Side by side
CrazyBump vs VFX Texture Lab
Both stand on 3d texturing software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Paid MacWindows
CrazyBump focuses specifically on normal-map creation and offers Windows and macOS access. Its one-time licenses cover student, personal, and professional use, while schools have free installation guidance.
Visit CrazyBump Free plan LinuxWindows
VFX Texture Lab combines procedural texture authoring, materials, animation, and lightweight geometry workflows. Its public-beta status and graphics-adapter-dependent feature availability are worth considering before relying on it for production work.
Visit VFX Texture LabThe facts
| CrazyBump | VFX Texture Lab | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Mac, Windows | Linux, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | See the plans | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 3 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | crazybump.com | github.com |
| On 3d texturing software | #25 of 29 | #21 of 29 |
CrazyBump: what it does well
- Creates normal maps in seconds, according to maker
- Runs on Windows and macOS
- Schools may install it free
- Professional plan offers volume discounts
- Forum and email support are listed
What to know first
- No free plan is offered
- Does not include 3D texture painting
- Mac version is listed as a public beta
- Professional license costs $299, paid once
VFX Texture Lab: what it does well
- Node graph includes a broad set of texture tools.
- Supports reusable PBR materials and 3D preview.
- Can bake texture maps and export OBJ geometry.
- Exports PNG, TGA, and raw R16 images.
What to know first
- The project is in active public beta.
- Available features depend on graphics adapter and driver.
- First public Windows builds are unsigned.
Alternatives to CrazyBump Alternatives to VFX Texture Lab The whole list