Bad news for users of HitFilm and Imerge: Parent company Artlist has officially discontinued both applications. Effective immediately, no new licenses are available for purchase, and all development has ceased. Existing users can still use the software, but there will be no further updates, bug fixes, or customer support.
What Happens to Existing Users?
For those with an active subscription, access will continue until the end of their current billing cycle. After that, renewals will not be possible. Perpetual license holders can keep using their software indefinitely but should not expect any patches or improvements. Artlist has provided an FAQ addressing the shutdown, but in short: The software will keep working on current systems, but as OS and hardware evolve, compatibility issues may arise. Users relying on HitFilm or Imerge for professional workflows should start looking for alternatives.
The End of an Era for FXhome
HitFilm, initially developed by FXhome, gained popularity as a hybrid video editor and compositor. Its combination of editing and node-based compositing made it a budget-friendly alternative to tools like After Effects. Imerge focused on non-destructive image editing for VFX and photography. Both applications found a loyal user base before FXhome was acquired by Artlist in 2021. Now, just a few years later, Artlist has decided to cut support entirely.
What Are the Alternatives?
For users who need to transition, alternatives like DaVinci Resolve (Blackmagic Design), Adobe After Effects, or Nuke (Foundry) for compositing may be worth considering. Image editors like Affinity Photo or Adobe Photoshop might fill the gap left by Imerge. Artlist has not announced any direct replacements, leaving users to decide their next steps. Meanwhile, many users have voiced frustration over the transition, citing the aggressive upselling of subscriptions in HitFilm Express, the move away from perpetual licenses, and the increasing reliance on paid add-ons that diminished the appeal of the once budget-friendly software.
Check Your Pipeline
With no further updates planned, users should verify whether their current HitFilm or Imerge setup remains viable for future projects. OS updates and changing hardware requirements could eventually render the software unusable. Those relying on FXhome tools should plan their migration before compatibility issues arise.
FXhome official FAQ – Answers to common questions regarding the discontinuation.
