3D visual effects (VFX), finishing, and color grading software
Flame® 3D VFX and finishing software provide effective tools for 3D compositing, visual effects, and editorial finishing. An integrated, creative environment means faster compositing, advanced graphics, color correction, and more.
Enjoy the speed of 2D compositing—with 3D visual effects
Flame® 3D VFX and finishing software provide powerful tools for 3D compositing, visual effects, and editorial finishing. An integrated, creative environment means faster compositing, advanced graphics, color correction, and more.
Flame overview (video: 3:25 min.)
Discover a unique way to isolate and modify common objects
Generate a 3D normal map from face detection to use for color adjustment, relighting, and digital cosmetic and beauty work. Use selective render options to refine the result in combination with the selective that is generated by the normal map.
Machine learning normal maps (video: 1:41 min.)
Maintain a creative mindset in a simple, task-based environment
Edit, composite, and color correct in one environment, without toggling between software. Create and iterate quickly for more productive client sessions.
Image Timeline FX and batch node (video: 1:50 min.)
What’s new in Flame 2021
Flame® 2021 software includes a GPU-accelerated defocus effect, more ways to segment the human face using machine learning, and enhancements to the Image/Effects toolset.
Try the new GPU-accelerated rack defocus effect. Extract alpha mattes using machine learning with a new human face region Semantic keyer.
Import, author, display, and export Dolby Vision HDR animatable metadata.
Save and recall color grading and FX work in the Explorer, a dedicated grade bin and reference comparison area.
Maintain a creative mindset in a simple, task-based environment
Edit, composite, and color correct in one environment, without toggling between software. Create and iterate quickly for more productive client sessions and to stay in the flow.
Use collaboration and media management tools
- Get smart media management with customizable views.
- Support any modern format, including 8K.
- Collaborate quickly with other artists using scriptable Python API commands.
Which Flame Product is right for you?
Flame
Tools for fast and interactive visual effects finishing and 3D compositing.
Flame Assist
A timeline-centric, fully compatible assistant station for Flame.
Flare
A fully compatible creative assistant station for Flame in collaborative VFX workflows.
Lustre
Real-time color grading software for creative look development.
What’s new in Flame 2020
Flame® 3D VFX and finishing software provide tools for 3D compositing, visual effects, color correction, and editorial finishing. Get the tools you need in an integrated, creative environment.
3D/AOV: Z-depth map generator
Machine learning for live-action scene-depth reclamation. Analyze shots, color correct, or apply effects based on camera distance.
3D/AOV: human face normal map generator
Use machine learning to generate 3D surface-orientation bump maps for color adjustment, relighting, and beauty retouching.
Cryptomatte render pass support
Making crypto object, asset, and materials available in Flame and Flare without having to request re-rendering.
Refraction
3D object can now refract real-world material, distorting background objects based on surface material characteristics.
Flame Features
3D compositing (Action)
Flame, Flame Assist, Flare
Combines the interactive speed of traditional 2D compositing and powerful 3D visual effects. Includes a WYSIWYG preview for artists in session.
Node-based compositing (Batch)
Flame, Flare
Batch, a node-based procedural compositing environment, integrates with the timeline and desktop to combine 2D and 3D elements efficiently and iteratively.
Editorial timeline
Flame, Flame Assist
Use the timeline to oversee projects, create consistent looks, and correctly match graded and 3D VFX shots to editorial intention. Includes scene detection.
Image Timeline FX and Batch node
Flame, Flare
Integrated collective toolset for color, beauty work, production fix-it tasks or freeform creative distortions and treatments-on any image.
MasterGrade: Creative Color tool
Flame, Flame Assist, Flare
Provides 3 modes optimized for grading the 3 types of color spaces: video, logarithmic, and scene-linear. Colorspace aware. Open industry standard for super looks.
Effects tab: Task-based environment
Flame, Flame Assist, Flare
The Effects tab lets you apply the shot-to-shot navigation principles of a color grading tool using a wide array of effects.
