What it does
SpeedTree builds vegetation for games and film through a model editor, plant libraries and export tools. Artists can generate trunks, branches and leaves, then refine individual parts and add wind or levels of detail. Modeler access is subscription-based, with a 30-day trial that limits export.
In the Generation Editor, a hierarchy of generators creates the tree's parts. Generation properties set how many parts appear and where. First and Last restrict their position along a parent branch, while variance changes values such as leaf size. Parent curves can shorten branches near the tip.
Switching to node editing lets you alter one part without changing every part made by its generator. These edits are offsets, so a value of zero keeps the generated result. They remain when the generator changes unless the affected part disappears or the edit is reset.
Modeler subscriptions
| Plan | US price | Eligibility and access |
|---|---|---|
| Indie | US$19/month | Revenue or funding below US$100,000; internet required |
| Pro | US$899/year | Revenue or funding below US$1 million; internet required |
| Enterprise | Custom quote | Organisations above US$1 million; node-locked or floating options |
The separate Games or Cinema Library add-on is US$999 for a year. A Modeler licence can export for different engines and creative applications; it is not restricted to Unity. Output choices include OBJ, FBX, USD and animated caches, alongside game-specific formats.
Unity permits tree assets embedded within qualifying productions, but its FAQ prohibits selling or redistributing the trees themselves. The licence also measures a service provider's eligibility using the client's finances, so the plan thresholds are not simply an individual artist's salary.
Strengths
- Manual edits remain as offsets when generator values change.
- Exports cover both games and cinema without an engine-specific licence.
Watch out for
- Indie and Pro require an internet connection.
- Unity prohibits standalone resale or redistribution of tree assets.
Best for
- Environment artists building editable tree families
- Film and game teams needing vegetation animation
Sources
- SpeedTree | Unity (Oct 28, 2026)
- SpeedTree Modeling Approach | Unity Manual (Oct 28, 2026)
- Professional Artistry Additional Terms | Unity (Oct 28, 2026)