Fusion vs RealFlow
Fusion
blackmagicdesign.comRealFlow
realflow.comSide by side
| Figure | Fusion | RealFlow |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 5 | 9 |
| Spec score · Vfx Tools | 8.3 (#4) | 7.9 (#10) |
| Spec score · Visual Effects Software | 8.3 (#8) | 7.9 (#16) |
| Integrations | Fusion Connect sends clips from DaVinci Resolve and Avid Media Composer timelines to Fusion and updates the timelines when the composition is rendered. | The product family includes plugins for Cinema 4D, 3ds Max, and Maya, and the standalone product supports connectivity plugins to 3D platforms. |
| Privacy | Blackmagic's privacy policy says it may collect personal information when users register or download software and device information for software registration or activation. | Next Limit Services says it does not share personal data with third parties unless legally required or the user expressly consents. |
| Purpose | Fusion is node-based compositing software for visual effects artists, broadcast and motion graphic designers, and 3D animators. | RealFlow is fluids and multiphysics simulation software for visual effects and 3D production. |
| Support | Blackmagic offers product support through its community forum, email support engineers and telephone support offices. | The educational program offers technical support for installation and activation questions and links to the user manual and tutorials. |
Plans
Fusion
- DaVinci ResolvePrice not published
- DaVinci ResolvePriced on request
- Fusion Studio$295 a month
- Fusion Studio$295, paid once
- DaVinci Resolve (includes Fusion page)Free
RealFlow
- RealFlow | 5 nodes pack$545, paid once
- RealFlow 10 + 1 Node$547.50, paid once
- RealFlow 10 | Plus$697.50, paid once
- RealFlow | 3ds Max$795, paid once
- RealFlow | Cinema 4D 3$795, paid once
- RealFlow | Maya$795, paid once
- RealFlow 10 | Starter Pack$997.50, paid once
- RealFlow 10 + plugin pack$1,295, paid once
- RealFlow 10 | Premium Pack$1,997.50, paid once
In their own words
Fusion
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.