Creative FX for the Image node
Flame, Flare
A2Beauty and Washer Matchbox tools. Targeted at beauty work, clean up, and noise reduction. Physical Glare, for creating lens artifacts and creative lens FX for look development.
Conform
Flame, Flame Assist
Create multilayer timelines faster. Use a large set of advanced conforming and troubleshooting tools in a single task-based area.
Description
Flame features for 3D visual effects
Flame® software provides tools for 3D compositing, visual effects, and editorial finishing. Get the tools you need in an integrated, creative environment.
Combines the interactive speed of traditional 2D compositing and powerful 3D visual effects. Includes a WYSIWYG preview for artists in session.
New | Automatic background reactor
Automatic cache on playback now available when using Linux Flame 2020. Making creative look dev tasks faster.
Media management
Flame, Flame Assist
Support for additional formats and enhanced sharing and handling help you better manage your media.
Matchbox API
Flame, Flame Assist, Flare
Use GPU-accelerated GLSL shaders to solve challenges in Action’s 3D compositing environment.
Action: Projection tracking
Flame, Flare
Turn a projection into a UV set for the geometry.
Pybox
FLAME, FLARE, FLAME ASSIST
Use a scriptable handler to process your images via external renderers.
Connected Conform smart merge
FLAME, FLAME ASSIST
Merge new editorial cuts dynamically with work in progress shots late in a project.
Modern color management
Flame, Flame Assist, Flare, Lustre
Track color space information on a per-clip basis, from source to screen. Includes the ability to lock exported color policies.
Python API
FLAME, FLARE, FLAME ASSIST
Drive the Batch environment via scriptable commands.
Batch Paint animation
Flame, Flare
Adjust strokes via a multifunction edit box, animate them, or limit them with user-definable frame ranges.
Batch Paint editing
Flame, Flare
Individually edit paint strokes in the Paint node to achieve a seamless look with 16-bit floating-point depth support.
Connected Conform workflow
Flame, Flame Assist
A unified media management approach to share, sort, and sync media across multiple sequences.
GMask Tracer
Flame, Flare
Create sophisticated composites using a lightweight, spline-based shape tool with integrated chroma-keying tools.
Scopes: HDR waveform monitoring
FLAME, FLAME ASSIST, FLARE
Enhanced signal monitoring for HDR and WCG ranges. Set viewport to Waveform, RGB Parade, a color vectorscope, 3D Cube, or Histogram widgets. Colorspace tagging informs the scopes view.
Planar tracking
Flame, Flare
Expertly and easily track perspective changes with the versatile, high-performing Planar Tracker.
Flame-Lustre workflow
Flame, Lustre
VFX toolset for colorists with a new level of integration.
Shotgun integration
Flame, Flame Assist, Flare
Access the power of the Shotgun review and production tracking toolset.
