SFX
Abbreviation with 3 meanings
| Stands for | Sound effects |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 3 |
| Categories | Arts & Entertainment, Technology & Computing |
SFX has three meanings. The most common are Sound effects (film, television and theater) and Special effects (film, television and theater); it can also stand for Small Form Factor eXtended.
Meanings of SFX at a glance
| # | SFX stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sound effects | Arts & Entertainment › Film, Television and Theater |
| 2 | Special effects | Arts & Entertainment › Film, Television and Theater |
| 3 | Small Form Factor eXtended | Technology & Computing › Computer Hardware |
1. Sound effects
Arts & Entertainment · Film, Television and Theater Abbreviations
Recorded or synthesized sounds added to film, TV, radio, games and theater, from footsteps and doors to explosions and creature roars. Scripts and edit lists mark them SFX.
Example: Script note: SFX - thunder rolls; the lights flicker.
Foley artists perform everyday sounds in sync with the picture, a technique named after Universal sound editor Jack Foley. Sound effects libraries supply prerecorded sounds such as the famous "Wilhelm scream". In film production credits SFX can also mean practical special effects.
2. Special effects
Arts & Entertainment · Film, Television and Theater Abbreviations
Physical effects created on set during filming, such as explosions, rain, wind, breakaway props, animatronics and mechanical rigs. Also called practical effects, in contrast with digital visual effects.
Example: The SFX team rigged the car to flip on cue at 40 miles per hour.
Industry credits keep "special effects" (practical, on set) separate from "visual effects" (post-production), though the public often uses SFX for both. Makeup effects, such as prosthetics, form a related department. In audio production SFX means sound effects.
3. Small Form Factor eXtended
Technology & Computing · Computer Hardware Abbreviations
Compact power-supply form factor measuring 125 by 63.5 by 100 mm, designed for small cases where a standard ATX PSU will not fit. Modern SFX units deliver 1,000 W or more.
Example: The 13-liter case requires an SFX power supply.
Intel defined SFX for small desktops; the slightly deeper SFX-L variant (130 mm) allows a larger, quieter fan. Many ATX cases accept SFX units with an adapter bracket. Their small fans can be louder under heavy load than those in full-size supplies. In film and gaming, SFX means sound effects or special effects.
Related abbreviations
More film, television and theater abbreviations
- PG-13 – Parents Strongly Cautioned
- POV – Point of view
- PPV – Pay-per-view
- R – Restricted
- SL – Stage left
- SM – Stage manager
- SNL – Saturday Night Live
- SR – Stage right
See all 63 film, television and theater abbreviations →