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Head-to-head · Game Particle Effect Editors

Particle Illusion vs Particles Editor

  • Updated Nov 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score Particle Illusion #4 in Game Particle Effect Editors 8.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 1 features Visit Boris FX
Particles Editor #8 in Game Particle Effect Editors 7.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 1 features Try Particles Editor

Particle Illusion leads on 0 checks, Particles Editor on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreParticle Illusion · 8.3/10
  • Free planboth

Particle Illusion scores higher on our rubric for game particle effect editors: 8.3 against 7.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #8.

Particle Illusion is the better fit for VFX artists adding particles to video and compositing work. Particles Editor is the better fit for mac and iOS users composing layered effects for export.

  • Particle Illusion fits best

    VFX artists adding particles to video and compositing work

  • Particles Editor fits best

    Mac and iOS users composing layered effects for export

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Side by side

Feature Particle Illusion 8.3/10 Visit ↗ Particles Editor 7.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.3 7.9
Ranking #4 in Game Particle Effect Editors #8 in Game Particle Effect Editors
Best for VFX artists adding particles to video and compositing work Mac and iOS users composing layered effects for export
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $195/yr Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Windows, macOS macOS, iOS
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business
Features Particle Illusion 0/1 · Particles Editor 0/1
GPU simulation Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Engine integration Not checked yet Standalone
Supported engines Not checked yet Not checked yet
Export formats Not checked yet PNG textures; source code
Editor platforms Not checked yet macOS; iOS
Particle limit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Thousands of preset emitters plus fluid simulation and particle forces
  • Mocha tracking and masking are available in the plugin workflow
  • Integrates with major video and compositing applications
  • Templates and multi-layer composition support effect creation.
  • Import UI mocks and game assets to compose around existing visuals.
  • Export as PNG textures or source code, with a pixelation option.
Cons
  • Its video and compositing focus is less direct for game-effect authoring
  • The Pro monthly plan starts at $25 per month
  • Desktop support is limited to Windows and macOS
  • Standalone workflow has no listed game-engine integration.
  • Available only for macOS and iOS.
  • Some pro features require an in-app upgrade; its price is not published.
Our verdict

Particle Illusion is a desktop 2D and 3D particle generator for motion graphics artists, visual-effects creators, editors, and designers. It is available as a standalone application and as a plugin within Boris FX Continuum. The product…

Read the review →

Particles Editor is a downloadable visual tool for creating particle effects for apps and games on macOS and iOS. Its templates and multi-layer composition make it a fit for solo creators and small teams who want to shape effects around…

Read the review →
  1. Particle IllusionGame Particle Effect Editors 8.3Free plan
  2. Particles EditorGame Particle Effect Editors 7.9Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Particle Illusion — where it wins

    • Thousands of preset emitters plus fluid simulation and particle forces
    • Mocha tracking and masking are available in the plugin workflow
    • Integrates with major video and compositing applications

    Where it doesn't

    • Its video and compositing focus is less direct for game-effect authoring
    • The Pro monthly plan starts at $25 per month
    • Desktop support is limited to Windows and macOS
  • Particles Editor — where it wins

    • Templates and multi-layer composition support effect creation.
    • Import UI mocks and game assets to compose around existing visuals.
    • Export as PNG textures or source code, with a pixelation option.

    Where it doesn't

    • Standalone workflow has no listed game-engine integration.
    • Available only for macOS and iOS.
    • Some pro features require an in-app upgrade; its price is not published.

More comparisons

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026

Last updated · How we research and update