Top 3: Production tracking software
- animstarter
- Jan 22
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 24
Project management software for 3D animation and VFX production
"Final_Work, Final_Work_02, Final_Render_final..." Sound familiar?
If so, don't worry, you’re not alone. Whether you're freelancing solo or part of a big team, there comes a point where a simple Excel sheet just can't keep up with the chaos (and help avoid those endless file names!). That’s where production tracking software (or project management software) steps in to save the day.
Let’s take a look at three of these tools—their strengths, their weaknesses, and why they might just become your new best friends!
Three (+1) Production tracking software for 3D Animation and VFX production
All three offer almost the same kind of tools: task tracking, version management, asset reviews, and team collaboration features. They’re designed to streamline workflows, help you keep projects organized, and avoid the dreaded chaos of scattered files and missed deadlines. But each one has its own unique strengths that make it a better fit for certain types of teams and projects.
Kitsu- The Independent and Small Team Ally
Kitsu developed by CG Wire, is perfect for indie and mid-sized studios. It’s lightweight, easy to pick up, very visual, I love the colours! making it ideal for those who want an efficient tool without tons of complex features. Kitsu offers task tracking, asset version management, and smooth collaboration. It might not have all the bells and whistles of ShotGrid, but for those seeking something practical and affordable, Kitsu is a gem.
Kitsu staff is also very active on Discord, always willing to help, and sometime they organise meetups!
Prices :
Starting around 15 to 20$ per user / month for freelancers or small team
And from 799 to 3999$ for bigger studios
ftrack is designed for mid-sized teams looking for a great balance between simplicity and power. With its intuitive interface, ftrack allows for task management, version tracking, and render reviews. It also offers the flexibility to adapt to various workflows, and its integrations with tools like Maya , Photoshop and Nuke make it easy to fit into animation production pipelines. ftrack is ideal if you want a robust tool without overwhelming complexity.
Prices :
Starting around 15 to 30$ per user / month
Flow, formerly known as ShotGrid, then Shotgun, is the go-to production tracking software for animation and VFX studios. Big studios love it for its powerful features: task management, version tracking, and asset review. All this power does come at a cost and can feel a bit complex for smaller studios, but if you’ve got a big team and ambitious projects, ShotGrid is ready to keep everything on track.
Prices :
Starting from 45$ / month
BONUS - Update 2026!
The "Lightweight" Alternative: Picoprod
If Kitsu, ftrack, or Flow feel a bit too overwhelming for your current needs (or your budget), here is a specialized alternative: Picoprod.
It was built to be the leanest production tracker on the market. No account creation, no installation—you just launch it in your browser and start planning your shots immediately.
Get 50% Off with the code ANIMSTARTER
What makes Picoprod unique:
Local Data: Nothing is sent to a server; everything is stored directly on your computer. It’s the ultimate guarantee of privacy for your projects.
Simple & Visual: You get a Gantt chart, a Kanban board, and a team workload Heatmap without spending hours on complex configuration.
Free (with a powerful Pro version): The core tool is free, but I’ve built a Pro version for those who need advanced studio features.
Why the Pro version is a game-changer for studios:
Dark Mode: Because we all spend our days (and nights) in front of screens, visual comfort is a priority. This sleek interface fits perfectly into a pro studio environment.
Full CSV Exports: Essential for moving your data into Excel or Google Sheets to generate custom financial reports or production wrap-ups.
Branding (White Label): Remove the Picoprod watermark from your PDF reports and replace it with your own logo. Stay professional and on-brand when presenting to clients.
Full Customization: Unlock all icon sets and color themes to organize your departments exactly the way you want.
Need more info? Check out my article here
Prices : It's Free! Pro version available to unlock some features
Article Tags:
production tracking software - project management software - production Planning Tool