ZibraAI makes ZibraVDB free for indies

ZibraAI has released a free version of ZibraVDB, its volumetric effects compression and playback software, for individual creators, hobbyists, and students. The company stated that the new licensing model is aimed at supporting experimentation with volumetric effects in real-time workflows.

Volumetric effects, typically used in high-end offline visual effects production, have often been limited by large file sizes and poor real-time performance. ZibraVDB addresses these challenges through advanced data compression and GPU-driven decompression, reducing asset sizes significantly compared to traditional OpenVDB files. The software is compatible with Unreal Engine and Houdini, allowing integration without the need for conversions into flipbooks or repeated scene adjustments.

The company noted that ZibraVDB can compress a 2GB OpenVDB file down to 50MB, improving both distribution and download efficiency. The software supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and all major GPU vendors, without requiring specific hardware.

ZibraAI reported adoption of ZibraVDB by VFX studios and increasing interest from educational institutions, which has influenced its decision to make the software free under a Personal license. This tier is available to individuals earning less than $100,000 USD annually from commercial digital content activities. Studio licenses remain available under a paid model.

For more information, visit ZibraAI’s website.