Filter Forge was released in March of 2007 for the Windows platform, with an OS X version currently in development. What sets it apart from other plugins is that it allows users to create new filters for the generation of seamless textures, visual effects, distortions, patterns, backgrounds and frames. Filter effects are adjustable and editable, seamlessly tiled, resolution-independent and support real-world HDRI lighting. They can also generate diffuse, specular, bump and normal maps, essential for the creation of realistic textures. Users include graphics pros, game studios, design agencies, photographers, and even the US military, which apparently used Filter Forge to design camouflage patterns.

The freepacks are based on the technology used in Filter Forge and are capable of generating seamlessly-tiled textures with professional-grade anti-aliasing. The Previous Metals and Photo Effects collections have now been extended with Frames, which provides seven effect filters, each capable of framing an image in a creative way. For example, Painting Frame generates realistic wooden frames, complete with paint flaking off, while Halftone Frame adds a pattern of dots of varying size.

Freepack 3 - Frames for Windows can be downloaded on the Filter Forge site.