Autograph vs Fusion

Autograph is a free Windows and macOS application combining motion graphics, visual effects and compositing, and 2D and 3D projects. Motion tools include a shape engine, motion paths, animated text, and animation for SVG and PSD files. A relative definition system lets one composition render in multiple formats. Compositing supports GPU-optimized effects, OpenFX plugins, Shadertoy, multi-channel EXR, Photoshop layers, and ProRes, with ACES and OCIO color workflows. The application includes rotoscoping plus 2D and planar tracking. Its 3D environment uses Pixar OpenUSD and Filament for real-time physically based rendering. Integrations include Universe and Red Giant OFX tools with a license, and OpenFX plugins from RE:Vision Effects, BorisFX, and Digital Anarchy. Maxon states that individuals and commercial teams can use Autograph free, without output limits or time restrictions. Some features from previous versions are temporarily unavailable while development continues. Cineversity training and a support center are available.

Fusion is node-based compositing software for visual effects artists, broadcast and motion graphic designers, and 3D animators. Users connect image-processing tools as nodes and adjust individual parts of a composition. Its tools cover compositing, keying, painting, animation, virtual reality, and stereoscopic 3D. Fusion can import and render 3D models and scenes within a composite without pre-rendering assets or transferring between applications. Fusion Connect sends clips from DaVinci Resolve and Avid Media Composer timelines to Fusion and updates those timelines after a composition is rendered. Lua and Python scripting can create custom tools, exchange data with other applications, and automate tasks. Blackmagic says rendering can use an unlimited number of networked computers without additional cost or per-node render license fees. Fusion Studio includes a bin server for shared assets, and the product page describes team review and approval through DaVinci Resolve. A free DaVinci Resolve download includes the Fusion page. Fusion Studio is listed at $295 a month. Studio version 21.1 requires a Fusion Studio or DaVinci Resolve Studio license dongle, or an activation key. Fusion Studio downloads are listed for Mac OS, Linux, Windows x86, and Windows ARM.