TYPES OF STOP MOTION SOFTWARE
Dragon Frame has rapidly gained recognition as a serious tool for professional Stop Motion production work. Many features listed and this is only a general overview: 1) Controls Digital Still Cameras and Hi-Definition Videocamcorders (with HDMI capture card) for single frame animation & effects 2) Provides a comprehensive set of animation & cinematogoraphy tools to help you get the shot right 3) Keeps your scenes, shot-takes, and frames well-organized for post production. You can then import your animation (shot with Dragon) to your favorite editing and/or special effects software for post production work completion of your animation project. If your camera is not supported, you can ask their customer support about possible 'workaround' options. DragonFrame has been designed by professionals working in the Stop Motion Animation field. The Dragon folks have a very responsive custom service support including discussion forum. Their latest DragonFrame version comes with an intuitive Keypad Controller that helps keep 'you' FOCUSED on your frame-by-frame animation work. Available for both Apple and Windows.DragonFrame
Stop Motion Pro
stop motion pro was one of the first trailblazing software products back in 2000 year, to offer to the public, a completely dedicated & specialty Stop Motion program for the Stop Motion hobbyist, practitioner, and for pro use. It has quite a number of very specific and beneficial for the Stop Motion specialty that can meet demands of experienced Stop Motionists. Has audio lip syncing feature. It is for s. You can use DV camcorder (Firewire connection), USB webcams (USB connection) and Analog camcorder (if you have analog video capture card). Stop Motion Pro can control someDigital Still Cameras, too. Many other features listed at their website. They have goodonline support & video tutorials. A trial demo version is available for you to test it. If you decide to purchase it, you will get the full version at a reasonable cost, They are also working on an o to capture uncompressed HD Video. It will not be a low cost set-up for everyone (very pricey HD capture card) and you will need extra computer power.
Animator DV
frame capturing software is another excellent choice for PC-Windows users.This one looks like it is for very professional use. Has similar features as Stop Motion Pro, but it looks like Animator DV have some program versions with plenty of bells & whistles features for high end "Pro" use and can controlsome Canon Digital Still Cams. Some versions have audio lip syncing feature. Too many features to list. You can see the features listed here, 4 versions of Animator DV. This is possibly not for kids or beginners because of the many choices of features and it might get confusing with regards to the more intricate user interface. They have good online documentation & video tutorials. Even though the name says "DV" which is used with DV Camcorders, Animator DV is also compatible USB Webcams and Analog Camcorders (if you have analog capture card installed). I have heard that their customer support is good & responsive. They offer trial demo download of one of their high end Animator DVs for you to test it. Also, Animator DV are very generous and are now offering a FREE version of Animator Simple+. If you have any questions, Contact them and also provide them feedback W Multimedia's Animator DV
The user interface is very user friendly. The software developer originally designed this software for children-schools-educators and they want to maintain this simple user interface concept. Do not be deceived by its simple looks. Stop Motion Maker has some strong features .... onionskin, toggling-review of stored frames, rotoscoping, delete/replace last frame, loop last frame, instant preview of animation, frame markers, time lapse, and simple chromakeying /compositing. Connection choices for USB Webcams, DV Camcorders (firewire), and Analog (if you have analog capture card) ..... has video compression and de-interlacing. Again .... the user interface is really straight forward and great for beginners, young & old and even for experienced The only Stop Motion capture software that has a flicker reduction feature. Stop Motionists or anyone that wants a good basic Stop Motion program without complexity. Free trial demo download is available. Go to Update: New Stop Mo software Stop MotionMaker HDMI, which is capable of using High Definition camcorders.
