Video making is no more the forte of a select few.
Sep 15, 2021 Some options out there are even free! In this article, we’re going to share the 8 best options for stop motion animation software, separating them by whether they are for Macs or PC. The Best Stop Motion Animation Software for Mac 1. FilmoraPro is one of the most well-known options for stop motion animation and other types of. Joined Jan 5, 2008 Messages 15 Reaction score 0 Points 1 Your Mac's Specs MacBook 3 with Intel Core 2 Duo, 120 GB Hard Drive, 2 GB RAM.
If you’re interested in animation videos, with the stop motion technique, you can breathe life into static objects.
The frames are then edited and sequenced into a video.
Does this sound difficult? You only need three ingredients to make awesome stop motion videos: Passion, Creativity, and Stop Motion Software.
Why waste time searching for suitable stop motion software when you can make better use of your time.
Let us do the heavy lifting for you. Here is a list of the top 10 free stop motion software.
#1 FilmoraPro
We start the list with one of the best tools for stop motion videos. As the makers themselves say, only your imagination is the limit to what you can create with the FilmoraPro tool.
This stop motion software and video editor is suitable for all types of users, be it beginners or professionals.
Keyframes is one of the best features of this software. With it, you can adjust the speed and duration of the video clip.
All essential tools for creating a professional stop motion video are made available in one place.
The innumerable features help accelerate your video-making process.
The software’s advanced editing, unlimited tracks, built-in screen recorder, and automatic stabilization features ensure you only need FilmoraPro and no other software for video making.
The software also comes with a first-class audio mixer.
The audio transition, noise reduction, audio compressor, and automatic audio sync features help you create the best soundtrack for your video.
Want to include more information in your frames? The software allows you to create, edit, and even animate the text.
You’ll hardly find anything to complain about this software. It’s user-friendly, feature-rich, and comes with a well-stocked media library.
#2 qStopMotion
Want relatively lightweight software that’s easy to use and free?
qStopMotion Software is the perfect choice for you.
If you have the objects and the storyline ready, leave the rest to qStopMotion. With this software, creating stop motion videos is a cinch.
To facilitate the creation of awesome animation videos, qStopMotion permits the importing of images from your PC and camera.
The qStopMotion software doesn’t come with any strings attached. For Windows OS users, this is a totally free stop motion software.
The makers of the tool regularly update the software. The most recent changes include improvement in the camera control system and a negative grabber.
The software allows the export of the finished project to a variety of video formats including MPEG and AVI, which are commonly used for stop motion videos.
The unique selling point of qStopMotion software is that you don’t need any external tool.
From the time qStopMotion moved to the QT functionality, all the features and capabilities needed for successfully creating a stop motion video is neatly available in a single place.
#3 Stop Motion Studio
As the name suggests, the Stop Motion Studio is a software and app used specifically for creating stop motion videos.
Versatility is the tool’s biggest strength.
iPad, iPhone, Android, or Windows – it doesn’t matter what device is used. The app is compatible with all these devices.
The Stop Motion Studio isn’t just one of the easiest tools. It’s also one of the most powerful apps for movie making.
The broad functionality that comes with this app results in movie making perfection.
Right from the app, users could record new photos or import them from the picture library.
Features such as frame-by-frame previews, build-in video editor, overlay mode, graphics, and sound effect editor make it extremely easy for anyone to create catchy stop motion videos.
In addition, users can add captions and filters to make the videos more awesome.
The free version of the Stop Motion Studio app comes with limited access to the features and capabilities.
But, these are enough for any user to create professional-looking motion videos.
Functionalities such as green screen, remote camera, and certain movie effects are only available in the premium version.
#4 Boinx iStopMotion
Due to its user-friendly interface and well-crafted user guide, iStopMotion by Boinx has found favor with beginners.
It’s a stop motion video software that anyone can use, on any platform. The free stop motions software version comes with enough functionality to make excellent stop motion videos.
That said shelling out a meager fee of $10 will get you the iOS app.
With the app version of this software, you get access to the camera through iStopMotion so you can work on the images in real-time.
Also, iStopMotion gives you direct control of your camera. With the software, you get to tweak the hue, saturation, focus, and color balance of the camera.
Apart from its very useful features, another reason to use iStopMotion is its ability to work in tandem with other software such as Photoshop.
You can also integrate tools such as Final Cut Pro and iMovie with the iStopMotion software.
