Boris FX has released version 2026.5 of its well-known Sapphire plugin suite, an update focused on polishing existing tools without adding dozens of new effects. The Flare Designer, Effect Builder, and S_Glare effect receive substantial improvements aimed at streamlining the workflow for professional compositors and video editors.
New Nodes and Per-Element Controls in the Effect Builder 🛠️
The Effect Builder incorporates two new nodes: Dots and Noise, designed to generate textures and patterns more intuitively. Meanwhile, the Flare Designer now allows controlling each flare element separately, including independent offset modes, and adds five ready-to-use presets. The redesigned S_Glare offers refined parameters to simulate a more realistic glow, moving away from the artificial highlights that sometimes gave the effect away.
All This Update Just So the Client Asks for a Cell Phone Lens Flare 😅
All of this is great: nodes, per-element controls, natural glows. But then the client shows up with footage shot on a 2018 phone and asks for exactly the cheap lens flare from TikTok. There are Boris FX's five new presets, waiting to be snubbed by a request that doesn't even need Sapphire. At least, when you have to do it, you'll have more precise tools to waste your time.