CGI and VFX are two terms we encounter quite often when discussing cinema. In the era we’re living in, the usage of these terms has grown to a greater extent (thanks to the growing significance of social media). Despite that, the confusion associated with the difference between them persists even today. This is the exact confusion this post aims to clear. So, how are CGI and VFX different?

Well, Computer-generated imagery (CGI), as the name suggests, is any kind of 3D model created entirely using a computer. What you see in a video game or an animated movie is entirely created using CGI. The fundamental difference between CGI and VFX is the involvement of live-action shots (scenes that are filmed with real actors on sets). CGI does not involve any live-action shots and is entirely computer-generated.

On the other hand, Visual Effects, often abbreviated as VFX, involves the creation of 2D/3D elements and integrating them with live-action shots. You must have seen the behind-the-scenes footage of some films where actors perform on sets filled with Blue/Green screens. These are live-action shots that are being filmed. Once the filming is over, the elements created using VFX are integrated with them to create the shots the film’s director envisioned.