Gaffer
What it is
Gaffer is a free, open-source node-based VFX application for building, adjusting, iterating, and rendering scenes. Its node graph and scene hierarchy support non-destructive importing, construction, manipulation, duplication, combination, pruning, splitting, and inspection. In-application scripting uses Python and Open Shading Language. Listed renderers include Arnold, Cycles, 3Delight, and RenderMan, while Tractor supports related workflows. A multi-threaded, deferred evaluation engine is designed for large 3D and 2D data sets. The API and framework let users add modules, nodes, interface elements, renderers, render farms, and data types. Linux and Windows builds are offered; Linux requires glibc 2.28 or higher, and Windows 10 or 11 must be 64-bit. An Nvidia GPU is recommended. Deadline support is available through an extension, and community resources include a ShotGrid integration.
For and against
For
- Free and open source under the BSD License
- Non-destructive node and scene workflows
- Python and OSL scripting support
- Supports several listed renderers
- Linux and Windows builds available
Against
- Linux requires glibc 2.28 or higher
- Windows builds require 64-bit Windows 10 or 11
- An Nvidia GPU is recommended
- Deadline support requires an extension
The verdict
Gaffer provides a free node-based environment for complex VFX scene work, with scripting and renderer integration. Its extensibility and documentation support both individual artists and studio workflows, provided system requirements are met.
Who it suits
Gaffer is intended for look developers, lighters, compositors, VFX artists, and technical directors. It also suits enthusiasts and studios that need an extensible scene and rendering workflow.
Plans and prices
Gaffer
Free to use at home or in a studio · released under the BSD License
Read 9 Oct 2026 · gafferhq.org
On the record
- Community integrations
- The Resources page describes a community-created ShotGrid integration with file management, asset loading, and publishing support.gafferhq.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- Documentation
- Gaffer provides a user guide, API manual, and reference documentation for enthusiasts and studios working in VFX.gafferhq.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- Extensibility
- Its API and framework let users add custom modules, nodes, and UI, integrate renderers and render farms, and implement new data types.gafferhq.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- Hardware
- An Nvidia GPU is recommended.gafferhq.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- Operating systems
- The download page offers Linux and Windows builds; Linux requires glibc 2.28 or higher, and Windows 10/11 must be 64-bit.gafferhq.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- Performance
- Gaffer’s multi-threaded, deferred evaluation engine is designed to work with large 3D and 2D data sets.gafferhq.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- Renderers
- The site lists Arnold, Cycles, 3Delight, and RenderMan as supported renderers, with Tractor also supported for workflows.gafferhq.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- Scene workflows
- Its node graph and scene hierarchy support non-destructive importing, building, manipulating, duplicating, combining, pruning, splitting, and inspecting scenes.gafferhq.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- Scripting
- Gaffer supports in-application scripting in Python and Open Shading Language (OSL).gafferhq.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- Security and compliance
- The official pages opened describe Gaffer as open source under the BSD License and do not state security certifications or compliance claims.gafferhq.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- Support
- Users can ask questions and discuss feature requests on the gaffer-dev mailing list and GitHub Discussions; a community-run Discord is also listed.gafferhq.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- Third-party integrations
- The download page lists Arnold 7.4 and 7.5, Cycles 5.1.0, 3Delight 2, RenderMan 26.3/27.2/27.3, and Tractor 2 as compatible; Deadline support is available through an extension.gafferhq.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- Users
- Gaffer is intended for look developers, lighters, compositors, VFX artists, and technical directors.gafferhq.org · read 9 Oct 2026
- What it does
- Gaffer is a free, open-source node-based VFX application for building, tweaking, iterating, and rendering scenes.gafferhq.org · read 9 Oct 2026