System Requirements
| Linux | Mac | |
|---|---|---|
| OS | CentOS 7.4: download custom Autodesk CentOS 7.4 ISO, MD5 or CentOS 7.6: download custom Autodesk CentOS 7.6 ISO , MD5 . | High Sierra 10.13.x, Mojave 10.14.x Catalina 10.15.1+ If you wish to upgrade to High Sierra or Mojave from Sierra or older please consult the FAQ. Action is required to avoid data loss. MacOS 10.15.0 Catalina is not supported with Flame Family products. See details |
| GPU | NVIDIA M6000 or newer. | Minimum 4 GB VRAM |
| CPU | Intel 64 multi-core processor | Intel 64 multi-core processor |
| Audio card | ALSA or Pulse compatible | Internal Core audio |
| DKU | version 15.0.0 download: tar, md5 | |
| RAM | 64 GB | 16GB |
| Other | 1920 x 1200 display with 60hz refresh rate US keyboard Mouse |
|
Flame 2021 - Linux workstation requirements
Current certified Linux workstations |
||
| HP Z8 G4 | System Requirements Linux CentOS 7.4 or 7.6 |
|
| Dell Precision 7920 Tower | System Requirements Linux CentOS 7.4 or 7.6 |
|
| Dell Precision 7920 Rack | System Requirements Linux CentOS 7.4 or 7.6 |
|
Legacy certified Linux workstations |
||
| HP Z840 | System requirements Setup Guide Linux CentOS 7.4 or 7.6 | Dual GPU Compatible* |
| HP Z440 | System requirements Linux CentOS 7.4 or 7.6 |
|
| MacPro (Early 2020) | System requirements | 3.3Ghz 12 core or 3.2Ghz 16 core Radeon Pro Vega II | Background reactor not supported |
|---|---|---|---|
| MacBookPro 16" (Late 2019) | System requirements | 2.3 Ghz 8 core i9 Radeon Pro 5500M | Background reactor not supported |
| iMacPro (Late 2017) | System requirements | 3.0 Ghz 10 core Radeon Pro Vega 64 | Background reactor not supported |
| MacPro (Late 2013) | System requirements | 3.2 Ghz 12 core AMD Firepro D700 | Background reactor not supported |
| iMac Retina 5K (mid 2017) | System requirements | Background reactor not supported |
Linux Workstations self-qualified by vendor
All components included in system requirements have been qualified against Autodesk's certified workstations by the vendor.| Dell T7910 | For more information, visit Dell.com or contact your local Dell vendor. Linux CentOS 7.4 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Lenovo P910 & P920 | For more information, visit Lenovo.com or contact your local Lenovo vendor. Linux CentOS 7.4 |
|
| Boxx Apexx W5 | For more information, visit BOXX.com or contact your local BOXX vendor. Linux CentOS 7.4 |
|
| Ciara Titan 2204-G4 Ciara Kronos 840-G4 | For more information, visit Ciara website or contact your local Ciara vendor. Linux CentOS 7.4 |
|
Change Log
Autodesk Flame 2021.1
For details on all the new features and enhancements in this release, follow these links:
- Action Selective
- Action/GMask Tracer
- Action/Image/GMask Tracer
- Image
- Compare Workflow
- Dolby Vision® Support
- Effects Environment
- Explorer
- MediaHub
- Media Export
- Media Import
- Media Panel
- Paint
- Player
- Python API
- Security
- Tangent Panels
- Timeline
Support for macOS 10.15.1 (Catalina)
Flame Family 2021.1 products available on macOS are certified for macOS 10.15.1.
Support for macOS 10.15.1 comes with the following limitations:
- Wiretap Central and Backburner Web Monitor do not work on macOS 10.15.1 and cannot be installed. Future versions of macOS are not expected to support Wiretap Central or Backburner Web Monitor.
- The AutodeskMediaStorage default location changes in macOS 10.15.1. See Autodesk Media Storage Location Changes for details.
Support for CentOS 7.6
The Flame Family 2021.1 products support CentOS 7.6 (in addition to CentOS 7.4) on all certified platforms listed on the system requirements page.
Note the following:
- CentOS 7.6 must be installed using the Autodesk custom .iso.
- CentOS 7.6 is only supported by Flame Family versions starting with 2020.3.
We recommend that you install CentOS 7.6 on a different system drive or partition if you need to maintain previous software versions.
- You can now upgrade from CentOS 7.2 or CentOS 7.4 to the newer CentOS 7.6 using the CentOS Upgrade script. For more information, see Upgrade Linux.
New DKU (CentOS Only)
Download the Linux CentOS DKU v15.1.0 from the System Requirements page.
Flame Family 2021.1 version requires the installation of DKU version 15.1.0 on all CentOS workstations.
DKU 15.1.0 contains the following:
- Firefox update (version 68.8)
DKU 15.0 (included in 15.1..0)
-
- AJA Driver version 15.5
- Nvidia driver version 440.44
- Updated OpenSSL
- CentOS Upgrade script
The DKU installs in /opt/Autodesk/DKU.
