Fusion review
A broad VFX toolkit with a free Resolve version and a $295 Studio option.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Fusion is Blackmagic Design’s compositing and visual-effects software for visual-effects artists, broadcast and motion-graphics designers, and 3D animators. Its node-based workflow supports compositing, keying, rotoscoping, motion tracking, particle effects, 3D work, titles, and animation. The product is available as the Fusion page within the free DaVinci Resolve application or as the standalone Fusion Studio product. It suits creators who need broad VFX coverage across Mac, Windows, and Linux rather than a tool limited to one effect type.
The two-product structure makes pricing straightforward. DaVinci Resolve includes the Fusion page, along with visual-effects and compositing features. Fusion Studio costs $295 as a one-time purchase and adds hundreds of 2D and 3D tools, 3D particles, 3D camera tracking, rotoscoping and keying tools, and unlimited network rendering. The displayed price may vary by region. Buyers should choose Resolve when the included Fusion page covers their workflow, while Fusion Studio is the clearer fit for standalone work and distributed rendering needs.
Fusion’s feature depth extends from Delta, Ultra, Chroma, Luma, and Differential keyers to vector paint, rotoscoping, 3D camera and motion tracking, physics-based particle controls, true 3D compositing, and 3D model import and rendering. GPU-accelerated processing and rendering support performance-focused workflows, while Lua and Python scripting add automation options. Integration with DaVinci Resolve, Avid Media Composer, Maya, 3ds Max, Cinema 4D, and OpenFX plugins broadens its place in production pipelines. Pick Fusion for varied compositing and VFX work on a budget; choose an alternative if you want a narrower, simpler workflow.
Fusion pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free Fusion page included with DaVinci Resolve
- Covers keying, rotoscoping, tracking, particles, and true 3D
- Runs on Mac, Windows, and Linux with GPU processing
- Where it doesn't
- Standalone Studio requires a $295 one-time purchase
- Advanced workflows may require learning node-based compositing
- Distributed network rendering is listed for Fusion Studio
Fusion fact sheet, pricing and score →
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