Silhouette

The Industry Standard
for Roto & Paint

Silhouette 2025.5

Powered by Machine Learning

Silhouette

World’s Most Refined Rotoscoping

Everything you need to get started

Silhouette Essentials Training

Visual Effects & Compositing

The industry’s leading rotoscoping and paint tool is packed with major compositing features. Silhouette delivers 400+ VFX nodes, including Boris FX Sapphire, Mocha Pro, and Particle Illusion.

Top artists have relied on Silhouette on Hollywood’s biggest titles for over fifteen years. The Academy and Emmy Award-winning toolkit created by visual effect artists recently made its mark on Deadpool & Wolverine, Rebel Moon, Barbie, Dune, and 3 Body Problem.

Why Silhouette?

Industry leading rotoscoping and paint tools
Auto paint for speed and reliability
Powerful tracking options
Node based compositing and image processing
Easy keying for green screens
Includes Sapphire, Mocha, Particle Illusion and Continuum effect tools
Warping and morphing tools
Work as a plugin in your favorite host or as a standalone application

Professional Tools For Professional Results

Click the nodes to see for yourself

Mask ML

Roto

Paint

Comp

Mask ML

Behind The Scenes

Silhouette powers Fallout

Discover how Framestore used Silhouette to tackle complex roto and paint tasks on the smash-hit series based on the iconic video game.

Plug in to your favorite host

Or work in standalone

macOS

Windows

Linux

System requirements

Mac OS
OS Requirements
  • Monterey (12.0) and higher
Processor (CPU)
  • Apple silicon or Intel (Sandy Bridge or newer)
System Memory (RAM)
  • 16 GB +
Disk
  • High-speed disk array or NVMe SSD
Graphics Processor (GPU)
  • Apple silicon integrated GPUs are supported, as are AMD GPUs on most modern Intel CPU Macs.

  • Machine Learning Plugins (ML) require an Apple silicon integrated GPU with macOS Monterey (12.0) and above.

  • If an appropriate GPU is not available, ML plug-ins can run on the CPU with significantly degraded performance.

Monitor
  • 1920×1080 or higher
Network
  • Must have an enabled network adapter (wifi or ethernet)
Windows
OS Requirements
  • Windows 10 & 11
Processor (CPU)
  • Intel x64 (Sandy Bridge or newer)
System Memory (RAM)
  • 8 GB minimum, 16+ GB preferred
Disk
  • High-speed disk array or NVMe SSD
Graphics Processor (GPU)
  • Most modern graphics cards from NVIDIA and AMD are supported for GPU acceleration, but for best performance, we recommend workstation powered by NVIDIA RTX 6000 Ada Generation, or AMD Radeon™ PRO Series.

  • Machine Learning (ML) Plugins plugins require an NVIDIA GPU with compute capability 6.0 or above (Pascal), or an AMD Radeon™ PRO Series GPU.

  • If an appropriate GPU is not available, ML plug-ins can run on the CPU with significantly degraded performance.

Monitor
  • 1920×1080 or higher
Network
  • Must have an enabled network adapter (wifi or ethernet)
Linux
Operating System
  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux/Centos 7-9, a compatible Linux distribution such as Rocky Linux, or Ubuntu
Processor (CPU)
  • Intel x64 (Sandy Bridge or newer)
System Memory (RAM)
  • 16 GB +
Disk
  • High-speed disk array or NVMe SSD
Graphics Processor (GPU)
  • Most modern graphics cards from NVIDIA are supported for GPU acceleration, but for best performance, we recommend workstation powered by NVIDIA RTX 6000 Ada Generation.

  • Machine Learning (ML) Plugins plugins require an NVIDIA GPU with compute capability 6.0 or above (Pascal).

  • If an appropriate GPU is not available, ML plug-ins can run on the CPU with significantly degraded performance.

Monitor
  • 1920×1080 or higher
Network
  • Must have an enabled network adapter (wifi or ethernet)

New For 2025.5

  • AI Object Detection & Masking

    Unlock a fully automated workflow. Enter a text prompt, segment, propagate, and render. Save tons of time on complex roto tasks.
  • AI Face Segmentation

    Detect and segment key facial regions using the Face ML node. Easy beauty retouching & detailed control without manual roto.
  • 3D Tracking Powered By SynthEyes

    Automatically detect, analyze, and solve 3D cameras at blazing speeds. Now included in the 3D Scene node.
  • Improved Nodes & Updated AI Libraries

    Enhanced Cryptomatte, Denoise ML, Depth Map ML, Mask ML, Matte Assist ML, ML Node Caching, Tracker, and UpRes nodes.