Motion Station 1.2
This one looks like a get-down-to-business animation software that is not too technically complex, however, perhaps more suited for computer literate users. For young children, there are other stop motion programs that they can perhaps begin with, then they can always later graduate to Stop Motion Station. The user interface for this program, entirely uses the keyboard. The live image & animation playback viewing is always full screen. There are no icon screen menus or mouse clicking, and so, you can FOCUS on the 'Animation'. Stop Motion Station can acceptFirewire, USB, and Analog (with proper capture interface). This software has the most detailed online documentation than any of the other software listed here. It is very informative. The software author is very much involved with animation associations and so he has a true passion for the general animation medium. Customer service seems to be good. There is a free 30 trial download and it is a full version of the program so that you can really test it out. If you like, then definitely buy it .... affordable Stop Motion Station
This is a good freeware program called MonkeyJam. It is originally designed for pencil testing use in 2D drawn animation techniques, however the program's creator, David Perry, added some useful additional features for Stop Motion. Has a film preview slider so that you can see the previously stored frames that you already shot and compare it to the "live" frame. As I said before, this is also known as frame flipping. ..... very important feature that will help you learn Stop Motion more quickly. Also, a really good feature ....you can cut, duplicate, or reshoot frames. To view animation preview, you do have to do some extra mouse clicks and maybe not as instant as others but overall, it is good program for Stop Mo use. It is compatible with PC-Windows and one of the specs requirements says that you should have the latest version of Microsoft's DirectX. You can use it with USB Webcams, DV Camcorders (firewire connection) and Analog Camcorders (if you have analog capture card installed). Updated MJ has importion feature of WAV or MP3 audio files. Waveform display with audio scrubbing (for dialog lip sync) MonkeyJam
This Stop Motion capture program MotionMage was created by the BricksinMotion people. The freeware version includes ...full camera settings, auto-averaging, color analysis, frame delay, frame-order editing, onion skin display, audio playback, AVI-JPG-GIF, & PNG import, and AVI export. You can useMotionMage with USB Webcam, DV Camcorders or the ol' Analog Camcorders (if you have analog capture card). Again, this is the free version and so resolution choice will be limited but but seems like a good starter tool for learning Stop Motion. MotionMage is written in Java and it uses the Java Media Framework for video functions. This means, it works with both PC-Windows and Unix/Linuxsystems. (It has not been tested on Macs yet) According to software's author, this one may be a little more tricky to set-up. If you are somewhat computer literate, it may not hurt to at least try it as it does have good useful Stop Mo features. If you have any issues or questions, I do not know how responsive they are. MotionMage1.2
This one looks like a new one (2008) which I accidentally stumbled upon, IKITmovie forPC-Windows. Does not seem to be promoted much online. It is kind of a bells and whistles Stop Motion software for beginners. To me, this program looks more focused on creating animations for the Free Video Hosting websites (like YouTube). For you High Definition obsessed, this is not for you. It appears that IKITmovie is for ease of use bybeginners or in a classroom environment, and therefore, primarily works with the common and ubiquitous USB webcams with resolutions good enough for internet and mobile media. Has custom built sound engine with over 2,200 sound effects and background music. You do not need to export your movie to other software in order to complete your project. The exporting all done within IKITmovie. It has Onionskin but not sure if it has back/forth Frame Toggling to 'Live' feed. My suggestion and feedback to them, would be, that the frame rates are only from 1 to 25 frames per second. In my view, it should be able to go up to 30 fps. Their flash based tutorials are good but not fully completed or still under construction. Also, I do not see a list if IKITmovie is compatible with certain USB webcams or maybe works with most webcams. Free trial download to test itIKITmovie
Here is another one most of us probably never heard of .... I don't even know how to pronounce it .....Animaatiokone. It is created in Finland and the software is in English. Do not be fooled my the simple interface. It seems to have good amount of basic features ..... onionskinning, timeline navigation & zooming (not sure what that is)), quick preview, you can cut, paste and duplicate frames. For PC-Windows and is compatible with USB Webcams, DV Camcorders, and Analog Camcorders (if you have analog capture card). They do offer a free 30 day trial for you to test it. Remember too, most likely, if you pay for program, you will get customer service support. Give them your honest feedback about the program, the interface, or other features you would like or be improved Animaatiokone is for.
This is Old Software from some years ago. I guess, because it is Free, people tolerate its glitches. I have done quick test of Anasazi. This software is only for use with USB Webcams or Analog Camcorders (if you have analog capture card). You cannot use DV Camcorders or any Firewire type connection with Anasazi. The important features are, itsonionskinning, back & forth frame toggling, looping, instant preview of your animated scene,, adding markers, you can set hot keys, and some other good features. With Anasazi you cannot delete or replace frames. One of the spec requirements is that you need Microsoft's old Video for Windows which Windows usually already has on your systen but is now superceded by the newer DirectShow as part of Windows DirectX Anasazi Update: Someone contacted me and says there is a fix forAnasazi so that it can work with DV Camcorders. It requires downloading/installing a codec, specifically, the Panasonic VFW, DV Codec. Do not ask me if it works with all DV camcorders. Just try it then let me know if your DV camcorder works with it. Also, supposedly, some are trying to do an update of Anasazi which would also run on Macs.
