12 Best Stop Motion Animation Software for Windows & Mac

From a personal perspective, who doesn’t love to watch animation videos?

Animation videos are fun to watch. They make the topic easy to understand, and the overall animation or presentation keeps you engaged.

The same is the case with your prospects. They, too, want to see video content from their preferred brand.

According to HubSpot, 54% of consumers want to see videos from the business they support.

Another research by HubSpot tells us that, If a web page has video and text both, 72% of people will watch a video to learn about a product.

So, it is time to get your brand on track and start breathing life into the static objects on the screen by utilizing the stop motion technique.

Stop motion videos are appealing, and they hold the power of conveniently demonstrating your product/service to your audience.

In a nutshell, today we’ll explore the following aspects of Stop motion animations:

• What is stop motion animation?
• The best stop motion software and its pros, cons, and prices.

What Is Stop Motion Animation?

Generally, stop motion videos consist of manipulating a physical object to create an illusion of motion using stop motion animation software.

Stop motion animation is a unique technique for filmmaking in which objects are placed and physically manipulated frame by frame between individual photographs so that they appear like a continuous motion. It can also be changed when the frames series is played back.

An easier definition of stop motion would be that it creates an illusion and helps you move objects in a static image. The movement of objects gives your stop motion video the feeling of animation.

Moreover, to create such videos, you need soft motion software.

You can use the internet to find numerous paid or free soft motion software but knowing their capabilities, features, and specs is essential.

Certain tools are not for beginners, and they require extensive knowledge of soft motion editing software to operate.

Knowing these tools and their usage is essential for you to start creating your own soft motion animation.

So today, in this blog, we’re going to tell you about some of the best stop motion software, their features and specs, and their pros and cons.

Keep in mind that the list is not in any specific order; we have just randomly placed the top 10 tools here for your feasibility.

Let’s begin…

1. Boinx iStop-Motion (Paid)

Image Source: MacUpdate

iStop-Motion is a powerful stop-motion software that you can use to create your animation videos.

It is widely considered best for time-lapse movies and stops motion animation.

With features like Onion skinning, time-lapse, Chroma keying, and Rotoscope, iStop-Motion stands out in terms of performance and accessibility.

It runs smoothly on the Mac OS platform and delivers an excellent user experience.

The latest update of iStop-Motion enables the user to leverage DSLR cameras from well-known brands, i.e., Canon and Nikon.

iStop-Motion also gives the user the advantage to easily create stop motion animation using their iPhone and iPad.

Below is a stop motion video created by using iStop-Motion

Pros

• iStop-Motion software has numerous versatile and agile features.
• The interface is super user-friendly. Even children can use iStopMotion.
• The “Onion skinning” feature in iStop-Motion enables the user to see a preview of the video he is creating.
• The “Workflow” feature shortens and makes the video-making process highly effective.

Cons

• iStop-Motion is costly; although there are some special offers for educators, it can still be quite expensive.
• The less expensive versions of iStop-Motion have few features and specs.
• iStop-Motion is a stop motion software for mac, which means you can only use it on Mac computers.

Pricing

You can buy this powerful stop motion software only for $19.99.

2. Dragon Frame (Paid)

Image Source

This is another powerful paid stop motion animation software that is designed for Mac OS.

Dragon Frame helps the user create stunning and powerful imagery with beautiful effects and advanced camera scanning tools; you can capture highly accurate movements.

Moreover, Dragon Frame controls enable you to compose shots, illuminate perfect images, and edit images/frames.

Masterpieces of Stop motion animation like Disney’s Frankenweenie and Laika’s Coraline were created using Dragon Frame.

Dragon Frame is the software you need if you are a professional and want to create Stop motion videos for big brands.

From high-quality videos to countless features and support – with Dragon Frame, you have every aspect of your Stop Motion animation covered.

With the video below, you’ll have an idea of what Dragon Frame is capable of.

Pros

• Dragon-Frame is integrated with the most powerful tools such as Onion skinning, auto-toggling, and drawing.
• Dragon-Frame keypad enables you to focus on your animation instead of hunting around with your mouse.
• With revolutionary technology like the Exposure-based DMX lighting board, you can take your lighting to the next level.

Cons

• Some features and specs of Dragon-Frame are high-end and complexed and require extensive product knowledge to operate.
• Dragon-Frame can be a bit costly, and the student/teacher version is only for personal use, which means you cannot use it to make money.

Pricing

You can buy the Dragon-Frame student/teacher version for US$ 100.

3. Filmora-Pro (Free)

Image Source: DPreview

A feature-oriented best stop motion software for mac. This stop-motion program can run on both Mac and Windows.

Like any other software on this list, Filmora Pro also provides motion-tracking animations.

It is integrated with a user-friendly experience and high-end features that you can leverage to take your video to the next level.

