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Construct 3 vs Instagram AR Effects

Construct 3 logo

Construct 3

Software

Create games without coding. Powered by the Scirra engine.

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Instagram AR Effects logo

Instagram AR Effects

Software

Creative AR effects for Instagram Stories and Reels

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Construct 3 the free version caps projects at 50 events, or 25 when used without an account; Instagram AR Effects meta shut down third party AR effect creation tools: "Meta Spark's platform of third party tools and content will no longer be available effective January 14, 2025"
  • They diverge on capability: Construct 3 covers Visual event system, Instagram AR Effects covers Face effects.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Construct 3 and Instagram AR Effects actually diverge.

Attributes where Construct 3 and Instagram AR Effects differ
AttributeConstruct 3Instagram AR Effects
Pricing modelfreemiumfree
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, WebAr, Ios, Android
Founded20072004

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Construct 3

  • Visual event system
  • Drag-and-drop editor
  • Physics engine
  • Sprite editor
  • Particle effects
  • Sound effects
  • Web-based
  • HTML5 support

Only in Instagram AR Effects

  • Face effects
  • World effects
  • Interactive filters
  • Beauty effects
  • Spark AR Studio
  • Instagram Stories
  • Reels
  • Ar support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Construct 3

  • Building 2D browser games without writing codenot Instagram AR Effects
  • Publishing HTML5 games to the web, desktop and mobile stores from one projectnot Instagram AR Effects

Instagram AR Effects

  • VR Gamingnot Construct 3
  • AR Marketingnot Construct 3
  • Virtual Trainingnot Construct 3
  • 3D Visualizationnot Construct 3
  • Immersive Experiencesnot Construct 3

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Construct 3

  • The free version caps projects at 50 events, or 25 when used without an account
  • Free projects are limited to 2 layers, 2 special effects, 1 timeline animation of up to 5 seconds and 1 web font
  • The free version can only publish to HTML5 and the Construct Arcade, so desktop, Android, iOS and Facebook Instant Games all need a paid plan
  • Licences are per seat and annual, at $129.99 for Personal, $168.99 for Startup Business and $468.99 for Business

Instagram AR Effects

  • Meta shut down third party AR effect creation tools: "Meta Spark's platform of third party tools and content will no longer be available effective January 14, 2025"

Pricing, plan by plan

Construct 3

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Web-based editor
    • HTML5 export
    • Asset library
  • Personal$99/year
    • All Free features
    • Offline editor
    • Advanced export

Instagram AR Effects

Free
  • FreeFree
    • AR effects library
    • Effect creation
    • Publishing

Which should you pick?

Choose Construct 3 if

  • You need visual event system.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
  • You also want drag-and-drop editor.
Construct 3 review

Choose Instagram AR Effects if

  • You need face effects.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Ar, Ios, Android.
  • You also want world effects.
Instagram AR Effects review

Questions people ask

Is Construct 3 or Instagram AR Effects better?
Neither clearly leads. Construct 3 starts at Free and Instagram AR Effects at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Construct 3 or Instagram AR Effects?
Construct 3 starts at Free and Instagram AR Effects at Free.
Does Construct 3 or Instagram AR Effects run on more platforms?
Construct 3 runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web. Instagram AR Effects runs on Ar, Ios, Android.
Can I use Construct 3 for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Construct 3 best used for?
Construct 3 is most often used for building 2d browser games without writing code, publishing html5 games to the web, desktop and mobile stores from one project. Of those, building 2d browser games without writing code and publishing html5 games to the web, desktop and mobile stores from one project are not what Instagram AR Effects is typically brought in for.
What can Construct 3 do that Instagram AR Effects cannot?
Construct 3 covers Visual event system, Drag-and-drop editor, Physics engine, Sprite editor. Instagram AR Effects covers Face effects, World effects, Interactive filters, Beauty effects.
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