About Rowbyte Fast Bokeh Pro

Fast Bokeh Pro generates depth‑of‑field bokeh blur in After Effects based on a supplied depth‑map layer. Render performance depends on image size, not blur radius, so larger blurs do not significantly increase render time. The plug‑in includes edge handling to reduce hard edges and halos, though occluded objects may still cause artifacts. Users can select a fast Gaussian aperture or a higher‑quality Spherical aperture, both of which remain radius independent. Controls cover blur radius, depth‑map layer, depth‑map inversion, focus distance, intensity boost for large blurs and transparent footage, and a Focus Point tool for point‑based focus setting. The plug‑in supports 32‑bit color for optimal quality. Version 2 adds custom bokeh shapes, zone control, and GPU acceleration via Metal/Compute. An OpenFX version is available for DaVinci Resolve and Fusion.

Features

• Blur radius independent: performance depends on image size, not the amount of blur applied, for near-constant render performance.
• Edge handling that avoids hard edges and halos as much as possible, with limits where objects are occluded in the render.
• Aperture Type choice of Gaussian (faster) or Spherical (high quality), with the spherical mode staying radius independent.
• Depth map controls: Depth Map Layer, Invert Depth Map, and Focus Distance, with an Intensity Boost for large blur radii and transparent images.
• Focus Point parameter to set focus depth using a point rather than entering it manually.
• 32-bit color (32 bpc) supported and recommended for the best quality.
• Version 2 adds custom image bokeh shapes, Zone Control, and GPU acceleration using Metal/Compute.

Best for

Artists who need smooth depth‑of‑field bokeh in After Effects from a depth map while keeping render times stable regardless of blur amount.