Standalone Addition of Free Particle Illusion Introduces Natural Fluid Movement
In a groundbreaking move, Boris FX has released Particle Illusion Pro, the latest version of its standalone 3D particle generator. This advanced software, available from June 2024, offers a trialable paid version that surpasses the old free edition.
Particle Illusion Pro boasts enhanced 3D tracking capabilities, seamlessly integrated into its workflow. This update allows for improved export of tracking data to high-end compositing and VFX applications such as Flame, Silhouette, Blender, and more. Notably, the technology behind Particle Illusion's tracking is now shared across other Boris FX products, enhancing interoperability.
The standalone application is designed for motion designers and VFX artists seeking advanced 3D particle effects in a dedicated environment separate from plugin suites. Although a detailed feature list for this standalone version is not fully itemized, the release signifies a shift towards a professional-grade 3D particle system with a revamped, streamlined workflow and integration improvements with major VFX software.
For those eager to delve deeper into Particle Illusion's usage and features, Boris FX’s official blog and user guides (as of mid-2025) provide comprehensive coverage and workflow tips.
In addition to the standalone app, Particle Illusion is also available as a plugin for popular software like Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere Pro, Avid Media Composer, Blackmagic Resolve, Foundry Nuke, and VEGAS Pro.
Ben Brownlee and John Dickinson have collaborated to create a comprehensive tutorial series for the Particle Illusion standalone application, divided into 25 bite-size videos. This series covers everything from installation to using presets, and introduces the newly added Fluid Dynamics feature.
The Continuum Particles Unit can be purchased with a permanent license for $399, or upgraded from a previous version for $99. Particle Illusion's multihost plugin is available with three options: an annual subscription for $95, a monthly subscription for $15, or a permanent license for $295.
Pricing for the full Continuum suite varies per host, with options for monthly/annual subscriptions, permanent licenses, and upgrades.
Particle Illusion allows users to create complex animations with multiple emitters, forces, deflectors, fluids, and even position data, all of which can be saved as a single preset called a "Scene" within the expansive Emitter Library.
The new Fluid Dynamics feature in the Particle Illusion standalone application brings particle animations to life with the beauty of photorealistic organic movement, featuring over 20 professionally designed presets.
The standalone application offers a fast, user-friendly workflow with thousands of professionally designed presets. It includes an integrated 3D camera, forces, deflectors, lines, turbulence, fluid dynamics (new), motion blur, depth of field, and direct rendering to ProRes and H.264.
For Apple M1-supported Mac users, the new update to the Particle Illusion standalone application promises significant performance speed increases. The update is available for download on Boris FX's social media platforms.
Particle Illusion Pro's technology, integrated into its workflow, allows for improved export of tracking data to high-end compositing and VFX applications like Flame, Silhouette, Blender, and more. The standalone application, boosted by this technology, is designed for motion designers and VFX artists, offering a fast, user-friendly workflow with features like the new Fluid Dynamics, creating complex animations with lifelike, organic movement.