AI Object Detection & Masking

Automatically detect and segment arbitrary objects in images based on simple text prompts — whether you specify a category name (“car,” “person,” “tree”) or use more descriptive phrases.

Masks are generated with Mask ML and seamlessly propagated using Matte Assist ML, giving you accurate and consistent results across frames. The workflow is fully flexible. Use it through the UI or integrate it into pipelines via the command line for large-scale automation.

This enables a true end-to-end automated workflow: prompt, segment, propagate, and render — dramatically reducing time spent on repetitive tasks.

AI Face Segmentation

Bring precision and flexibility to facial effects work.

The Face ML node automatically detects and segments key facial regions — such as eyes, lips, mouth, and surrounding skin — into individual mattes. This granular separation allows for targeted adjustments or creative effects to each feature independently, all accomplished without manual rotoscoping.

When performing subtle beauty retouching or building complex composites, Face ML provides high-quality, tracked mattes, ensuring the fine control needed for invisible beauty work.

3D Tracking Powered By SynthEyes

The 3D Scene node now includes a fully integrated SynthEyes camera tracking and solving system, directly inside Silhouette.

Analyze 2D features in footage to accurately calculate the camera’s 3D position and orientation, generating both a point cloud of the scene and a reliable camera solve.

This powerful integration supports an Unproject/Reproject workflow, enabling paint or compositing directly into a locked-down sequence with precision and ease — without leaving the Silhouette environment.

Improved Nodes

  • Cryptomatte: Available mattes are applied as overlays to the optional image input. The Node also supports selective matte activation directly within the viewer that once enabled are available to use in other Nodes and added to the Selection list.
  • Mask ML: Adds the ability to output objects as Cryptomatte data via the data port, multiple object support in an Object List, and AI text-based Object Detection.
  • Matte Assist ML: Compute cache provides seamless playback without recomputation. Additionally, when either the Mask Source > Cryptomatte or Roto options are selected and multiple objects are present in the Roto and Mask ML nodes, each object is output separately as Cryptomatte data via the data port.
  • Tracker: Mark areas that interfere with tracking so they are automatically ignored using the Occlusion Matte input. Connect a 3D scene node to a Tracker-capable node’s data port, and the Point Tracker generates a tracked layer from the selected 3D track points.

Updated AI Libraries

Three of Silhouette’s powerful ML nodes feature next-gen AI models that deliver faster, even more accurate results.

  • Matte Assist ML: Object count limit expanded from 16 to 48, enabling more complex matte extractions
  • Denoise ML: New Compression+Noise Single Image v3.0 models available in two variants:
    • Better – Highest-quality noise reduction
    • Faster – Optimized for speed
  • UpRes ML:
    • Introducing NVIDIA RTX Video Super Resolution (Windows only)
    • Enhanced UpRes v2.0 models in both Better and Faster modes
    • All options deliver frame-by-frame processing for maximum precision

Compound Nodes

Streamline your workflow.

Compound nodes allow you to merge selected nodes into a single combined node with parameters grouped by node within the Parameters window and then share with other users!

  • Add, remove, or rename nodes and input/output ports
  • Hide parameters you don’t need
  • Publish to a designated node group
  • Stored in an external location to reuse on other systems

Unproject / Reproject

Tackle painting and compositing without worrying about motion.

The Unproject/Reproject node unprojects motion from a 3D Scene node, effectively stabilizing the motion. The workflow frees artists to paint or composite on a locked-down sequence. Once a task is complete, simply restore the original motion of the sequence.

Frame Fixer ML

Instantly replace imperfect frames.

Harness AI to quickly remove and restore photo flashes, artifacts, dropped frames, or even change a performance. Frame Fixer ML automates the process with intelligent machine learning. Set the first bad frame, input the number of frames affected, and AI does the rest.

  • Use it on original footage or painted keyframes
  • Create a morph between painted keyframes by connecting Paint to both the main and Data input ports

Updated Sapphire, Mocha Pro & Particle Illusion Nodes

Add effects, composite, and more using the latest releases of Boris FX sister products within Silhouette.

  • Sapphire: Create stunning visuals with a new VHS Damage effect, new cinematic lens flares, and curated presets
  • Mocha Pro: Mask and track faster with two new AI tools, an enhanced 3D camera solve workflow for complex shots, and streamlined data exports
  • Particle Illusion: Add gorgeous 3D particle animations faster with new workflows, including a repeat animation feature and the ability to copy & paste gradients and sprites

* When Silhouette is used as a plug-in, Sapphire and Particle Illusion are not available due to technical limitations associated with running a plug-in inside another plug-in.

