Optics is the successor to DFT (Digital Film Tools). Boris FX acquired Digital Film Tools in 2019 and continued development under the new product name, Boris FX Optics.
Relationship between Optics and DFT
Optics is an updated and expanded version of DFT.
This means:
DFT was rebranded as Optics after the Boris FX acquisition
The original DFT development team continues to develop Optics at Boris FX
Optics builds on the same core technology and workflows as DFT
What has changed from DFT to Optics
Optics includes new features and integrations beyond the original DFT product.
Key additions include:
Additional filters and effects beyond the original DFT set
Sapphire filters (from the Boris FX Sapphire collection)
Particle Illusion for particle-based effects
These additions expand Optics beyond DFT by including tools commonly used in film and visual effects workflows.
Summary of Optics vs DFT
Optics is not a separate product from DFT, but rather its continuation and evolution.
DFT → rebranded and developed as Optics
Same core foundation with expanded features and integrations
Includes additional effects from Sapphire and Particle Illusion
Optics represents the current version of DFT with ongoing development and new capabilities.