This lightweight tool doesn’t compromise on performance. It allows users to work fast even on HD videos without any glitch.
#5 MonkeyJam
Are you tired of free trials or limited access to features? Then MonkeyJam is the software for you.
Available for both Windows and Mac powered systems, this is a 100% free stop motion software.
The software comes with a simple user interface. Navigating through the various functions and learning and using the functionalities will be quick and easy.
Although MonkeyJam is one of the best stop motion video makers, it didn’t start as such. It was designed for pencil and paper animation, but it grew into something much more and better.
With the help of the software, users can record images from a digital camera, webcam, and scanner. The images can be then assembled in separate frames.
MonkeyJam also allows the usage of images and audio stored on the computer.
Once you’re through with a project, the stop motion video maker allows the export of the clips in multiple formats.
#6 Movavi Video Editor
Beginners wanting to create jaw-dropping stop motion videos often end up downloading the Movavi Video Editor.
If you’re working on a stop motion video for the first time, fear not. Movavi Video Editor is there to assist you with its user guide and tutorials.
Widely appreciated for its uncluttered interface, the software also offers enough features to help professionals take their work to an entirely different level.
Movavi is an all-inclusive video making tool with several special features for stop motion videos.
The software allows stop-motion clip makers to import images directly from the camera. In addition, users can load project files from the computer and external storage.
Are you planning on using a bunch of images for the stop motion clip? The Slideshow Wizard mode enables the loading of the whole image folder.
Users can tweak the images, and add text, captions, and graphic effects. Furthermore, users can add audio from the computer or use royalty-free music that comes with the software.
Videos created using the Movavi Video Editor can be converted into multiple formats, including AVI, and also uploaded directly to YouTube.
For those of you who would like to learn more about it, you can check out our Movavi review.
#7 Dragonframe
Created by some of the best minds in the industry, Dragonframe is the go-to stop-motion software of many professionals.
Whether you want to develop a stop motion video from scratch or add a short stop motion clip to the regular video, this software is there to make it happen.
The software’s impressive set of animation tools might appear intimidating to beginners at first.
But, Dragonframe makes life pretty easy for everyone by providing first-class customer support and a discussion forum where users share their knowledge and experience.
For stop motion projects, the software allows importing images from still cameras and the computer. Users can also import external animation files into the editing software.
#8 iKITMovie
Developed exclusively for stop motion videos, the iKITMovie Software is for users of all ages.
It’s widely used in educational institutes that teach basic stop motion video making for kids and beginners.
The makers have kept the interface simple and user friendly. The software also comes with tutorials that offer step-by-step instructions on how to use the program more effectively.
The iKITMovie software is quite popular with users of LEGO and Claymation.
The free stop motion software version limits the users to just 10 projects of 10 minutes each. For unlimited use, the premium version is available for a small fee.
The software is compatible with all major webcams. Users of the iKITMovie also get access to more than 2200 sound effects and background music files.
The stop motion tool comes with several useful features including a green screen. This feature lets you capture objects in front of a green screen and later swap the screen for any background you want.
#9 JellyCam
JellyCam is software that’s fast becoming popular among the masses. This feature-rich stop motion movie maker is available for Windows and Mac systems.
The software is lightweight; the setup file itself is just 1.5MB. But, to operate the tool, you’ll need Adobe Air on your computer.
JellyCam comes with all the essential functionalities required to create a stop motion video.
For your video, load images from the computer or import photos directly from your webcam. The software accepts almost all image formats including GIF, JPEG, and PNG.
JellyCam has a simple, user-friendly interface that can be expanded to the full-screen mode if needed. Another useful inclusion is the drag-and-drop feature.
This free stop motion video software lets users set the frame rate of the video. Also, it allows the addition of background sound and music to the video.
#10 Frames
Frames is yet another stop motion software for beginners. It may not match up to others in the list, but its features and functions are adequate for basic stop motion video making and video editing.
Those wanting to try Frames can start with the 30-day free trial pack. After that, you’ll have to shell out $40 to use the stop motion software.
Frames is compatible with iSight, making the software the best choice for anyone already using an Apple device.
The software won’t complicate stop motion video making by bombarding you with complex functions. This is a simple tool with stop motion editing capabilities, ideally suited for beginners.
You can upload images from your computer or start capturing images from the webcam for your video.
A wide range of effects can be employed to edit the images. The final video clip can be then saved into any format of your choice.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, your skill level and features required to achieve your objectives must determine the best free stop motion software to use.
