Silhouette

The Industry Standard
for Roto & Paint

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Silhouette 2024

Powered by Machine Learning

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Silhouette

World’s Most Refined Rotoscoping

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Everything you need to get started

Silhouette Essentials Training

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Visual Effects & Compositing

The industry’s leading rotoscoping and paint tool is packed with major compositing features. Silhouette delivers 400+ VFX nodes, including Boris FX Sapphire, Mocha Pro, and Particle Illusion.

Top artists have relied on Silhouette on Hollywood’s biggest titles for over fifteen years. The Academy and Emmy Award-winning toolkit created by visual effect artists recently made its mark on Deadpool & Wolverine, Rebel Moon, Barbie, Dune, and 3 Body Problem.

Why Silhouette?

Industry leading rotoscoping and paint tools

Auto paint for speed and reliability

Powerful tracking options

Node based compositing and image processing

Easy keying for green screens

Includes Sapphire, Mocha, Particle Illusion and Continuum effect tools

Warping and morphing tools

Work as a plugin in your favorite host or as a standalone application

Behind The Scenes

Silhouette powers Stranger Things

Learn how Scanline and Digital Domain used Silhouette to create invisible effects featuring complicated rotoscoping, clean-ups, and paint work inside the Upside Down.

Read | 3:00

Plug in to your favorite host

Or work in standalone

macOS

Windows

Linux

System requirements

Mac OS

OS Requirements

Monterey (12.0) and higher

Processor (CPU)

Apple silicon or Intel (Sandy Bridge or newer)

System Memory (RAM)

16 GB +

Disk

High-speed disk array or NVMe SSD

Graphics Processor (GPU)

- Apple silicon integrated GPUs are supported, as are AMD GPUs on most modern Intel CPU Macs.
- Machine Learning Plugins (ML) require an Apple silicon integrated GPU with macOS Monterey (12.0) and above. If an appropriate GPU is not available, ML plug-ins can run on the CPU with significantly degraded performance.

Monitor

1920×1080 or higher

Network

Must have an enabled network adapter (wifi or ethernet)

Windows

OS Requirements

Windows 10 & 11

Processor (CPU)

Intel x64 (Sandy Bridge or newer)

System Memory (RAM)

8 GB minimum, 16+ GB preferred

Disk

High-speed disk array or NVMe SSD

Graphics Processor (GPU)

- Most modern graphics cards from NVIDIA and AMD are supported for GPU acceleration, but for best performance, we recommend workstation powered by NVIDIA RTX 6000 Ada Generation, or AMD Radeon™ PRO Series.
- Machine Learning (ML) Plugins plugins require an NVIDIA GPU with compute capability 6.0 or above (Pascal), or an AMD Radeon™ PRO Series GPU. If an appropriate GPU is not available, ML plug-ins can run on the CPU with significantly degraded performance.

Monitor

1920×1080 or higher

Network

Must have an enabled network adapter (wifi or ethernet)

Linux

Operating System

Red Hat Enterprise Linux/Centos 7-9, a compatible Linux distribution such as Rocky Linux, or Ubuntu

Processor (CPU)

Intel x64 (Sandy Bridge or newer)

System Memory (RAM)

16 GB +

Disk

High-speed disk array or NVMe SSD

Graphics Processor (GPU)

- Most modern graphics cards from NVIDIA are supported for GPU acceleration, but for best performance, we recommend workstation powered by NVIDIA RTX 6000 Ada Generation.
- Machine Learning (ML) Plugins plugins require an NVIDIA GPU with compute capability 6.0 or above (Pascal).
  
  If an appropriate GPU is not available, ML plug-ins can run on the CPU with significantly degraded performance.

Monitor

1920×1080 or higher

Network

Must have an enabled network adapter (wifi or ethernet)

New For 2024

Matte Assist ML
Create fast animated mattes from a single frame using local models and rendering.
Denoiser ML
New 2x faster denoise models cover even more types of footage.
Optical Flow ML Tracker
Create optical flow data that can be used to track shapes, objects or point trackers.
Enhanced Functionality
Faster processing with GPU nodes, less memory used on roto nodes, caching improvements, and more!
Retime ML
Produce pristine time warps, including animated ramping.
Photoshop Brushes & More
Support for Photoshop brushes, latest versions of Mocha, Sapphire, and Particle Illusion included and more.

New Version 2024

Matte Assist ML

Instantly create animated mattes from a single frame. Use the Roto, Paint or new EZ Mask Node to create sample mattes, and let the AI power of Matte Assist ML do the rest.

Mix it with traditional roto or procedural techniques to save massive amounts of time
Data port communication between nodes delivers faster results with less work
Add to the updated Power Matte node to make finely detailed mattes in record time

New Version 2024

Optical Flow ML

Generate optical flow data for use in Silhouette’s roto nodes — Roto, Roto Blend, Tracker, Power Mask, Morph, and Depth.