was written by someone for his own personal use but is offering it for free. It is for PC-Windows and it is a most basic and very simple Stop Motion software. There is no website for this program. He originally posted and announced his software program at the Stop Motion forum and he gives more detailsabout the program. At the time, he was thinking about adding some features (such as rotoscoping) but there has been no update about it. StopIt appears to be user-friendly with minimal bells & whistles, however, looks good enough for good ol' practicing and learning Stop Motion. Again, it is free. If he thinks no one is using the software, it might not be available later? UPDATE 2010 New Website:StopIt.
capture software is for Macs using DV Camcorders or Mac-compatible Webcams, and Mac-compatible capture cards. Has all kinds of bells & whistles and has a serious professional interface. It includes alightbox which does the same as onionskinning and you can toggle through the frames. Another powerful feature is Frame Averaging; improves the video image even from a webcam. Has audio lip syncing feature. It also has some other features where you can have limited control of "some" digital still cameras. It is my understanding, a lot of pro's who are Mac-philes use FrameThief. This is ashareware program and you can test it for 30 days. If you like it, you then buy it. Website:FrameThief Update: I hear that FT seems to be the preferred Stop Motion capture program used by experienced Stop Motionists who use Macs, however, there are complaints that it needs to be updated, however, will you pay for newer version? FrameThief is only $40.(USD). Perhaps, the software creator, Roman Blok should receive more$$$ compensation (raise prices) incentive for him to keep FT up to date. Framethief offers no customer support, even if you buy it. They have a FAQ section that is primarily old archived postings. A bad omen and puts Framethief in theAbandon-Ware category.
This is a 'new kid on the block'. It looks like this is a full featured softwarethat can be a possible Frame Capturing choice for you Mac people. Someone contacted me and said, "very satisfied with AnimAide XT". I do not use Macs, but looking at AnimAide XT features; to me it seems similar to FrameThief. AnimAide XT compatible with DV camcorders and webcams and 'some' interface features with Digital Still Cameras. Also has an interesting 'voice syncing' feature. Their support link has an online manual for you to look over, and of course, a Free Trial Download too. Why don't you test it out? Give them feedback. Guess how much AnimAide XT costs? I cannot believe this .... it is only $40.USD! Note: Only has Onion-skinning. You cannot toggle back to previous frame. Go to AnimAide XT main page for download trial & provide feedback.
They have two versions, and you want to get the Pro version which is more specific to Stop Motion. Compatible with any video source .... from Mac-compatible USB Webcams, or any firewire source like DV camcorders and also Analog Camcorders if Mac has Analog Mac-compatible interface installed. BTV Pro has Stop Mo features including one onionskin layer to view previous frame, but it does not say if it has frame scrolling-flipping? IMO, the strongest feature of BTV Pro, which most programs do not have, is, Frame Averaging which will very much reduce video noise and sharpen the captured image. The other features are instant movie playback & editing (deleting/adding frames), time lapse capture, folder viewer, movie export, and DV control device to control "some" DV camcorders (rewind, play, stop, etc).through software. Also you can capture frames in variety of image formats (like FrameThief). days BTV PRO
This Software only for Macs and works with DV camcorders and Mac-compatible USB Webcams or Firewire Webcams. I think it does not work with Analog Camcorders. It has ..... onionskinning, but no frame flipping back & forth. You need to ask them for details. Their websitedoes not clearly explain the features. Has audio lip syncing feature. You can also download a 7 day time limited demo to try it out before you pay for it. Here is a maybe, a too enthusiasticiStopMotion Review ? There is an optional iStopMotion HR version where you can use it to trigger a DV still camera and will display a window with all images and you select images for importing to view as movie. Using a DV Still Cam is not instant feedback whereas, using Webcams or DV camcorders you can see thelive image and use the onionskinning and immediately playback the animation iStopMotion
Can Animate an animation software created in England. All you Mac people should behappy. This is only for you! It looks like it is also geared towards education market and has some good basic features. It works with DV Camcorders and Mac compatible Webcams. It hasonionskinning, you do limited layering, it has time lapse capturing and something not found in many other Stop Mo programs ..... chroma-keying and some limited image retouching features .....for example, if you need to remove wires or rigs or do some kind of special effects. The userinterface design appears to be easy to understand so kids or beginners can grasp it quickly. Their prices are in English pounds so you will also need to contact them to see how much it costs in US dollars I Can Animate Update: I do not see on their website if they offer a trial demo download? Their website does not say. Suppose, for some reason, it does not work in your computer configuration, (it can happen) or you do not like the interface? You might contact them and inquire about that. They do have an online basic manual (pdf file), but IMO, trial demo would be better for testing.