The growing popularity of stop motion animation has only increased the number of apps and software out there.
But, you can pick one or more tools from the list without a second thought.
Cristian Stanciu is a freelance video editor, owner, and post-production coordinator of Veedyou Media – a company offering video editing services to videographers, marketing agencies, video production studios, or brands all over the globe.
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Animators who want to breathe life into static objects on screen can utilize the technique of Stop Motion. Accomplish this by incrementally changing the position of the object while recording a frame per increment. The movement is seen when every frame is played in sequence.
This 52things video will help you learn more about stop motion and how it works:
Stop motion provides an appealing and simple method that any video editor could blend it into their videos regardless of what type of videos they are making.
What is the best stop motion software on the market? Find out below from free ones such as qStopMotion to the ones used by the experts like Dragonframe. Let’s take a look!
Recommended: Movavi Video Editor
The stop-motion techniques used for producing animation will be dependent on your purpose and level of skill. If you are a stop-motion newbie or simply want to add a clip of stop-motion to your video project, the best way is to take a number of individual images at specific intervals. After that, import the images into one file in a photo slide maker or video editing software. Similar to a regular video clip, edit the stop motion. (Note: Rather than shooting every image in real time, in stop-motion photography, you take a single photo, then the subject is moved and another shot is taken, then moving the subject again etc.)
Movavi Video Editor is the best software for this kind of video editing. Produce professional-looking movies and slideshows on your PC with this all-inclusive video making software, even if you are a newbie.
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Besides the video making tool in Movavi Video Editor, which includes a really handy Slideshow Wizard mode that lets you load a full folder of photos and efficiently produce a stop-motion video from many images.
You have the option to add background music from the royalty-free music included or add music of your own. Additionally, you can add titles and captions, adjust each image’s duration time etc.
Learn more in the step-by-step video tutorial below on ways to use Movavi Video Editor to create a Stop Motion video:
Special stop-motion software is vital if you would like to create a full professional stop motion movie similar to King Kong. You will find a list below of the best stop-motion software available.
Best Stop Motion Software for Windows PC: Stop Motion Pro
Stop Motion Pro Eclipse was made for expert and beginner animators and is ideal for those who want to make an animation with the best available tools.
This program is full of features and includes high-resolution stop motion, which allows you to get the animation right, and there is a short learning curve and no overwhelming tech stuff.
Quickly linked to your webcam or camera, it is possible to use Stop Motion Pro to record and paste pictures and show captivating stories via your animated figures.
Utilize markers to track and plan the movement of your characters. The tool plays as fast as 30 fps and lets you record audio while the animation is playing back. Also included is lip-sync support.
Dozens of cameras are compatible with the software and it includes tools for advanced project management that come in handy for managing animation projects that are long-term.
Five languages are supported in Stop Motion Pro’s UI: English, Spanish, French, Chinese and German.
Best Professional Stop Motion Software: Dragonframe
One of the leading frame-grabbing software is Dragonframe, which is ideal for stop motion animation as well as time-lapse photography. With a supported digital camera’s live view, animators get video assist tools with Dragonframe and this turns into the main hub for capturing and organizing your camera’s high-resolution frames.
Dragonframe is a great frame-grabber that includes tools like step-to-live, auto-toggling, drawing with a virtual grease pencil and onion skinning. Dragonframe has created innovations in stop-motion software by pushing the performance beyond frame grabbing to offer a complete range of production features.
Dragonframe’s software provides the following five workspace tools:
- Video assist, editing and frame-grabbing animation features
- Cinematography features for the Director of Photography
- DDMX-512 for full lighting automation
- Built-in audio and dialogue track reading features
- Multi-axis move editor to program complicated camera motions quickly
If you are working on a commercial with a small crew, an independent filmmaker editing your project in your garage, or a big studio creating a feature film, Dragonframe possesses all the tools you require to produce spectacular stop-motion animation.
Dragonframe was used to create productions like Shaun the Sheep Movie, The Little Prince, the 2012 movie Frankenweenie etc.
Best Free Stop Motion Software: qStopMotion
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If you want to create stop-motion animated movies, qStopMotion is an ideal free platform. Once you have your perfect idea and storyline, qStopMotion will help you create an ideal stop-motion animation movie.
qStopMotion has a free version for Windows operating systems. The newest version of qStopMotion has a number of improvements, which include a negative grabber and a superior camera control system etc. These tools help you to create stop motions from pictures imported from your computer or straight from your camera. They can then be exported in animation style to a variety of video formats.
