"Special Effects" or "Visual Effects", What is the difference?

When it comes to movies and TV, you often hear the terms special effects (SFX) and visual effects (VFX). They are not the same, and knowing the difference makes a big difference in understanding how the magic happens on screen.

 
Image credit: "Cómo se ven las películas modernas sin los efectos especiales" by Periodismo.com, used for educational purposes. 

Special effects are real-life effects created on set and captured directly by the camera. Think explosions, fire, rain, smoke, or even mechanical creatures. They are tangible and happen in the moment, which gives a sense of realism that can be hard to replicate digitally (today it is not the case anymore since the technology and education has changes since 1980s).

Visual effects happen after filming, in post-production. These are digital manipulations and enhancements added by a CG or VFX team. VFX can remove objects, create environments, add creatures, or make something impossible in real life come to life on screen.

So why would someone choose VFX over SFX? It can be more cost effective, safer, and more flexible creatively. Some effects, like controlled explosions or large fires, can be risky to perform on set. Others, like a giant monster or a futuristic city, are impossible to create practically. With VFX, filmmakers can push creative boundaries without putting anyone at risk.

 
Image credit: "Cómo se ven las películas modernas sin los efectos especiales" by Periodismo.com, used for educational purposes. 

Using both SFX and VFX together is common. For example, a scene might use real explosions on set for authenticity while enhancing them digitally to add debris or make the blast look bigger. Combining both gives filmmakers the best of both worlds (practical realism and creative freedom).

In short, special effects are what you can see and touch on set, visual effects are the magic added afterward in Pixels, and together they bring stories to life in ways nothing else can.

Learn more about special effects in movies on Adobe’s guide here.

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