Side by side
Aether vs Terragen
Both stand on visual effects software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Choose Aether if you need node-based compositing with keying, rotoscoping, and 3D camera tracking on a supported desktop platform. Look elsewhere if your decision depends on comparing other plan options or costs.
Visit AetherChoose Terragen for natural environment creation when terrain, atmospheric rendering, animation, and interchange with other 3D tools matter. The free edition is limited to non-commercial use or a 30-day commercial evaluation, still renders up to 1280 × 900, and no animation renders; Professional subscriptions start at $10 a month.
Visit TerragenThe facts
| Aether | Terragen | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | No |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | API, Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Professional INDIE 50 annual: $96 a year |
| Plans published | 1 | 17 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | centroscs.it | planetside.co.uk |
| On visual effects software | #17 of 37 | #13 of 37 |
Aether: what it does well
- Free plan costs nothing.
- Provides node-based compositing.
- Includes keying and rotoscoping tools.
- Offers 3D camera tracking.
- Supports Windows, macOS, and Linux.
What to know first
- Only a Free plan is described.
- The listed plan description is limited to compositing and visual-effects tools.
Terragen: what it does well
- Builds procedural and heightfield terrain, including cliffs and overhangs.
- Models planetary atmospheres with volumetric clouds, fog, and global illumination.
- Combines micropolygon rendering with ray tracing.
- Animates nearly every project parameter and renders image sequences.
- Exports terrain and exchanges camera data in several formats.
What to know first
- The free edition limits still renders to 1280 × 900.
- The free edition does not render animation.
- Commercial evaluation with the free edition is limited to 30 days.
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