Filmora-Pro is a well-known option to stop motion professionals because it also supports other types of filmmaking.

With an easy to operate interface, you can design any type of animation you want.

The stand out feature of Filmora Pro is an option called “Keyframing.”

Keyframing helps you create a lot smoother stop motion animation videos than videos created by other tools.

Want to know what you can produce with Filmora? Just play the video below!

Moreover, you can download Filmora from their website for free. However, the free version comes with a Filmora’s watermark.

If you are not okay with the watermark, you can go for the lifetime or yearly package.

Pros

• Highly cost-effective than other stop motion video software.
• Has all the high-end feature and specs.
• The software is available for download for free.
• After figuring out all the nooks and crannies, you’ll learn that the software is a delight among other stop motion programs.

Cons

• Filmora Pro does not support Windows 32-bit version of below 10.10 versions of Mac.
• You always need to login to export your videos.

Pricing

You can buy Filmora Pro from their website. They have different packages, i.e., monthly, yearly, and lifetime.

Monthly package: $6.99

Yearly package: $23.99

Lifetime Package: $47.99

4. Eclipse – Stop Motion Pro (Paid)

Image Source: StopMotionCentral

An easy to connect, unsophisticated, and user-friendly stop motion software for PC.

Eclipse – Stop Motion Pro doesn’t have all the fancy-schmancy interfaces or modern build style like other stop motion animation programs have.

But by no means does this mean that Eclipse isn’t powerful.

Eclipse Pro stands among the best stop-motion animation software for Mac and Windows. You can use it to create animations and all types of films.

The layout of Eclipse delivers the feel of a traditional user interface, a large workspace is integrated within Eclipse, and there are few toolbars too.

The theme of this spectacular stop motion software is kept dark so that during long hours of work, the software won’t get too harsh on your eyes.

Moreover, connecting Eclipse to your camera gives you additional functionalities like controlling angles, zooms, and much more.

With a lip-syncing and multi-track editing feature, you can easily add music or voices to your stop motion animation.

The stop motion animation below was created by Eclipse – Stop Motion Pro:

Pros

• A user-friendly interface and easy-to-use tools enable you to create stop motion animations quickly and easily.
• Automatic time-lapse capture makes your stop motion video smooth.

Cons

• The software sometimes is unable to handle various file formats.
• Stop Motion Pro Eclipse requires a high-end PC to run on.

Pricing

The price of Stop Motion Pro Eclipse starts at $185.

5. Heron Animation (Free)

Image Source

Heron Animation is a stop motion software free of cost. It is fully compatible with every operating system, i.e., Windows, Mac, and Linux.

It is fully compatible with every operating system, i.e., Windows, Mac, and Linux.

A program that solely focuses on user experience and feasibility helps you take pictures from a webcam and make stop motion animations.

The process is simple and convenient; however, the software is powerful and equipped with the best tools that make a stop motion video amazing.

Heron is perfect for beginners and skilled animators. You can gather every shot in actual time. It has a clean and precise user interface that enables you to operate it quickly and effectively.

Pros

• Is has the option of Onion skinning.
• Extremely user-friendly.
• Best for beginners and professionals.

Cons

• Does not have camera controls.
• Lack of some professional tools that are available in other stop motion software.
• The overall quality of the finalized video is a bit rough.

Pricing

The software is available for free to download and use.

6. iKITMovie (Paid)

Image Source: StopMotionCentral

The iKITMovie is a popular choice in the LEGO animation industry and can also be used as a Claymation software.

The most intriguing aspect of the iKITMovie animation software is that it has more than 2,200 built-in sound effects, which you can utilize to create your stop motion films.

There is no need to crawl the internet to find sound effects – all you need is actually present in the software.

Also, there is a green screen feature for users that enables you to change the static of the background’s moving images.

The software is easy to use and best for beginners.

Moreover, iKITMovie is not a free stop motion animation software. There is a free trial available, but that’s only there to let the user experience the software in a limited way.

The video below was created using iKITMovie animation software.

Pros

• The green screen feature is revolutionary, and you can control the background objects with this option.
• iKITMovie is perfect for teachers or students, and it is best for beginners who are new to stop motion animation.

Cons

• The software is known to crash sometimes due to a lack of stability and performance.
• The free version has limited options.

Pricing

You can buy iKITMovie from their website for a starting price of $99.

7. Stop-Mojo (Free)

Stop-Mojo is a cross-platform stop motion program designed to help animators to create animations.

The software gives you the facility of capturing videos and photos from different devices.

Also, the software is well equipped with some top-notch tools such as onion-skinning and time-lapse capturing.

From audio synchronization to some high-end editing options – the software is literally packed with the industry’s leading tools and practices.

Moreover, Stop-Mojo supports all webcams, devices, cards, cameras, and much more. It also provides a quick preview of the captured frames.