Quickly estimate per-pixel motion between frames
Track shapes, objects, or point trackers using Optical Flow data or STMap data from other applications, e.g. Nuke’s Smart Vectors
Seriously speed up roto tasks with the Auto Keyframe tool that uses flow data together with manual animation

New Version 2024

Retime ML

Say no to pesky artifacts, and hello to silky smooth time warps with animated ramping driven by innovative ML motion estimation and retiming models.

Easily speed up or slow down the timing of a selected frame range
Driven by custom algorithms trained on thousands of images
Keyframe your effects for maximum impact

New Version 2024

Enhanced Functionality

The 2024 release gives artists huge performance gains with foundational improvements, updated nodes, and more.

Up to 30% speed increases when using multiple GPU nodes
Roto nodes use 33% less memory
Big caching improvements mean more frames can be cached into RAM
A new Cache Node caches all upstream nodes to disk, resulting in faster playback

New Version 2024

Photoshop Brushes & More

Silhouette’s fast and non-destructive paint tools get a boost with support for Adobe Photoshop brushes
Mocha Pro Node includes new 3D tracking powered by SynthEyes
Sapphire, Continuum, and Particle Illusion effects updated to the latest releases

Version 2023.5

Denoiser ML Refinements

Improved models trained with even more images to produce even higher denoising precision.

Version 2023.5

Grain Management Nodes

Three powerful nodes join Silhouette’s expanded grain management tools.

Denoiser ML: Employs sophisticated deep learning techniques to eliminate unwanted noise from images while preserving critical features
Regrain: Based on DasGrain by Fabian Holtz, Regrain samples the source image’s grain, regenerates and randomizes it for the purpose of adding it back to a degrained composite
Sapphire UltraGrain: Adds simulated film and digital camera grain to the image

Previous releases

Silhouette New for 2023 - April 2023

Primatte, Stability AI, UpRes ML, Denoiser ML, Regrain, Expressions.

Silhouette New for 2022 - June 2023

Sapphire, Mocha Pro, Particle Illusion and select Continuum BCC+ filters included; Inpaint, Power Mesh, Point control parameter tracking, Cryptomatte.

Silhouette New for 2021 - May 2021

Fully featured plugin release, Lens Correction node, Review & Approval Notes, improved shape editing and keyframe tools, Gstreamer media engine and more.

Silhouette New for 2020.5 - April 2020

Paint plug-in, Node Favorites, Hold Node, Onion Skin and Python 3 support.

Silhouette New for 2020 - September 2019

Magnetic splines, edge snapping, Paint detail separation workflow, group and part tracking.

Silhouette New for v7.5 – April 2019

GPU accelerated Mocha, high-resolution image optimization for Paint, compact slider user interface.

Silhouette New for v7.0 - Jun 2018

Sequence Editing, Planar Tracker enhanced to track textureless objects, roto and paint enhancements.

Silhouette New for v6.0 - Nov 2016

Node based GPU accelerated compositor with total of 136 different nodes--all stereo enabled.

Silhouette New for v5.2 - Jul 2014

Crop node, EXR 2 support, Automation Paint enhancements.

Silhouette New for v5.0 - Jan 2013

2D->3D conversion tools, inverse kinematics for roto, shape-based warping and morphing, raster paint history and auto-paint features with match-move.

Silhouette New for v4.5 - Jan 2012

Added OpenColorIO color management.

Silhouette New for v4.1 - Feb 2011

Planar Tracker rewritten again to be more robust with less user interaction.

Silhouette New for v4.0 - Mar 2010

Added Power Matte semi-automatic matting system, rewrote planar tracker, open shapes, scripting, commandline rendering, dual-clone painting.

Silhouette New for v3.0 – Aug 2008

Added fully stereoscopic workflow, planar tracking, x-splines, comprehensive keyer.

Silhouette New for v2.0 - Jul 2005

Added raster paint, layers, match-move, stabilization.

Silhouette New for v1.0 - Feb 2005

Silhouette ships with b-splines, bezier splines and point tracking.

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Professional Roto Tools

Create sophisticated masks using B-Spline, Bézier, X-Spline, or Magnetic Freehand shapes. Easy-to-use tools such as variable per-point edge softening and magnetic reshaping assist in creating articulate animations in record time.

