Head-to-head · Game Particle Effect Editors
Particle Illusion vs 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 |
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| Cons |
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| 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 → |
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.
- Particle Illusion8.3/10 · Free plan
A particle generator with deep compositing workflows, better suited to video than game-effect authoring.
Visit Boris FXFull verdict → - Particles Editor7.9/10 · Free plan
A standalone editor for layered effects, with PNG texture and source-code export.
Try Particles EditorFull verdict →
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All game particle effect editors comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
Last updated · How we research and update
