Definition
Visual effects (VFX) refers to creating or altering imagery in post-production through compositing, computer-generated imagery (CGI) and related techniques beyond what was captured on set. It is widely used in film, advertising and game cinematics.
How it works
A typical pipeline includes green-screen keying and compositing, motion tracking, 3D rendering and set extension: live-action footage and computer-generated elements are aligned, lit and blended within the same space to produce a seamless picture.
Usage
Scenes that are hard or costly to shoot in reality—explosions, creature characters, fantastical cities—are commonly delivered with VFX. It also underpins feature animation and virtual production workflows.
Related and confusable terms
VFX is often discussed alongside 3D: 3D computer graphics are one of the core technologies for producing VFX, but VFX also includes keying and compositing methods that never involve solid modeling.