Previous releases

Silhouette New for 2024 - June 2024

  • Matte Assist ML, Mask ML, EZ Mask, Optical Flow ML, Retime ML, Motion Blur ML, Flow Tracker.

Silhouette New for 2023 - April 2023

  • Primatte, Stability AI, UpRes ML, Denoiser ML, Regrain, Expressions.

Silhouette New for 2022 - June 2022

  • Sapphire, Mocha Pro, Particle Illusion and select Continuum BCC+ filters included; Inpaint, Power Mesh, Point control parameter tracking, Cryptomatte.

Silhouette New for 2021 - May 2021

  • Fully featured plugin release, Lens Correction node, Review & Approval Notes, improved shape editing and keyframe tools, Gstreamer media engine and more.

Silhouette New for 2020.5 - April 2020

  • Paint plug-in, Node Favorites, Hold Node, Onion Skin and Python 3 support.

Silhouette New for 2020 - September 2019

  • Magnetic splines, edge snapping, Paint detail separation workflow, group and part tracking.

Silhouette New for v7.5 – April 2019

  • GPU accelerated Mocha, high-resolution image optimization for Paint, compact slider user interface.

Silhouette New for v7.0 - Jun 2018

  • Sequence Editing, Planar Tracker enhanced to track textureless objects, roto and paint enhancements.

Silhouette New for v6.0 - Nov 2016

  • Node based GPU accelerated compositor with total of 136 different nodes--all stereo enabled.

Silhouette New for v5.2 - Jul 2014

  • Crop node, EXR 2 support, Automation Paint enhancements.

Silhouette New for v5.0 - Jan 2013

  • 2D->3D conversion tools, inverse kinematics for roto, shape-based warping and morphing, raster paint history and auto-paint features with match-move.

Silhouette New for v4.5 - Jan 2012

  • Added OpenColorIO color management.

Silhouette New for v4.1 - Feb 2011

  • Planar Tracker rewritten again to be more robust with less user interaction.

Silhouette New for v4.0 - Mar 2010

  • Added Power Matte semi-automatic matting system, rewrote planar tracker, open shapes, scripting, commandline rendering, dual-clone painting.

Silhouette New for v3.0 – Aug 2008

  • Added fully stereoscopic workflow, planar tracking, x-splines, comprehensive keyer.

Silhouette New for v2.0 - Jul 2005

  • Added raster paint, layers, match-move, stabilization.

Silhouette New for v1.0 - Feb 2005

  • Silhouette ships with b-splines, bezier splines and point tracking.

Professional Roto Tools

Create sophisticated masks using B-Spline, Bézier, X-Spline, or Magnetic Freehand shapes. Easy-to-use tools such as variable per-point edge softening and magnetic reshaping assist in creating articulate animations in record time.

  • Specialized shape editing tools: Magnetic splines, point groups, weighted keyframes, brush-based reshape, split shapes, collapse, and distribute points
  • Integrated tracking: Point, planar, and Mocha planar tracking
  • IK (Inverse Kinematics): Animate limbs and all jointed creatures
  • Render mattes with realistic motion blur
  • Export to industry standard shape formats including Cryptomatte
  • Stereoscopic 3D workflow
  • Built for teams and collaboration with review/approval notes

Fast and Reliable AutoPaint

Silhouette’s 32-bit float raster-based paint and tracking system — with its unique non-destructive AutoPaint recording system — meets the demands of high-resolution, color-managed VFX pipelines.

  • Paint tools: Pressure-sensitive customizable brushes and presets, including Clone, Grain, Repair, Drag, and more.
  • Channels & detail separation: Paint on individual RGBA channels or work on separated detail and color views for advanced control.
  • Sophisticated cloning: Advanced offset and warping, onion skin, and display views enable a streamlined workflow for aligning, patching, and removing unwanted pixels.
  • Powerful tracking options: Native point, planar tracking, and Mocha options.
  • Warped surface paint workflow: Use the Mocha Pro and PowerMeshWarp nodes.

Node-Based Compositing

Silhouette’s core is a powerful gestural node-based effects tree that delivers film-grade results.

View or edit any combination of nodes to control every detail in your image with 400+ specialty nodes organized into Color, Composite, Diffusion, Filter, Film Lab, Image, Key, Light, Particle Illusion, Sapphire, Special Effects, Time, Tints, Transform, Warp, and OFX groups.

  • Tracking and spline data ports and node actions
  • OCIO v2 color-managed workflow
  • Customizable workspaces for dual monitor set-ups
  • Precision color grading with 4-way color wheels and presets
  • Proprietary matte generation
  • Edge tools to color correct or blur the composite’s edge
  • Matte manipulation using shrink, grow, blur, and wrap functions

Multi-Host Plugin

The full Silhouette interface can also be launched as a plugin from standard VFX applications: After Effects, Premiere Pro, Nuke, Fusion, Resolve, and Flame.

