Adobe Snags 3D Technology for Visual Effects Suite

Adobe Systems recently acquired technology assets from graphics software developers Cycore Cult Effects and Atomic Power Evolution, in a move designed to beef up its visual-effects suite. Adobe, which recently released the newest version of the After Effects suite, said it is using some of the plug-in 3D visual software features from Cycore and Atomic Power to expand the suite's creative options. After Effects comprises motion graphics and visual-effects applications designed for creating visuals for film, video, multimedia or the Web. The acquisition of Cycore's 3D graphics technology expands Adobe's new suite to include creative tools such as Vector paint, which allows users to paint precise graphics, and Fractal Noise, which simulates backgrounds and creates textures and mattes. The After Effects suite also includes Atomic Power's flagship Shatter tool, which lets users extrude a graphic in 3D and blow it up in unique ways. So-called preset Shatter templates include bricks, glass and puzzle pieces. Adobe said it plans to provide support to existing Cycore and Atomic Power customers through its online support on the Adobe Web site. Financial terms were not disclosed.