, television, game development, and design projects.

Download Maya Trial
The Autodesk® Maya® 2009 30-day trial software is a fully functional¹ version of Maya 3D modeling, animation, visual effects, and rendering software that provides free** access to Maya Unlimited for noncommercial use. The trial software gives 3D graphics and animation students and industry professionals the opportunity to explore all aspects of Maya software.

The Maya trial software is a 32-bit application that is available for Microsoft® Windows Vista® and XP Professional operating systems, and Apple® Mac OS® X operating platform. To receive a free** 30-day trial download, fill out and submit the online form (by clicking the download link).

Download here

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Autodesk 3ds Max 2010

Create stunning 3D models in less time with Autodesk® 3ds Max® 2010 software. This full-featured 3D modeling, animation, and rendering solution is used to produce top-selling games and award-winning film and video content. It’s the tool of choice for quickly generating realistic characters, seamless CG effects, jaw-dropping games, or top-quality film and television content. Enhanced toolsets let you create your 3D environment the way you want, manage complex scenes, and take advantage of improved software interoperability and pipeline-integration support.

Download 3ds Max Trial
The Autodesk® 3ds Max® 2010 30-day trial software is a fully functional version of 3ds Max software that provides free** access to 3ds Max for noncommercial use. The trial software gives 3D graphics and animation students, industry professionals, or anyone interested in breaking into the world of computer graphics (CG) the opportunity to explore all aspects of 3ds Max software.

The 3ds Max trial software is a 32-bit application available for the Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional operating system.

To access a free** 30-day trial download, fill out and submit the online form. ** This product is subject to the terms and conditions of the end-user license agreement that accompanies this software. This offer is valid only in the United States and Canada.

For countries outside the United States and Canada, contact your local Autodesk Authorized Reseller.

Download here


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Adobe® After Effects® CS4

With Adobe® After Effects® CS4 software, you can create compelling motion graphics and blockbuster visual effects with flexible tools that help save you time and deliver unparalleled creative power.

Download here
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VisionLab Studio (under $500 for Low budget filmmakers)

VisionLab Studio combines compositing tools, CG effects engines and digital color grading to form a powerful post-production toolkit. A full commercial license and enhanced features make this ideal for low-budget professionals.

Download here
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Compositing Software

Autodesk® Combustion®
 
Autodesk® Combustion® software is an all-in-one professional compositing application designed to meet the needs of the world’s most demanding digital artists. Bring your imagination to life and get your work done faster with the easy-to-use Combustion interface, efficient workflow, and extensive 3D graphics toolset.
* Powerful creative tools—Experience in-context access to motion graphics, industry-leading 3D compositing, vector paint, roto, color correction, and much more.
* Artist-friendly interface—The easy-to-use interface features multiple-screen, in-context design work, easy navigation, and a schematic node-based view.
* Broad interoperability—Combustion software delivers unmatched integration with Autodesk® 3ds Max® 3D animation software and Autodesk® Flint®, Autodesk® Flame®, Autodesk® Inferno®, Autodesk® Fire®, and Autodesk® Smoke® 3D graphic systems.

Overview
Pull off amazing creative feats with our powerful, artist-friendly, all-in-one desktop compositing system. Combustion integrates vector paint, motion graphics design, animation, and compositing.

Features
From text effects to particle systems, motion tracking to interactive workflow, Combustion's advanced tools help unleash your creativity.

Download Combustion Trial
Try Autodesk® Combustion® professional compositing software today. Your 30-day trial begins only after you download the software, install the file, and open the program.

Download here

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Editing Software

Sony Vegas Pro 9

This comprehensive suite offers the most robust and progressive platform available for content creation and production. With broad format support, superior effects processing, unparalleled audio support, and a full complement of editorial tools, the Vegas Pro 9 collection streamlines your workflow. From acquisition to delivery, from camera to Blu-ray Discâ„¢, the Vegas Pro 9 collection delivers exactly what you need to produce outstanding results.

Download here


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PINNACLE Studio Ultimate version 12 from AVID

Realize your creative vision with with the most powerful version of Studio, the #1 consumer video editing software.

Download here