Das Element 2.2 uses AI to sort your 2D and 3D VFX assets
Das Element 2.0 was released in 2023. Scroll down for the Das Element 2.2 update.
Das Element has begun its 2.x updates to Das Element, its AI-based application for organising libraries of visual effects assets like images, sequences and stock FX clips.
The application, which runs entirely offline, uses a VFX-specific machine learning model to automatically generate tags for new elements ingested into a studio’s library.
Das Element 2.0 itself adds support for 3D as well as 2D assets, with users now able to preview 3D files inside the software, and associate them with 2D files like textures.
Turn large sets of assets into an ordered VFX library
First released in 2021, Das Element is designed to organise large sets of CG assets: source images, stock effects clips, rendered image sequences, and the like.
Its developer, former Scanline VFX editor Jonas Kluger, describes it as “a simple and easy way to organise the ‘chaos folder’ that probably every company has somewhere on the server”.
As well as tagging assets manually, users can have Das Element generate tags automatically, using a machine learning model “designed for VFX and trained on thousands of VFX elements”.
A second model generates tag suggestions based on the assets you have previously added to the library.
The software runs entirely offline, and has a command-line edition that can be run on a local renderfarm, automatically tagging shots as they are rendered.
Das Element 2.0: now supports 3D as well as 2D assets
Whereas the original release worked only with 2D assets, Das Element 2.0 support for 3D assets. Users can preview 3D models inside the software, and associate them with assets like textures.
There is also a new AI-based feature to identify and display visually similar assets.
Suggested use cases include both identifying new source assets for a project, and simply identifying files that have been duplicated across multiple locations on a studio’s network.
UI and workflow improvements
Das Element’s UI has also been reworked, with the gallery view now scrolling endlessly when browsing assets.
There is also a new exposure slider when previewing HDRI images or 360-degree videos, and the software’s video player now provides options to flip video or change playback speed.
Updated 7 August 2024: Das Element has released Das Element 2.1.
The video player gets support for dynamic scrubbing, frame-by-frame stepping, and the option to define a playback range in order to review part of a clip in a loop.
Das Element 2.1 also supports custom overwrites of the hierarchy tree, making it possible to use separate hierarchies for 2D and 3D assets.
In addition, it is now possible to use path values tokens as tags or metadata. Houdini users get support for the path notation $F, following Houdini’s own notation.
The update also streamlines the process of initially setting up an asset library, and of migrating assets between libraries.
Updated 6 November 2025: Das Element has released Das Element 2.2.
The update extends support for 3D assets, adding a new media types for 3D materials – including Substance (.sbs and .sbsar) and MaterialX (.mtlx) materials – and for UDIM sequences.
It is also now possible to ingest and manage entire folders as native assets, simplifying the handling of projects with complex file structures or multi-file dependencies.
Studios get new element-level permission settings, making it possible to control who can view, use or manage assets more precisely.
There are also a number of smaller workflow improvements, plus updates to command-line functionality and license management. You can find a full list via the links at the foot of the story.
Pricing and system requirements
Das Element is available for 64-bit Windows 10+, CentOS/Debian Linux and macOS.
The software is rental-only. Floating GUI licences cost €499/year (around $575/year) and floating command line licences cost €399/year ($460/year).
Lite licences, which let you browse the library but not tag assets, cost €49/year.
Read more about Das Element on the product website
Read a full list of new features in Das Element in the online changelog
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