Our verdict: Natron is the only serious free node-based compositor in the style of Nuke. It handles keying, roto and tracking well enough for learning and small projects. The last stable release is from November 2022, so bug fixes reach users slowly.
About Natron
Natron is an open-source compositing application for visual effects and motion graphics. Like Nuke or Fusion, it uses a node graph instead of layers: each node is an operation such as a key, a blur or a merge, and you connect nodes to build an effect.
It supports industry-standard OpenFX plugins, renders headless on render farms, and accepts community PyPlugs (Python node groups) by drag and drop. Version 2.5.0 was released in November 2022; development of the next version continues on GitHub.
What it does well
- Node-based compositing. Build effects as a graph of nodes and group them into reusable tools.
- OpenFX plugins. Runs industry-standard OFX plugins alongside the built-in nodes.
- 2D tracking. Tracks points in footage to stabilize shots or attach elements.
- Rotoscoping and keying. Multi-layer roto with per-vertex feathering and chroma keying tools.
- Curve editor and dope sheet. Precise control over keyframes and animation timing.
Who it is for
Good fit
VFX students and hobbyists who want to learn node-based compositing without buying Nuke.
Look elsewhere
People who just want to cut videos together, or studios that need active vendor support.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free alternative to Nuke-style compositing
- OpenFX plugin support
- Tracking, roto and keying built in
- Headless rendering for render farms
Cons
- Last stable release is from 2022
- Steep learning curve for node-based work
- Not a video editor: no timeline for cutting clips
How to install Natron
Download the Windows zip from the official site and extract it; it contains both an installer and a portable version. Natron needs a 64-bit x86 PC with Windows 8.1, 10 or 11. Save your project often, especially when using many OpenFX plugins.
Questions about Natron
Is Natron free?
Yes. It is open source under the GNU GPL v2.
Is Natron still developed?
The latest stable version is 2.5.0 from November 2022. Work on the next version continues in the project's GitHub repository.
Is Natron a video editor?
No. It is a compositor for effects shots. Use a video editor such as Kdenlive or DaVinci Resolve to cut clips together.
