Filter Forge vs ShaderMap
Filter Forge
filterforge.comShaderMap
shadermap.comSide by side
| Figure | Filter Forge | ShaderMap |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $12/mo | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 9 | 4 |
| Spec score · 3D Texturing Software | 8.1 (#8) | 7.6 (#20) |
| Integrations | The application runs standalone or as a plugin for supported hosts including Adobe Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, Corel PHOTO-PAINT, Paint.NET, and Affinity Photo. | ShaderMap supports external image editors and plugins; the maker does not name specific editor integrations on the pages reviewed. |
| Purpose | Filter Forge provides photo effects, seamless textures, and an editor for creating custom filters. | ShaderMap generates rendering and PBR maps from source images, 3D models, and light scan photo stacks. |
Plans
Filter Forge
- Professional Edition — 1-month subscription$12 a month
- Studio Edition — 1-month subscription$19 a month
- Professional Edition — 3-month subscription$29, paid once
- Studio Edition — 3-month subscription$49, paid once
- Basic Edition — permanent license$59, paid once
- Professional Edition — permanent license$139, paid once
- Studio Edition — permanent license$259, paid once
- Professional Edition plus lifetime upgrades$288, paid once
- Studio Edition plus lifetime upgrades$538, paid once
ShaderMap
- Basic LicenseFree
- Student$19, paid once
- Personal$29, paid once
- Commercial$49, paid once
In their own words
Filter Forge
Filter Forge has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
ShaderMap
ShaderMap is a Windows application for generating rendering and physically based rendering maps from source images, 3D models, and light scan photo stacks. It bakes normal, ambient occlusion, curve, color ID, and depth maps from 3D geometry, then generates roughness and metalness maps for PBR workflows. Maps can be packed into RMA and RMAD formats. The Normal Editor supports painting and modifying normal maps with tools and layers. Batch processing handles groups of source maps through LUA scripting and project configurations. Users can send maps to an external image editor and return them after saving. A C/C++ SDK supports plugins for maps, geometry importers, and filters under the MIT License. ShaderMap works offline, although automatic updates and the support feed require internet access. The free Basic License disables PRO features and may show ads up to three times daily. Paid one-time licenses are Student 19.00 USD, Personal 29.00 USD, and Commercial 49.00 USD.