For more details regarding installation of the DKU, see Install the DKU.
If you need access to the Backburner Manager web monitor, install Adobe Flash Player. Follow these instructions.
AVIO Configuration Support
AJA and Blackmagic Design hardware are available on macOS and CentOS.
AJA Support
Flame Family 2021.1 supports version 15.5 of the AJA drivers.
- CentOS: Installing the DKU 15 automatically installs the AJA 15.5 drivers.
- macOS: Download the AJA Software Installer v15.5 – Mac from the AJA website.
Note: This version installs new firmware on IO 4K and IO 4K Plus cards. This firmware is not compatible with previous version of the AJA Software Installer.
Blackmagic Design Support
Flame Family 2021.1 supports version 11.5 of the Blackmagic Design Desktop Video application.
- Download the Desktop Video 11.5 from Blackmagic Design Support Center .
The following cards are certified:
- UltraStudio 4K Extreme (using PCI Express Cable Kit)
- DeckLink 4K Extreme
For installation instructions, see the Configuration guide.
For supported timings, see Broadcast Monitor Supported Timings.
Remote Audio Monitoring
On CentOS, you can now use PulseAudio when using Flame, Flare, and Flame Assist in a remote configuration. Using PulseAudio allows you to get audio playback over your remote session.
For more details, see Remote Audio Monitoring.
Backburner
Backburner 2021 is automatically installed when you install any Flame Family product. If you’re in an environment running Backburner Manager on a dedicated workstation, install Backburner 2021 on that workstation to benefit from the latest fixes.
You can download the Backburner 2021 standalone installer from Autodesk online store. Search for Backburner.
Autodesk Network License Manager
Flame Family 2021.1 requires the Autodesk Network License Manager to be updated to the latest version. This Network License Manager version is fully compatible with the Flame Family softwares version 2018 and up.
See the following links for more information:
For details about the license model in Flame Family products, see Products and licenses.
Deprecated Hardware and Software
The following is a list of software and hardware no longer supported by the 2021 and 2021.1 releases of Flame Family products.
- Central Install is no longer supported on macOS. (Note: Central Install is still available on CentOS.)
- CentOS 7.2 is no longer supported (Flame Family products will not install on CentOS 7.2).
- The following hardware components are all at least four years old, and manufacturer warranty and driver compatibility limit our ability to support them: they are no longer tested on or certified.
- HP Z820
- Nvidia K6000
- AJA Kona 3G
It is no longer possible to install the application on workstations equipped with older graphics card, including the previously supported Nvidia cards from the Q family.
Autodesk Flame 2020.2
Semantic Keyer for Human Body Extraction: New single-click keyer makes it easy to isolate human bodies and faces for color grading, light FX treatments, and compositing.
Use the Human Body and Human Head semantic keyers in an Image node in the Effects tab for a fast, iterative Color Grading and light FX treatments on many shots. Or use them for compositing in a full procedural Batch.
Enhanced Still Grab/Compare Workflow: Unlimited storage of reference stills in a new and improved compare tool.
GPU Accelerated Media Pre-Processing: Significantly improved Playback performance when importing media files with Resizing and Color Management options.
More Blackmagic Support: Flame, Flame Assist, and Flare now support Blackmagic Design UltraStudio and DeckLink SDI & HDMI Preview cards on CentOS.
Support for macOS 10.15.1 (Catalina)
Flame Family 2020.2 Update products available on macOS are now certified for macOS 10.15.1.
Support for macOS 10.15.1 comes with the following limitations:
- Wiretap Central and Backburner Web Monitor do not work on macOS 10.15.1 and cannot be installed. Future versions of macOS are not expected to support Wiretap Central or Backburner Web Monitor.
- The AutodeskMediaStorage default location changes in macOS 10.15.1. See the following section, Autodesk Media Storage Location Changes, for details.