Pros

• Have all the features and tools available for you to use.
• Supports devices across multiple platforms.
• Have some standout features that help in creating a more effective and compelling animation.

Cons

• Some essential/revolutionary features like Rotoscope and x-sheets are missing.
• The advanced editing option is not there, which could improve the overall quality of the produced video.

Pricing

This specific stop motion animation software is available for free, and you can download it from their website.

8. Frames (Paid)

Image Source: EduGrains

An animation powerhouse when it comes to creating stop motion videos. Actually, the software is best for all types of animations.

From cartoons to explainer videos, you can leverage Frames to create different videos packed with smooth motions and engaging visuals.

The software also supports the creation of clay animation and digital stories for your business.

It has a really easy to use interface, and the navigation panel is also designed to be convenient.

The software itself has won numerous awards and is available in multiple languages.

The video below was created by utilizing Frames stop-motion software.

Pros

• You can align frames using onion skinning.
• The option of group framing is available.
• Match several frames and audio durations easily.

Cons

• Frame sometimes produces jerky animations that are not productive.
• The final stop motion video may differ from the preview version of the video.

Pricing

The trial version of Frames is free, but it lacks several features. You can buy the full version of Frames from their website for $39.95.

9. Monkey-Jam (Free)

Image Source: MonkeyJam

Monkey Jam is free software, and those who are looking to try stop-motion animation are allowed to try it anytime they want.

Monkey-Jam does not have as many features as others on this list, but it is a great option for beginners.

The software interface is easily navigated, the design is simple and user-friendly.

The software is highly responsive and quickly manages to put together all the pictures you have captured to create unique stop motion animations.

See the tutorial below to learn how to create a stop motion video using Monkey Jam.

Pros

• Easy to use and highly recommended for those who have no experience in creating stop motion videos.
• Capturing images, putting them together, and creating a video or downloading animations require no configuration.

Cons

• Monkey-Jam developers are no longer supporting Monkey-Jam software, so there will be no updates or bug fixes in the future.
• Animations play in continuous looping sequences even after being saved into a video file.

Pricing

The software is available for free, and you can download it from MonkeyJam.Org.

10. Adobe Premiere Pro (Paid)

Image Source: TheVerge

Everyone knows Adobe and how it has revolutionized the editing industry. Adobe Premiere Pro stands among some of the most well-known products of Adobe.

The features are mesmerizing, and creating stop motion animations is as easy as pie.

Making your cartoons more dynamic with the help of some stand out features and keyframes by Adobe is always an amazing experience.

The editing process is easy, and motion graphics can also be created using the essential graphics panel tools.

With the constant improvement and updates coming from Adobe, the Adobe Premiere Pro has become even more powerful and effective.

Moreover, additional features of Adobe include color grading, trimming footage, and editing.

Concerned about the complexity of Adobe Premiere Pro? Here’s a simple tutorial through which you can learn how to create a stop-motion video:

Pros

• Gives you the ability to reinvent, merge, or create videos from scratch.
• There are tons of features, editing options, and accessibilities that you can use to create a stunning stop-motion video.

Cons

• Adobe Premiere Pro is certainly not for beginners, and its options require extensive knowledge to operate.
• The workflow process is a bit noisy and cluttered, which often confuses several users.

Pricing

The Adobe Premiere Pro is a powerful paid software that you can download from their website for just $20.99.

11. PowerDirector – (Paid)

PowerDirector is a video editing software developed and published by CyberLink. It is available for Microsoft Windows and macOS operating systems.

PowerDirector allows users to create, edit, and produce professional-quality videos with a wide range of tools and features, such as multi-cam editing, motion tracking, and color grading.

It can be used to create stop-motion animation. To create a stop motion animation in PowerDirector, you will need to import a series of still images into the software and arrange them on the timeline in the order that you want them to appear.

You can then adjust the duration of each image and add audio or other effects as desired. When you are finished editing your stop motion animation, you can render it and save it as a video file using the “Render” feature in PowerDirector.

Pros

• Offers a wide range of features for video editing, including multi-cam editing, motion tracking, color grading, and more.
• It has an intuitive and user-friendly interface that makes it easy for users to navigate and find the tools and features they need.
• Powerful video editing software that is capable of producing professional-quality results.

Cons

• It has a wide range of features, which can make it challenging for beginners to learn and master.
• May not support certain file formats, which can limit the types of media that users can work with.
• Some users have reported stability issues with PowerDirector, such as the software crashing or freezing during use.

Pricing

PowerDirector is available in several different pricing plans. Here are the options currently available:

PowerDirector 365: This is the most feature-rich version and includes all of the software’s features and tools. It is available as a subscription-based service and costs $5.99 per month or $59.99 per year.

PowerDirector 18: This is a one-time purchase version that includes most of the software’s features. It costs $99.99.