Specialized shape editing tools: Magnetic splines, point groups, weighted keyframes, brush-based reshape, split shapes, collapse, and distribute points
Integrated tracking: Point, planar, and Mocha planar tracking
IK (Inverse Kinematics): Animate limbs and all jointed creatures
Render mattes with realistic motion blur
Export to industry standard shape formats including Cryptomatte
Stereoscopic 3D workflow
Built for teams and collaboration with review/approval notes

Fast and Reliable AutoPaint

Silhouette’s 32-bit float raster-based paint and tracking system — with its unique non-destructive AutoPaint recording system — meets the demands of high-resolution, color-managed VFX pipelines.

Paint tools: Pressure-sensitive customizable brushes and presets, including Clone, Grain, Repair, Drag, and more.
Channels & detail separation: Paint on individual RGBA channels or work on separated detail and color views for advanced control.
Sophisticated cloning: Advanced offset and warping, onion skin, and display views enable a streamlined workflow for aligning, patching, and removing unwanted pixels.
Powerful tracking options: Native point, planar tracking, and Mocha options.
Warped surface paint workflow: Use the Mocha Pro and PowerMeshWarp nodes.

Node-Based Compositing

Silhouette’s core is a powerful gestural node-based effects tree that delivers film-grade results.

View or edit any combination of nodes to control every detail in your image with 400+ specialty nodes organized into Color, Composite, Diffusion, Filter, Film Lab, Image, Key, Light, Particle Illusion, Sapphire, Special Effects, Time, Tints, Transform, Warp, and OFX groups.

Tracking and spline data ports and node actions
OCIO v2 color-managed workflow
Customizable workspaces for dual monitor set-ups
Precision color grading with 4-way color wheels and presets
Proprietary matte generation
Edge tools to color correct or blur the composite’s edge
Matte manipulation using shrink, grow, blur, and wrap functions

Multi-Host Plugin

The full Silhouette interface can also be launched as a plugin from standard VFX applications: After Effects, Premiere Pro, Nuke, Fusion, Resolve, and Flame.

The Silhouette multi-host plugin is included with Silhouette standalone application licenses or can be purchased as a separate option.

Not sure which option is best for you? View our compare chart.

Warping & Morphing

Get the highest level of artistic control and render quality on digital retouching, image deformations, and even talking animals.

Shape or pin options: Create invisible touch-ups, subtle facial exaggerations, or dramatic transitions.

Music videos & effects shots: Unique shape-to-shape morphing transitions can be timed per layer with interactive previews for fast flexibility. Used in some of the world’s most famous music videos. Intro to Morphing Video

Beauty Work: Pin Warp allows user-defined image areas while leaving other areas untouched. Create a subtle nip and tuck or completely reposition an arm or leg. Watch Now

Keying & Matte Generation

Handle the most difficult keying and matte challenges — including shots with fine hair detail, smoke, or reflections — with proprietary matte extraction techniques.

Primatte: The keying industry standard uses a GPU-accelerated algorithm based on 3 multi-faceted polyhedrons which can be visualized using the 3D Preview display.
zMatte keying: Features multiple matte creation, light wrapping, edge correction, spill suppression, and matte manipulation. Watch Now
Power Matte: A unique interactive workflow enhances matte creation on normally non-keyable shots with foreground and background shape selectors that generate incredibly realistic and accurate results on semi-transparent objects. Watch Now

Powerful Tracking Tools

Access the industry’s top tracking tools to speed up paint, roto, warp, and stabilization tasks.

Choose point tracking, native planar tracker, or the award-winning Mocha Pro node.
Create a seamless workflow between Mocha and Silhouette nodes with the surface tool, data ports, and node actions.
Pre-processing filters — Blur, Sharpen, Contrast, Gamma, De-Noise, or Remove Flicker — increase track accuracy on problematic images.
Apply post-processing filters to tracking data: Average, Smooth, Merge, and more.

Sapphire, Particle Illusion & Continuum

Create with compositing and effects plugins from Boris FX sister products.

Sapphire: Best-in-class effects include UltraGlow, UltraZap, Lens Flare, Shake, and more. Watch Now
Particle Illusion: Add 2D/3D animated simulations like snow, smoke, and fire with fluid dynamics.
Continuum: Select nodes include Atmospheric Glow, Magic Sharp, Beauty Studio, Light Leaks, Video Glitch, Film Glow, and many blur filters.

Mocha Pro Node

Award-winning Mocha Pro planar tracking is included with Silhouette.

GPU-accelerated object removal
3D tracking powered by SynthEyes
PowerMesh warped surface tracking
Insert compositing with AdjustTrack
Award-winning stereo 360/VR tools

Learn more about Mocha Pro

Compare Silhouette & Mocha Pro

Mocha Pro Plugin

Silhouette Plugin

Mocha Pro Application

Silhouette App

Standalone application for macOS/Win/Linux

Mocha Pro planar tracking interface

3D Tracking

Media Composer & VEGAS Pro Support

Premiere Pro Support

Node-based compositing with color correction and image processing filters

Advanced paint tools with AutoPaint and detail separation

Includes Mocha node for Silhouette

Includes Sapphire effect nodes for Silhouette

Includes Continuum and Particle Illusion nodes for Silhouette (mac & windows only)

Take your compositing and rotoscoping skills to the next level with Silhouette Essentials training broken up into a two part series with easy to follow lessons.

