Gaffer
6.1#14 in vfx toolsFree planFree planLinuxWindows
VisitGaffer vs RenderMan
What both publish
| Fact | Gaffer | RenderMan |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | The technical specifications list Linux EL9, macOS Sequoia 15.x, and Windows 10 and 11; macOS support for XPU is in progress. |
| 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. | Commercial customers can use Pixar’s customer support forum; non-commercial users receive community support and access to an unofficial Discord. |
Gaffer plans
- GafferFree
RenderMan plans
- Non-Commercial RenderManFree
- Commercial maintenance$250 a year
- Commercial RenderMan$595, paid once
Pick Gaffer if…
Gaffer suits VFX professionals who need node-based scene workflows, scripting, or renderer integration. Its extensible framework may also suit studios building custom tools and pipelines.
Pick RenderMan if…
You want what its maker publishes above — check its page for the details.