Visual effects are used to create realistic and immersive environments that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with practical effects or live-action footage alone.

Compositing is the process of combining multiple layers of images or footage to create a single, seamless image. This technique is often used to create complex scenes that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with practical effects or live-action footage alone.

Keying is the process of removing a background from an image or video clip. This technique is often used to isolate a subject from its background, or to create a transparent background for compositing purposes.

Motion capture is the process of capturing the movement of an actor or object and translating it into digital data. This technique is often used to create realistic animations or to control the movement of virtual characters in video games and films.

Tracking is the process of tracking the movement of a camera or object in a video clip. This technique is often used to stabilize shaky footage, or to create smooth transitions between shots.

Particle systems and fluid simulations are both used to create realistic simulations of natural phenomena, such as fire, water, and explosions. Particle systems are used to simulate the behavior of individual particles, while fluid simulations are used to simulate the behavior of fluids.

Modeling is the process of creating a three-dimensional model of an object or character. This technique is often used to create characters for animation, or to create realistic objects for visual effects shots.

Texturing is the process of applying textures to a three-dimensional model to give it a realistic appearance. This technique is often used to create characters for animation, or to create realistic objects for visual effects shots.

Rigging is the process of creating a skeleton and joints for a three-dimensional model, allowing it to be animated. This technique is often used to create characters for animation, or to create realistic objects for visual effects shots.

Animation is the process of bringing a three-dimensional model to life by manipulating its joints and bones. This technique is often used to create characters for animation, or to create realistic objects for visual effects shots.

Compositing is the process of combining multiple visual effects elements, such as animations, models, and backgrounds, into a single, cohesive scene. This technique is often used to create complex scenes that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with practical effects or live-action footage alone.

Volumetric rendering is the process of creating realistic simulations of smoke, clouds, and other atmospheric phenomena. This technique is often used to create realistic visual effects for films and video games.

Fur simulation is the process of creating realistic simulations of hair and fur. This technique is often used to create realistic characters for animation and visual effects.

Cloth simulation is the process of creating realistic simulations of cloth and other deformable materials. This technique is often used to create realistic characters for animation and visual effects.

Rigid body simulation is the process of creating realistic simulations of rigid bodies, such as rocks and vehicles. This technique is often used to create realistic visual effects for films and video games.