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Natron

Free, open-source node-based compositor for visual effects, for Windows, macOS and Linux.

Try Natron (opens the Natron website in a new tab)

Our verdict

Natron is for hobbyists and compositors who like node-based workflows and want a free tool, and who accept a slow release pace. Skip it if you need a regularly updated stable release, native Apple silicon support or vendor support.

What it does well

  • Free, licensed GPL-2.0, with source on GitHub
  • Roto, RotoPaint, tracker, keyers, and OpenFX plugin support
  • Python scripting and command-line rendering (NatronRenderer)

Where it falls short

  • Last stable release was 2.5.0 in November 2022
  • Stable macOS build is Intel-only; Apple silicon runs via Rosetta 2
  • Project says it needs developers and maintainers; Qt6 not supported
The Natron website
The official Natron website, 16 October 2026.

Natron is a free, open-source, node-based video compositing application, described in its repository as similar in functionality to Adobe After Effects and Nuke. It has Roto and RotoPaint nodes, a tracker, color management through OCIO, stereoscopic support, GPU rendering preferences and OpenFX plugins.

Maintenance status: the latest stable release is 2.5.0, published November 25, 2022. Later builds on GitHub are pre-releases (the newest, 2.5.1-pre2, is from September 2024). The repository is not archived and still received commits in July 2026, mostly CI, packaging and documentation changes, but the README says the project is looking for developers and maintainers.

Natron costs nothing. It is released under GPL-2.0, and the project site offers Windows, Linux (installer, portable and Flatpak) and macOS downloads.

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Last updated 16 October 2026. Facts checked against the official site on 16 October 2026. How we make money