Looking for the Release Notes for Flame Family 2020.2 Update? Click here: Flame Family 2020.2 Update Release Notes.
Autodesk Flame 2020.1
- Remove clouds by brightening, clamping, and adjusting, add treatments to sky backgrounds, or key in Batch / BFX for compositing, with the new Semantic keyer Sky analysis.
- Or use a Motion Vector render pass (AOV) in CG rendering to isolate moving objects in a mostly stationary scene, and apply post-processing effects such as Motion Blur in compositing and finishing.
- In the Effects environment, create custom Layouts by setting viewports, storyboard reel, media panel…
- Segment Groups are a new way of filtering what shots you want to focus on, to make comparisons and adjustments in the immediate context.
- Also, access the GitHub repository for community-created scripts, use Kona 5 & IO 4k plus – 6G / 12G output, or export .IMF via easyDCP.
- Flame feedback-based improvements include Action Compass and Bypass improvements.
Additional information:
- Many new feature videos (as well as other workflow videos) are available on the Flame Learning Channel. This channel is updated frequently, make sure to subscribe.
Links to videos are denoted by this icon:
- In this What’s New topic,
indicates a new feature or enhancement that was suggested and voted up by Flame Family users on the Feedback portal (also accessible directly from ). - Make sure to check out Flame Central, the hub for all your Flame family links.
- Looking for the Release Notes for Flame Family 2020.1 Update? Click here: Flame Family 2020.1 Update Release Notes.
Flame Family 2020 Update Highlights
Support for CentOS 7.4
The Flame Family 2020 release supports CentOS 7.4 on all certified platforms listed on the system requirements page.
Please take note of the following:
- CentOS 7.4 must be installed using the Autodesk custom .iso.
- CentOS 7.4 is not currently supported for Flame Family 2018.3 Update (and previous versions). We recommend that you install CentOS 7.4 on a different system drive or partition if you need to maintain previous software versions.
- The CentOS 7.2 to CentOS 7.4 upgrade path is not supported: the Autodesk custom .iso triggers a complete CentOS 7.4 install.
The upgrade to CentOS 7.4 is not mandatory for the 2020 release. CentOS 7.2 is still a supported operating system for Flame Family version 2020, but only for the platforms originally certified with it (HP Z820, HP Z440, and HP Z840).
New DKU Required for 2020 (Linux Only)
Flame Family 2020 version requires the installation of DKU version 14.0.0 on all Linux workstations. This DKU contains:
- The new AJA 15 drivers.
- A new NVIDIA driver (410.93)
The DKU 14.0.0 installs in /opt/Autodesk/DKU.
Note that the DKU installs the AJA 15 drivers, but that the installed AJA also requires a firmware update. To update the card’s firmware, first install the new DKU, and then run the script ./AJAfw_update from the folder /opt/Autodesk/DKU/current/Utils/. If you are using a Z820, you will also find at that location a firmware update for the KONA 3G.
The DKU can be downloaded from the System Requirements page.
Backburner 2020 Update
Backburner 2020 is automatically installed when you install any Flame Family product. But if you’re in an environment running Backburner Manager on a dedicated workstation, you need to manually install Backburner 2020 on that workstation to benefit from the latest fixes.
You can download the Backburner 2020 standalone installer from Autodesk online store. Search for Backburner.
AVIO Configuration Support
Flame Family 2020 version supports the new AJA 15 drivers.
- Linux: Install DKU 14.0.0 to have access to the new AJA 15 drivers.
- macOS: Download the AJA Software Installer v15.1 – Mac from the AJA website.
AJA 15 introduces support for the new AJA Kona 5 card for all certified platforms listed on the system requirements page.
Note: Advanced KONA 5 features are not supported in this release.
Autodesk Network License Manager Update
Note: This update affects applications licensed using Multi-User (license server), and no action is required for applications licensed using Single User on macOS.
Flame Family 2020 version requires the Autodesk Network License Manager to be updated to the latest version. This Network License Manager version is fully compatible with the Flame Family applications version 2018 and up.