Over 9 hours of training videos to help you go from beginner to advanced

Watch them for free or follow along with exercise files for $95

Learn Compositing Learn Rotoscoping

Tutorials

Need help? We’ve got you!

Forum

A place for Silhouette users to discuss tips, tricks, product feature requests, and best practices.

Forum

Discord

Join our SynthEyes Discord to exchange tips, get quick help, and connect with fellow VFX artists.

Discord

Help Center

Search technical questions or open a ticket with our knowledgeable support team.

Support

Frequently asked questions

What is Silhouette?

Since 2005 Silhouette has made its mark on film and television visual effects and post-production. Silhouette is an award-winning GPU accelerated compositing application that runs on macOS, Windows and Linux. Silhouette’s standout features are advanced rotoscoping tools and a non-destructive 32 bit, HDR paint system. Silhouette is also a node-based compositing tool with integrated planar tracking, keying, matting, warping, morphing, and a total of 400+ different nodes, including premier plugins Sapphire, Mocha Pro, and Particle Illusion wrapped in one integrated node-based package–all stereo enabled. Silhouette supports ACES color management via OpenColorIO. In 2019 the Silhouette team was recognized with Academy and Emmy technical achievement awards for the software’s contribution to the feature film and television industries.

Silhouette is now shipping version 2022 with multiple purchase, subscription and bundle options:

Silhouette Standalone + Multi-Host Plugin
Standalone Multi-Host Plugin only
Bundles
- Bundle: Silhouette + Mocha Pro (Standalone + Multi-Host)
- Bundle: Silhouette Plugin + Mocha Pro Plugin (Multi-Host)
- Boris FX Suite (Silhouette, Mocha Pro, Sapphire, Continuum, and Optics).

What is the difference between Silhouette and Silhouette Plugin?

The Silhouette Standalone and Plugin have the same feature set with the main difference being the Plugin is responsible for loading source inputs and final rendering. Although the Plugin doesn’t allow more than three inputs, additional sources can be added directly within Silhouette. In addition, the plugin does not include Sapphire and Particle Illusion. View our Compare Chart.

Are projects compatible between the Silhouette Standalone and Silhouette Plugin?

Yes, Silhouette Standalone and Plugin projects are interchangeable with a couple of caveats.

The sources need to be reconnected when opening a Plugin project in the Standalone.
The OCIO colorspace may need to be adjusted when opening Plugin projects in another host or in the Standalone as some host applications perform colorspace conversions.

What is the difference between the integrated Mocha tracker and the Mocha Pro plug-in for Silhouette?

The integrated Mocha tracker tracks directly within the Silhouette user interface and links to Silhouette’s spline tools. The Mocha Pro plug-in launches the Mocha user interface and provides access to GPU-accelerated tracking and object removal, stabilization, lens calibration, AdjustTrack module, 3D camera solver, stereo 360/VR support, and more. Learn more about the differences: Silhouette and Mocha Pro Comparison Chart

How do I disable 0 opacity roto shapes in the Viewer?

There is a Fade Outline With Opacity Shape preference which enables the behavior of hiding 0 opacity shapes as long as they are not selected. This preference defaults to off. The V key toggles the visibility of 0 opacity shapes on/off regardless of how the Fade Outline With Opacity preference is set.

How do I reset the Silhouette preferences?

Windows

Close Silhouette if it is running.
From the Windows Start Menu, type regedit.
When regedit appears in the list above, click on it.
Go to the Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\BorisFX\ and delete the appropriate Silhouette product folder.

Macintosh

Close Silhouette if it is running.
Make sure you’re in Finder or open a Finder folder.
Hold the Option key and click Go from the top menu bar.

Click Library.

Navigate to the /Preferences folder and delete all .plist files with Silhouette in the name.

Linux

Close Silhouette if it is running.
Open a Terminal window.
Type: rm ~/.config/BorisFX/Silhouette.conf

Can’t see your question listed above? Visit our Help Center

Silhouette

The Industry Standardfor Roto & Paint

Silhouette 2024

Powered by Machine Learning

Silhouette

World’s Most Refined Rotoscoping

Everything you need to get started

Silhouette Essentials Training

Visual Effects & Compositing

Why Silhouette?

Trusted by Hollywood’s Best

Behind The Scenes

Silhouette powers Stranger Things

Plug in to your favorite host

Or work in standalone

macOS

Windows

Linux

System requirements