The Silhouette multi-host plugin is included with Silhouette standalone application licenses or can be purchased as a separate option.

Warping & Morphing

Get the highest level of artistic control and render quality on digital retouching, image deformations, and even talking animals.

Shape or pin options: Create invisible touch-ups, subtle facial exaggerations, or dramatic transitions.

Music videos & effects shots: Unique shape-to-shape morphing transitions can be timed per layer with interactive previews for fast flexibility. Used in some of the world’s most famous music videos. Intro to Morphing Video

Beauty Work: Pin Warp allows user-defined image areas while leaving other areas untouched. Create a subtle nip and tuck or completely reposition an arm or leg. Watch Now

Keying & Matte Generation

Handle the most difficult keying and matte challenges — including shots with fine hair detail, smoke, or reflections — with proprietary matte extraction techniques.

  • Primatte: The keying industry standard uses a GPU-accelerated algorithm based on 3 multi-faceted polyhedrons which can be visualized using the 3D Preview display.
  • zMatte keying: Features multiple matte creation, light wrapping, edge correction, spill suppression, and matte manipulation. Watch Now
  • Power Matte: A unique interactive workflow enhances matte creation on normally non-keyable shots with foreground and background shape selectors that generate incredibly realistic and accurate results on semi-transparent objects. Watch Now

Powerful Tracking Tools

Access the industry’s top tracking tools to speed up paint, roto, warp, and stabilization tasks.

  • Choose point tracking, native planar tracker, or the award-winning Mocha Pro node.
  • Create a seamless workflow between Mocha and Silhouette nodes with the surface tool, data ports, and node actions.
  • Pre-processing filters — Blur, Sharpen, Contrast, Gamma, De-Noise, or Remove Flicker — increase track accuracy on problematic images.
  • Apply post-processing filters to tracking data: Average, Smooth, Merge, and more.

Sapphire, Particle Illusion & Continuum

Create with compositing and effects plugins from Boris FX sister products.

  • Sapphire: Best-in-class effects include UltraGlow, UltraZap, Lens Flare, Shake, and more. Watch Now
  • Particle Illusion: Add 2D/3D animated simulations like snow, smoke, and fire with fluid dynamics.
  • Continuum: Select nodes include Atmospheric Glow, Magic Sharp, Beauty Studio, Light Leaks, Video Glitch, Film Glow, and many blur filters.


* When Silhouette is used as a plug-in, Sapphire and Particle Illusion are not available due to technical limitations associated with running a plug-in inside another plug-in.

Mocha Pro Node

Award-winning Mocha Pro planar tracking is included with Silhouette.

  • GPU-accelerated object removal
  • 3D tracking powered by SynthEyes
  • PowerMesh warped surface tracking
  • Insert compositing with AdjustTrack
  • Award-winning stereo 360/VR tools

Learn more about Mocha Pro

Compare Silhouette & Mocha Pro

Mocha Pro Plugin
Silhouette Plugin
Mocha Pro Application
Silhouette App
Standalone application for macOS/Win/Linux
Mocha Pro planar tracking interface
3D Tracking
Media Composer & VEGAS Pro Support
Premiere Pro Support
Node-based compositing with color correction and image processing filters
Advanced paint tools with AutoPaint and detail separation
Includes Mocha node for Silhouette
Includes Sapphire effect nodes for Silhouette
Includes Continuum and Particle Illusion nodes for Silhouette (mac & windows only)

Take your compositing, rotoscoping and paint skills to the next level with Silhouette Essentials training broken up into a three part series with easy to follow lessons.

Over 17 hours of training videos to help you go from beginner to advanced

Watch them for free or follow along with exercise files for $95

Tutorials

Need help? We’ve got you!

Forum

A place for Silhouette users to discuss tips, tricks, product feature requests, and best practices.

Forum

Discord

Join our SynthEyes Discord to exchange tips, get quick help, and connect with fellow VFX artists.

Discord

Help Center

Search technical questions or open a ticket with our knowledgeable support team.

Support

Frequently asked questions

What is Silhouette?
What is the difference between Silhouette and Silhouette Plugin?
Are projects compatible between the Silhouette Standalone and Silhouette Plugin?
What is the difference between the integrated Mocha tracker and the Mocha Pro plug-in for Silhouette?
How do I disable 0 opacity roto shapes in the Viewer?
How do I reset the Silhouette preferences?
Can’t see your question listed above? Visit our Help Center

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Simply download the Boris FX Hub and install Silhouette. After installation,
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