New motion graphics tool Caddis puts a node graph in every layer
Interesting After Effects alternative combines a familiar layer workflow with the procedural power of nodes. Currently free in beta.
Tuesday, May 19th, 2026
layer-based
Motion design tool Autograph is now free to studios
Both individual artists and studios can now use Maxon's USD-based motion design and VFX software on commercial projects for free.
Thursday, May 7th, 2026
Open-source material authoring software Material Maker 1.6 is out
See the new features in the free alternative to Substance 3D Designer, including a Controlled Variations system for material variants.
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026
Maxon releases motion graphics software Autograph for free
USD-based, responsive-design-friendly motion graphics and VFX tool is publicly available again - and is free to individual artists.
Wednesday, April 15th, 2026
Abstract releases InstaMAT 2026 with new Curves Brushes
See what's new in the promising alternative to the Substance tools for texture painting and material authoring. Free to indie artists.
Thursday, March 12th, 2026
Pikimov 5 is a free alternative to After Effects and CapCut
Promising browser-based app gets a new Classic editor for video editing, as well as editors for 2D and 3D motion design.
Tuesday, February 24th, 2026
Check out free material authoring software Material Maker 1.5
See the new features in the open-source alternative to Substance 3D Designer, including DDS support and seven new SDF nodes.
Tuesday, January 20th, 2026
Material Maker 1.4 is a big update to the free material authoring app
Open-source alternative to tools like Substance 3D Designer and Painter gets a long-awaited update. Check out the new features.
Tuesday, October 7th, 2025
Abstract releases InstaMAT 2025
Major update sees the hotly tipped 3D texture painting and material authoring tools leave early access. Still free for indie artists.
Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025
Check out unusual open-source vector design tool Graphite
Promising free app combines the ease of layer-based workflows with the power of a node graph. More bitmap editing tools planned, too.
Tuesday, July 1st, 2025
Left Angle closes: Autograph goes off sale, staff join Maxon
Next-gen motion graphics app Autograph discontinued - but there is now a workaround to activate your existing software offline.
Monday, June 16th, 2025
Peregrine Labs ships Yeti 5.2
Check out the latest features in the popular Maya fur and feathers plugin, including new nodes for resolving intersections.
Monday, March 24th, 2025
Check out free Blender scattering add-on OpenScatter
Promising open-source add-on lets you scatter plants and rocks in your scenes according to elevation, texture masks or guide curves.
Sunday, March 2nd, 2025