PowerDirector 365 Business: This version of PowerDirector is designed for businesses and includes all of the features of PowerDirector 365, as well as additional business-specific features such as watermarking and batch processing. It is available as a subscription-based service and costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year.

PowerDirector 18 Business: This is a one-time purchase version that includes most of the features of PowerDirector 18, as well as additional business-specific features such as watermarking and batch processing. It costs $129.99.

12. Stop Motion Studio (Freemium)

Stop Motion Studio is a stop motion animation app that allows users to create stop motion videos on their mobile devices.

With Stop Motion Studio, users can import images from their device’s camera or photo library, arrange the images on a timeline, and add audio and other effects to create a stop-motion animation.

The app also includes tools for adding text, adjusting the frame rate, and exporting the final animation as a video file. Stop Motion Studio is available for iOS and Android devices.

Pros

• It is a mobile app, which means it can be used on the go and does not require a computer to use.
• It has a user-friendly interface and simple controls, making it easy for beginners to learn and use.
• Available at a low cost or for free, depending on the version you choose.

Cons

The quality and performance of your stop-motion animation may be limited by the capabilities of your mobile device.

May not support certain file formats, which can limit the types of media that users can work with.

Does not offer certain advanced features that are available in other stop-motion animation software, such as advanced audio editing tools or support for 3D models.

Some users have reported stability issues with Stop Motion Studio, such as the app crashing or freezing during use.

Pricing

Free version: The free version of Stop Motion Studio is available for download from the App Store or Google Play.

Paid version: The paid version of Stop Motion Studio is available for purchase from the App Store or Google Play. It includes all of the features of the app and does not include ads. The price of the paid version varies depending on your location and the platform you are using but is generally around $4.99.

In Conclusion

Phew, glad that’s over!

Now you know some of the best stop-motion animation software.

The software on this list is extremely helpful; however, you just need to find the perfect one for yourself.

You might not know but most animation outsourcing companies use these software to create stop-motion animation.

Which one would you love to use from the list above? Let us know in the comment section below.

Stop Animation Software for Mac and PC FAQS

What is Stop-Motion animation?

Stop motion animation is a technique used in film and video production in which objects are physically manipulated in small increments between individually photographed frames, creating the illusion of movement when the series of frames is played back as a sequence.

How can you make a Stop-Motion animated video?

To make a stop-motion animation video, follow these steps:

Step 1: Do a Casting Call:

Gather objects you want to shoot or animate

Step 2: Create a Scene:

Set all your objects in sequence

Step 3: Shoot, Prep, Reshoot:

Its time to setup the steps of animation

Step 4: Stack Up:

Now import all your photographs to stop motion animation software

Step 5: Set Things in Motion:

Now set all the frames you want to see in continuous motion

Step 6: Add and Reverse:

Now make frames from layers by adding them and reverse

Step 7: Make It Double Time:

Make all frames duplicate and experiment them with different effects.

Step 8: See the Effects of Time:

Change the timing of frames and see how it effects the whole animation movement.

What type of equipment you can make a Stop-Motion?

To make a stop-motion animation, you will need the following equipment:

A camera: You will need a camera to take the individual frames of your stop-motion animation. This can be a digital camera, a smartphone, or a tablet with a camera function.

A tripod: A tripod will help to keep your camera steady and ensure that each frame is perfectly aligned.

Objects or characters: You will need objects or characters to animate in your stop-motion animation. These can be clay figures, toys, or inanimate objects.

A set: You will need a set or backdrop against which to place your objects or characters. This can be a simple tabletop or a more elaborate set built specifically for your animation.

What is the core difference between Claymation and Stop-Motion?

Claymation and stop-motion animation are similar techniques that involve creating the illusion of movement by taking a series of photographs of objects or characters that have been slightly repositioned between each frame.

The main difference between the two techniques is the type of material that is used to create the objects or characters.

In claymation, the objects or characters are made of clay, which is a soft, pliable material that can be easily molded and shaped into a wide variety of forms.

In stop-motion animation, the objects or characters can be made of any material, including clay, plastic, paper, or fabric.

What are the different types of Stop-Motion animation?

There are several different types of stop-motion animation, including:

Puppet animation: Puppet animation involves using articulated puppets or figures to create the illusion of movement. The puppets are manipulated frame by frame to create the appearance of movement.

Claymation: Claymation is a type of stop-motion animation that involves using clay figures to create the illusion of movement. The clay figures are molded and shaped into the desired poses and are then photographed frame by frame to create the appearance of movement.

Cutout animation: Cutout animation involves using flat, cutout figures or shapes to create the illusion of movement.

Object animation: Object animation involves using inanimate objects to create the illusion of movement. The objects are arranged and rearranged frame by frame to create the appearance of movement.

Stop motion photography: Stop motion photography involves using real-world objects or scenes to create the illusion of movement. The camera is moved slightly between each frame to create the appearance of movement.