As stop motion animation is growing in popularity (and with the availability of new and free software) there is obviously a need for free stop motion animation software. If you’re like me and you like to explore all options before making a decision, then I hope this article will point you in the right direction if you too are on the lookout for free software to help with your stop motion projects. This article isn’t one of those “rushing” pieces. I decided to compile some viable free software solutions that can be used on both Mac and Windows.
If you want to start a career in stop motion animation a good place to begin is by looking for free software. The problem is there’s a lot of junk out there. But don’t worry – I’ve done all the hard work. In this free guide I’ll talk you through the best free stop motion software to help you get started on your creation.
FilmoraPro – Our Choice
Best stop motion software
- User-friendly
- You can apply effects in several clicks
- First-class audio mixer
- Titles and text editor
- Media Library
- Not found
Verdict: FilmoraPro is one of the most demanded free stop motion animation software and a powerful video editor. This program is suitable for all types of users since it is rather intuitive.
To create smooth animation, you can set keyframes. Also, it is possible to adjust the duration and speed of your animated clip.
You can customize many features in FilmoraPro, including motion graphics and text effects. If you are using a free version of the software, the resulting clip will get a watermark. To remove it, you need to invest in one of the available plans.1/2
MonkeyJam
Automated X-sheet logging
- Intuitive navigation
- Doesn’t require configuration
- Export clips in multiple formats
- Lacks panning options
- Doesn’t offer real layer compositing
Verdict: MonkeyJam is a feature-rich stop motion animator that allows you to recode images from a scanner, webcam or digital camera and assemble them as individual frames. You can also use the images and audio stored on your computer.
Even though MonkeyJam is developed for pencil and paper animations, it is also an excellent stop-motion video maker. It also has a neat and intuitive interface, so you can quickly figure out the functionality of the program.
Dragonframe
Easy frame editing
- Camera motion control for single-frame animation
- First-class set of animation tools
- Ability to import animation to video editing software
- Difficult for beginners
Verdict: The Dragonframe stop motion software has achieved vast popularity for its powerful stop motion production capabilities. It was designed by numerous experts in the industry. To assist users, the Dragonframe team has organized first-class customer support and a forum where people can discuss their projects.
The newest version of the program features an easy to use keypad controller that allows you to stay focused on animating. DragonFrame is compatible with both Mac OS and Windows. Also, the program allows controlling digital still cameras.
Stop Motion Pro
For novice animators
- Works with the majority of webcams
- Frame thumbnails
- Ability to adjust angles and zoom
- Multi-track editing features
- Playback may skip some animation frames
Verdict: Stop Motion Pro is a stop motion program free that supports creation of still images and animated clips. To use the software, you need a camcorder or webcam and such Windows OS editions as 7, 8, Vista, and XP.
If you are a novice animator, Stop Motion Pro may seem somewhat difficult to master, especially it refers to its audio synchronization tool. Nevertheless, if you managed to understand all the functions of this program, you will get precise control over your animation.
To make your stop-motion clips stand out, you can use such features as auto time-lapse capture, frame-by-frame editor, and the ability to add multiple audio tracks to your works.
iKITMovie
For kids
- User-friendly
- An extensive number of backgrounds and overlays
- Is compatible with the majority of webcams
- Full-screen user interface view
Verdict: iKITMovie is a widely recognized stop motion animator. This software is sought after among kids and hobbyists across the world as a popular Claymation and LEGO Animation maker. This is the only stop motion program that comes with 2,200 soundtracks to complement your animation clips.
iKITMovie is compatible with multiple Windows editions such as 10, 7, 8, XP, and Vista. With Stop Motion Green Screen feature, you can animate your objects in front of a green screen and later change the background.
iKITMovie will be a perfect option for education purposes or for those, who just started out their artistic path in animation.
FilmoraPro
FilmoraPro is one of the most well-known options for stop motion animation and other types of filmmaking. This video making software has easy to use tools for any type of animation project that you may be sorting out. It also offers an option called keyframing, which helps your stop-motion animation to look a lot smoother. You can use this for free if you are okay with Filmora’s watermark. They have lifetime and yearly packages, too.
Stop Motion Studio
Stop Motion Studio is, perhaps, the most versatile of all of these selections. It’s not just for Mac – you can also use it on your smartphone or your tablet if you’re editing on the go. The Stop Motion Studio does everything from helping you to take great pictures to make a live green screen while you’re out and about. There’s a free trial, and the prices are reasonable.
Clara.io: Best free 3D animation software (browser-based)
Platforms: Any browser
Clara.io is cloud-based free animation software that doesn’t need any plugins to work. It offers a good combination of basic stick-figure animation and polygonal modeling.
This free animation app gives you a great range of mesh instruments to use. You also have features like sub-object editing, modeling features like subdivision surfaces and lots of realistic-looking materials that you can tweak with some adjustable lighting.
The simple interface has a clean design. If you still have queries you’d like answered, it’s one of the few free animation apps with its own forums, so you can turn to the 80,000-strong community that shares its artwork on the Clara.io’s cloud.
That means you’re not alone if you decide to try out this free 3D animation software!
Pros: Browser access; easy to use
Cons: Development slowing down
What users are saying:
“Just had a play with https://clara.io by @ExocortexCom and it’s quite remarkable! A web-based 3D modelling and animation app, that spits out .fbx and does V-Ray and WebGL renders. Wow!” – @gheedough, Twitter
“Further to this, http://Clara.io is free, browser based and seemingly very good for simple 3d animation.” – @therevmountain, Twitter
“http://clara.io seems a bit quiet these days. Is it still being actively supported?” – @CarlBateman, Twitter
Conclusion
Stop motion animation is a technique of making three-dimensional objects appear to move on film by taking photos at different intervals and blending them together. It is used in both independent and mainstream filmmaking, as well as in other art forms such as theater and puppetry.