Autodesk Combustion
Autodesk Combustion was a compositing and visual effects software. It was used for creating motion graphics and visual effects for film, television and advertising. Combustion provided tools for keyframing, particle systems, color correction, rotoscoping, and node-based compositi
compositing
motion-graphics
visual-effects
film
television
advertising
Autodesk Combustion: Compositing Software
Compositing software for film, television, and advertising motion graphics, with keyframing, particle systems, color correction, and node-based compositing tools.
What is Autodesk Combustion?
Autodesk Combustion was a powerful compositing and visual effects software solution targeted at motion graphics artists and visual effects professionals. It provided a robust node-based workflow and comprehensive toolset for advanced compositing, color correction, keying, rotoscoping, tracking, and particle simulation.
Originally developed by discreet logic and released in 1996 as inferno, Combustion quickly became an industry-standard software for major motion picture visual effects. It was known for its intuitive and flexible node workflow, allowing artists to quickly assemble complex composites by connecting different tools together.
Key features of Combustion included:
- Node-based workflow for non-destructive compositing
- Powerful keying tools like Primatte and Keylight for greenscreen compositing
- Rotoscoping tools for manually separating foreground elements
- Advanced particle simulation engine
- Color correction tools rivaling high-end grading systems
- 3D tracking and matchmoving capability
- Support for multiple file formats and resolutions
- Interoperability with other Autodesk products
Although development ceased in 2011, Combustion still holds an important place in the history of compositing and VFX software. Many of today's compositing artists and technical directors learned their trade on Combustion. Its workflow paradigm and toolset influenced subsequent compositing applications.
Autodesk Combustion Features
Features
- Node-based compositing
- Keyframing
- Particle systems
- Color correction
- Rotoscoping
Pricing
- One-time Purchase
Pros
Powerful compositing tools
Flexible node-based workflow
Extensive toolset for visual effects
Supports a wide range of file formats
Cons
Discontinued product, no longer supported by Autodesk
Limited 3D capabilities compared to other VFX software
Steep learning curve for beginners
Official Links
The Best Autodesk Combustion Alternatives
Top Video & Movies and Visual Effects and other similar apps like Autodesk Combustion
Here are some alternatives to Autodesk Combustion:
Suggest an alternative ❐
Adobe After Effects
Adobe After Effects is a digital visual effects, motion graphics, and compositing application developed by Adobe Systems and used in the post-production process of film making, video games and television production. Among other things, After Effects can be used for keying, tracking, compositing, and animation.It also functions as a very...
Blender
Blender is a free and open-source 3D creation suite. It supports the entirety of the 3D pipeline—modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing and motion tracking, video editing and 2D animation pipeline. Blender is well suited to individuals and small studios who benefit from its unified pipeline and responsive development process....
Sketchfab
Sketchfab is an online platform and service for sharing and displaying 3D models. It allows users to easily view 3D models on the web, without needing to install additional software or plugins. Sketchfab supports most common 3D file formats and has an intuitive, interactive 3D model viewer.Sketchfab has a large...
NUKE
NUKE is a comprehensive compositing software developed by The Foundry for visual effects and post-production. It uses a nodal workflow that allows artists to build up complex effects by connecting different image processing operations, like color correction, keying, tracking, etc. Some key features of NUKE include:Powerful keying tools like Primatte...
HitFilm Pro
HitFilm Pro is a powerful yet affordable video editing and visual effects software aimed at independent filmmakers, YouTube content creators, videographers, and motion design artists. It provides a complete editing and compositing toolkit with industry-standard tools for editing, 3D compositing, visual effects, color correction, audio editing, and animation.Some key features...
Apple Motion
Apple Motion is a motion graphics and visual effects software application developed by Apple Inc. It allows users to create 2D and 3D animations, titles, transitions and effects that can be used in video production, web design, presentations and more.Motion features an intuitive drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy for...
Autodesk Smoke
Autodesk Smoke is a comprehensive video editing and visual effects application targeted for the professional post-production market. It provides powerful tools for editing, color correction, compositing, and finishing of video content for film, broadcast, and commercials.Some key features of Smoke include:Non-linear editing interface with multiple video/audio tracks and clip manipulation...
ParticleIllusion
ParticleIllusion is a standalone application specialized for creating high-end particle effects and motion graphics. It features a node-based workflow that allows users to easily emit, manipulate, and composite particles and images to create visually stunning effects sequences.Some key features of ParticleIllusion include:Powerful particle system with controls over emission shapes, speeds,...
Blackmagic Design Fusion
Blackmagic Design Fusion is a comprehensive compositing software application used widely in the post-production industry for visual effects, digital compositing, and motion graphics. It provides a flexible node-based interface and a wide range of advanced tools for keying, tracking, rotoscoping, stabilization, particles, color grading, painting, and more.Some key features of...
Synapse Compositor
Synapse Compositor is a lightweight, flexible OpenGL compositing window manager for the X Window System. It is designed to be fast, simple and resource-efficient while still providing a visually appealing and easy to use desktop environment.Some key features of Synapse Compositor include:OpenGL-accelerated compositing for seamless visual effects and transitionsA tiling...
