Nuke
Nuke: A deep compositing system for professional film, television, and large-scale post-production. Ranked #1 of 37 in Visual Effects Software by our editors (9.4/10); pricing: Free plan · 30-day trial; best for professional compositing and deep-image work.
At a glance
- Editor score9.4 / 10
- PricingFree plan · 30-day trial
- Best forProfessional compositing and deep-image work
- Free planYes
- Node-based compositingYes
- Founded1996 · London, United Kingdom
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- More than 200 creative nodes with deep-image compositing
- Integrated 3D, keying, rotoscoping, and 32-bit image processing
- Python, PySide, C++, and BlinkScript extensibility across three platforms
Where it doesn't
- Commercial plan pricing varies by region
- The free offering is limited to non-commercial work
- Core Nuke does not include the broader NukeX or Nuke Studio toolsets
Our verdict on Nuke
Nuke is Foundry’s desktop compositing and visual-effects software for artists working on feature films, episodic content, animation, commercials, and other large-scale post-production projects. Its node graph supports more than 200 creative nodes, while deep-image compositing handles multiple opacity, color, and camera-relative depth samples. The application also combines an integrated 3D environment with keying, rotoscoping, multi-channel processing, and machine-learning nodes for a workflow aimed at professional compositing teams rather than casual video editing.
The published plans separate the core Nuke toolset from expanded production options. Nuke Annual Subscription and Nuke Quarter Rental include industry-standard compositing, the integrated 3D environment, Python API and C++ SDK access, and technical support. NukeX adds 3D camera-tracking, cleanup and correction, Cara VR, two Nuke Assist licenses, and two Nuke Render licenses. Nuke Studio shifts toward multi-shot production, combining editorial, compositing, review, a multi-track timeline, and AAF, XML, and EDL conform and ingest. Nuke Render provides headless rendering through floating or node-locked licensing and supports external render farms. Annual and quarterly options are available for several tiers, while a non-commercial free offering and a 30-day free trial provide lower-commitment ways to evaluate the software.
Nuke’s strongest fit is a pipeline that needs depth-aware compositing, detailed keying, roto work, 32-bit floating-point processing, and extensibility. Support for Windows, macOS, and Linux helps it fit varied production environments, while Python, PySide, C++, and BlinkScript support allows teams to extend workflows. CopyCat and Inference add machine-learning options without changing the node-based foundation. Choose Nuke for demanding compositing and deep-image work; consider another tool if the priority is simulation, a simpler editing workflow, or a narrower standalone task.
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Nuke pricing
Nuke fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Node-based compositing | Yes |
| Keying tools | Yes |
| Rotoscoping tools | Yes |
| 3D camera tracking | No |
| Simulation tools | No |
| Supported platforms | Linux, macOS, Windows |
| Render engine | Not verified |
| Free trial | 30 days |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Email, Phone, Tickets, Community, Docs |
| Built for | Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan · 30-day trial (source) |
| Website | foundry.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Nuke
- Autodesk FlameA professional finishing suite combining compositing, editing, grading, tracking, and AI-assisted isolation.9.2
- FusionA broad VFX toolkit with a free Resolve version and a $295 Studio option.9.1
- Adobe After EffectsA broad desktop toolkit for motion design, compositing, tracking, and mainstream VFX.9.0
Nuke vs the competition
- Nuke vs Autodesk Flame
- Nuke vs Fusion
- Nuke vs Adobe After Effects
- Nuke vs Silhouette
- Nuke vs Houdini
- Nuke vs Natron
Compare Nuke with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
Nuke is ranked in 3 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
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