StopMotioner Beta 3
seems to be a new program and is for Macs only. This will be a multi-featured software andquoting from their website ....."All in one: record stop-motion, add/edit audio (I assume for lip syncing), and edit video ... pan, zoom, and rotate effects .... includes tons of transitions, effects, and filters and much more features!" StopMotioner website does not clearly describe what you get when you download their software. I contacted them and they explained to me ... yes, they offer a 30 day demo trial download, restricted to 15 seconds length in movie editor mode and there is no help menus with program but you can use their online forum. They have a "carbon download" which means it is for Mac OS9 and Mac OSX. When you purchase Beta-3, it is a full version with no restrictions and it may have some bugs, but supposedly, you will get to update later if ever they come out with revised or final versions. For those that did not buy Beta-3, in the future, the final price of StopMotioner may be higher than what is currently listed. If StopMotioner wants to more effectively promote this product, they should more clearly describe it so I should not have to do it for them StopMotioner Beta 3
This animation software, Frames was created by a company called Tech4 Learning is for PC-Windows and Macs. This company focuses on creativity-educational tools & packages. They offer Stop Motion packages for curriculum type instruction, to teach a group of kids, or just to sort-of home school 'Stop Motion'; for beginners to start learning hands-on & tactile creativity expression. Tech4 Learning offers guidelines & much online documentation for teachers or home schoolers in setting up an animation curriculum. They say it does have onionskinning feature. Although, their online instructions for using Frames is not clear & a little confusing to me. They do not give any details how the cameras connect or interface with Frames. If you are not sure, they give you a free trial version for 30 days to test it. Tech4 does require you to fill out a form before you download it. It seems reasonably priced. Look it over or request details FRAMES . Also, available, are Clay Animation Kits
Here is a most bare-bones & simple Stop Motion freeware program called TrikFilm Cam. It is for PC-Windows. A very small program size that might work on old computer systems. It just captures still images but will "onionskin" last captured & stored frame with the "live" image .... you then need another program to construct-assemble as movie. I think this Stop Motion program might be applicable for the more experienced animators, accustomed to the still useful old surface guaging ways, and through experience have gained a keen visual memory and sense of timing (like a Ray Harryhausen, Jim Danforth, Barry Purves, etc) .... where they maybe do not rely as much on frame toggling, or the need to instantly preview the animation. In the old days, we could not see the finished animation shot until the next day. How spoiled you are all now! If you want to have fun and do straight-ahead animation without all the fancy frame toggling or instant playback, give this program a try. The other free programs to assemble-construct the animation as a movie, is also available at TrikFilm Cam
This program StopMoJo, just came out this month (March '05). It is very basic but has a few more beneficial Stop Motion-specific features than TrikFilm Cam. Here is their overview description of StopMoJo ...." StopMojo is a cross-platform (using Java ... for PC-Windows, Linux, and yet untested on Macs) Stop-Motion animation suite designed to aid in the creation of stop-motion animations. Currently it includes a capture program supporting capture of image files from various video capture devices, overlay of previous frames (onion skinning), and export to AVI and QUICKTIME video formats. The goal is to create a program or suite of programs to faciliate the creation of stop-motion movies. Initially, we only intend to provide software to capture individual frames (possibly exporting to various video format files) and create/edit exposure sheets (xsheets) for audio/lip sync." So it seems that StopMoJo' s goal is to eventually add some more features. It is a very basic freeware program and maybe worth your consideration. StopMoJo encourages you to give them constructive feedback StopMoJo
| SAM ANIMATION (Mac & PC) Simple easy interface with solid basic features for Stop Motion training & learning for personal or school (free).  | Frame by Frame (Mac) A small program created by someone and offering it as freeware. For Mac users who want to practice Stop Motion.  | Helium Frog (PC) A free program that is in very Beta status and appears by someone who writes programs as a hobby and has interest in Stop Motion.  |
