Autograph vs PopcornFX
Autograph
maxon.net
PopcornFX
popcornfx.comSide by side
| Figure | Autograph | PopcornFX |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | €20.83/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 10 |
| Spec score · Visual Effects Software | 8.0 (#14) | 8.8 (#2) |
| Integrations | Autograph supports Universe and Red Giant OFX tools with a license, plus third-party OpenFX plugins from RE:Vision Effects, BorisFX, and Digital Anarchy. | Official plugins are listed for Unity, Unreal Engine, O3DE and Adobe After Effects. |
| Support | Maxon provides a support center with a knowledge base, user guides, and support requests. | Editor support includes troubleshooting documentation, a public Discord server and a private support tracker for private issues or suggestions. |
| What it does | Autograph combines motion graphics, VFX/compositing, and 2D/3D projects in one application. | PopcornFX is a suite for authoring and simulating real-time visual effects with engine integrations and a runtime framework for custom engines. |
Plans
PopcornFX
- Personal Learning EditionFree
- Personal Learning Edition (PLE)Free
- Indie€25 a month
- Professional€125 a month
- Schools & Universities€250 a year
- Indie€300 a year
- Indie annual€300 a year
- Professional€1,500 a year
- Professional annual€1,500 a year
- EnterprisePriced on request
In their own words
Autograph
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.
PopcornFX
PopcornFX is a suite for authoring and simulating real-time visual effects, using visual programming, engine integrations, and a runtime framework for custom engines. Its Effect Editor supports real-time 3D editing and testing, node-based programming, reusable content, and performance and memory analysis. The editor also includes mesh, texture, vectorfield, and material tools, plus project and content management. It does not create textures, sound, meshes, or other assets usually made with DCC tools. Integrations are listed for Unity, Unreal Engine, Godot, O3DE, and a C++ SDK; plugin sources are available on GitHub, and plugins for Unity, Unreal Engine, O3DE, and Adobe After Effects are freely accessible. The Unity integration is described as compatible with Unity 2020.3 and later, including HDRP, URP, and legacy renderers. PopcornFX runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Its Personal Learning Edition is free for non-commercial or educational use. The Indie plan costs €25 per user per month on an annual basis; commercial evaluations can start a one-month trial through an Indie, Professional, or Enterprise category.