This is one of the pricier pieces of software on the list at $299 for the full version (which comes with controller hardware), but it deserves a mention here since there is a free trial which is well worth checking out. A similar app exists for the iPhone by the same studio, albeit under a different name (search for iStopCamera on the App Store.) Dragonframe (Windows & Mac)ĭragonframe is pretty much the most widely-recognized stop motion animation software in the industry, and has been used to create numerous box-office hits such as Coraline and this year’s Shaun the Sheep. It also comes with unparalleled developer supportĪ trial version is available to use without limits for 5 days, and the full desktop/iPad version is yours for $49.99. It’s updated regularly and is already packed full of brilliantly implemented features. IStopMotion by Boinx Studios has long been the go-to software suite for both amateur and professional stop motion animators alike. Smoovie offers a free trial for its desktop version (the full version is priced at a budget level $39.99) while the iPad version is currently $6.99 in the App Store. To boot, the iPad version makes good use of the tablet’s camera, meaning the entire production can be conducted right from within the app. While it’s not the most powerful or beautiful software ever released, it’s ideal for getting to grips with the basics. But if you’ve already got all your image stills lined up and just need some free or budget software to process them, then here are… The Best Stop Motion Animation Software and Apps Smoovie (Mac & iPad)įeaturing precision editing, onion skinning, chroma key effects, direct-to-YouTube publishing, and an intuitive interface, Smoovie is specifically designed for stop motion animation. If you’re looking to get started in stop motion photography, you might want to start with our guide on the basics of the craft.

But what about when you want to work on the go and experiment away from campus? We’re guessing you don’t want to blow multiple thousands of dollars setting up a home studio, but the good news is you don’t have to.

If you’re studying the craft at animation school, you’ll have every professional tool imaginable at your fingertips.

Dragon frame animation