What it does
FX Elements supplies free and paid VFX footage, including fire, smoke, weather, liquids and explosions. Access includes individual clips, packs and subscriptions, with ProRes, OpenEXR and camera-original options.
Clip pages spell out the technical differences between downloads. Aerial Fireworks 005, for example, lists a 4096 × 2160 version with an alpha channel, 23.976 fps playback and no sound. Its ProRes file is 31 MB; the RAW version is 1.34 GB at 8192 × 4320.
Free clips require an account and newsletter subscription. Open a clip from the free collection, then use its download button. The footage can be used in commercial projects under the licence. For black-background elements, Screen blending removes the black; clips with alpha channels already contain transparency.
Paid subscriptions vary by file format and licence tier. Properly licensed downloads remain usable after cancellation and can appear in multiple projects. Company and freelancer income affects the required tier, so confirm the applicable licence before buying. A finished project can go to a client, but the client does not receive independent rights to the original effect files.
Strengths
- Clip specifications identify alpha channels, colour space, frame rate and download size.
- Licensed downloads remain usable after a subscription ends.
Watch out for
- Free downloads require newsletter subscription as well as an account.
- Licence eligibility depends on the buyer’s income and working arrangement.
Best for
- Compositors needing effects in ProRes, OpenEXR or RAW
- Editors buying individual VFX clips or packs
Sources
- FX Elements: Visual Effects Stock Footage Library (Oct 27, 2026)
- FX Elements: Free VFX Downloads (Oct 27, 2026)
- FX Elements Pricing (Oct 27, 2026)
- Aerial Fireworks 005 (Oct 27, 2026)
- FX Elements License Agreement (Oct 27, 2026)
- FX Elements: Personalize Your Subscription (Oct 27, 2026)