See the following links for more information:
Deprecated Hardware
- The Avid Artist Series Panels are no longer supported by Flame Family products.
- NVIDIA Quadro 6000 cards are no longer supported. Minimal requirement now specify NVIDIA Kepler-series and newer.
Flame Family 2019.2 Update Highlights
Creative FX:
- Light Wrap in Action
- GMask Tracer in Flame Assist
- Neat video denoise via OpenFX node
- Printer Lights in MasterGrade
Python scripting:
- Timeline
- Media Panel
- Render Node
- Camera 3D
User Feedback:
- New Bookmarks Manager
- New file browser
- And more…
Navigation tips:
- Make sure to check out https://area.autodesk.com/flame-central/, the hub for all your Flame Family links in one convenient tabbed page.
- Looking for the Release Notes for Flame Family 2019.2 Update? Click here: Flame Family 2019.2 Update Release Notes.
- Many new feature videos (as well as other workflow videos) are available at https://www.youtube.com/user/FlameHowTos. This Learning Channel is updated frequently, so be sure to subscribe or bookmark the page.
- Links to specific 2019.2 Update videos are denoted by this icon:
For details on all the new features and enhancements in this release, view the full release notes.
- Action
- Animation
- AVIO
- Backburner
- Batch or Batch FX
- Colour Management
- Connected Conform
- Effects Tab
- File Browser
- GMask Tracer
- Image
- Look
- Matchbox
- MediaHub
- Media Formats
- Media Panel
- Miscellaneous
- Plugins
- Python Hooks
- Python API
- Security (Linux Only)
- Shotgun
- Stabilizer / Tracker
- Tangent Panels
- Timeline
- Viewing
Flame Family 2019.1 Update Highlights
Colour:
- RGB Curves in MasterGrade
- Tangent Arc Support
- Tangent panel support in Image and MasterGrade
- Enhanced Colour Sampler
- Conform, Timeline and Effects:
- Search Presets
- Drag & drop to re-order Matchbox
- Sources C- and A-sort modes
- Create Batch Group options
Python scripting:
- Action
- Timeline creation
- Export
Navigation tips:
- Make sure to check out https://area.autodesk.com/flame-central/, a new hub for all your Flame Family links in one convenient tabbed page.
- Looking for the Release Notes for Flame Family 2019.1 Update? Click here: Flame Family 2019.1 Update Release Notes.
- Many new feature videos (as well as other workflow videos) are available athttps://www.youtube.com/user/FlameHowTos. This Learning Channel is updated frequently, so be sure to subscribe or bookmark the page.
For details on all the new features and enhancements in this release, view the full release notes.
- Action
- AVIO
- Batch and Batch FX
- Batch
- Colour Science
- Conform
- Effects Tab
- Image
- Matchbox
- MediaHub
- Media Export
- Media Import
- Python API
- Tangent Panels Support
- Timeline
- Smaller But Still Nice Improvements
Tutorials
Grading & VFX with the Explorer - Flame 2021
In Flame 2021, the Explorer allows you to create, organize and apply TimelineFX setups in a very interactive and user-friendly way.
More...Machine Learning - P6 - Human Face Extraction - Flame 2021
With this Flame 2021, you have the ability to segment various parts of the human face for any compositing, grading and beauty work.
More...Depth of Field Blurring with Physical Defocus - Flame 2021
Learn about a new look development tool that allows you to create depth of field blurring in a variety of compositing scenarios.
More...Mastering in Dolby Vision™ - Part 1 - Flame 2021
In this series, we are going to cover how to master Dolby Vision™ deliverables which have been introduced in the Flame 2021 products.
More...Autodesk Flame: Beginners Guide to the Flame Family
This 10 part tutorial series walks you through the full process of project creation using Autodesk Flame, including importing, editing, conforming, color correction, batch compositing, exporting and more. It's the perfect guide for the novice Flame user.
More...