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At present, qStopMotion supports AVI and MPEG formats that are used to produce stop motion movies.
The amazing thing about qStopMotion is that it has combined all the features and tool that will minimize your reliance on outside tools since it has changed them all with Qt features.
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qStopMotion’s interface is user-friendly and has only the basic options required.
Best Stop Motion Software for Mac: iStopMotion
Bonix’s iStopMotion software is a very powerful and user-friendly app that is useful in producing time-lapse movies or stop motion animation on your iPhone or Mac.
This is a perfect solution for experienced animators who want to record animation directly to their computer without having to rely on film, and the Bonix software is even more useful due to the cool and very useful features, which include:
- Live Video Overlay: Handles the amount of the last frame versus the amount of the live camera is visible. Ideal for lining up your subsequent picture.
- Onion skinning: Provides you with the power to look back at as much as five prior frames, each one superimposed over the next. It is possible to shift your items and then view as it happens the length of time you moved them compared to the latest images.
- “Blinking” flashes the newest, live picture as well as the earlier recorded picture at user-set timeframes. Once again, this makes it possible to envision the way the scene will appear when animated and provides you with a simple reference point to make any changes if required.
iStopMotion has even more amazing features. You have the choice to edit a recorded frame with outside software like Photoshop. For example, if you caught a bit of hand in the shot by accident, edit the mistake with Photoshop, then go back to iStopMotion updating the bad clip with the updated one and you don’t have to stop the recording!
You also have control of your camera with iStopMotion, including the picture color balance, focus as well as hue and saturation.
Best Stop Motion App for iPhone and Android: Stop Motion Studio
Produce animation quickly and easily using the photo and video tool Stop Motion Studio. The app is available for Windows, Android, macOS, iPhone and iPad. The creators state that it is the easiest app in the world for stop-motion moviemaking. Find out for yourself by downloading and installing the app and using it for yourself.
Record new pictures or choose the photos from libraries using the app. The free version comes with basic tools like grid, overlay, frame positioning, fade and frame-by-frame preview.
You will have to buy the app if you want to use a remote camera, green screen and other movie effect features.
It is easy to get started and there is help along the way. It provides you with inspiration, allowing you to find even more ideas in your library of videos. When your project is finally done, share them on social platforms like YouTube, etc.
Best Free Stop Motion Software for Linux: Heron Animation
Heron Animation is a free program that allows you to shoot a series of images from a connected webcam and gather every shot in actual time moving animation.
Best Free Stop Motion Software For Mac Windows 10
The tool markets itself as an ideal one for newbies and experienced animators and is written using web technologies. This kind of balance is very difficult to achieve.
You will have to decide if it’s the best free stop motion software. This app is still relatively new and even though it doesn’t seem to be open-source, you can download and use it for free and it comes with some really good features like:
- Connect to a webcam
- Delete and move the frames
- Duplicate frames
- Export video as.MP4,.MOV,.AVI
- Loop playback
- Onion skin w/ difference mode
- Playback animation at any FPS
- Short play (play only the few last frames)
This app includes many keyboard shortcuts. Monitoring and controlling recordings is much easier using a Bluetooth keyboard and you diligently reposition your images.
Onion skinning, for those unfamiliar with the term, is where the prior image is overlain, which allows you to more accurately position your pictures. This is a common feature in stop-motion apps like the popular qStopMotion.
Best Stop Motion Tool for kids: IKITMovie
The iKITMovie stop-motion animation will work with computers that run Windows 10 and Windows XP/Vista/Windows 7/8.
This is the ideal tool for those who like Claymation or LEGO. Unlike the majority of stop-motion tools, users of all ages from older kids to teenagers will find this tool useful.
More than 2,200 free features are included in IKITMovie like background music and sound effects to customize your projects.
Greenscreen is also included in this tool, which lets users swap out the background with moving images or stills. Animators love this popular animation technique.
Stop motion animation newbies should watch the tutorial video, which shows step-by-step the most effective way to use the program.
IKITMovie is ideal for teachers and students.
Hey, My name is Paul – nice to e-meet you 🙂 I’m a freelance video editor who has over 4 years experiences of making all types of videos. I founded this website to provide step-by-step and easy-to-follow instructions to first-time editors or beginners like you who want to start their journey in video editing.