Autodesk MotionBuilder vs Motion Analysis Cortex
Autodesk MotionBuilder
autodesk.comMotion Analysis Cortex
motionanalysis.comSide by side
| Figure | Autodesk MotionBuilder | Motion Analysis Cortex |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | — |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 8 | 1 |
| Spec score · Motion Capture Software | 9.2 (#3) | 7.6 (#22) |
| Spec score · Game Motion Capture Software | 9.2 (#2) | 7.6 (#15) |
| Company | Autodesk was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California. | Motion Analysis Corporation says it was founded in Santa Rosa in 1982. |
| Integrations | MotionBuilder is designed to complement Maya and 3ds Max and exchanges data through Autodesk FBX with applications that support FBX. | The Cortex page lists compatibility with Maya, MotionBuilder, Unity, and Unreal in real time and from data files. |
| Purpose | MotionBuilder is 3D character animation software for capturing, editing, and playing back complex animations. | Cortex is motion capture and analysis software for applications including biomechanics, broadcasting, sports performance, game production, VR, AR, film, research, engineering, and rigid object tracking. |
| Support | Autodesk lists 24x7 online support options and resources. | The maker says Cortex users receive free support for life and access to learning portals, resource hubs, and customer forums. |
Plans
Autodesk MotionBuilder
- Annual subscriptionPriced on request
- Annual subscriptionPrice not published
- 3-year subscriptionPriced on request
- 3-year subscriptionPrice not published
- MotionBuilder free trialFree
- MotionBuilder 2025$2,145 a year
- Media & Entertainment Collection$2,790 a year
- MotionBuilder subscriptionPrice not published
In their own words
Autodesk MotionBuilder
Autodesk MotionBuilder is 3D character animation software for capturing, editing, and playing back complex animations. Its real-time character engine automatically creates movements for biped or human skeletons, while manipulation tools let users alter a character’s position and orientation. The listed capabilities include motion capture, motion retargeting, facial animation, animation retargeting, and character retargeting. Autodesk says professional animation and game studios use MotionBuilder to produce animations. It is designed to complement Maya and 3ds Max and exchanges data through Autodesk FBX with applications that support FBX. MotionBuilder is available for Linux and Windows. The stated minimum hardware includes a 64-bit Intel or AMD multi-core processor, 8 GB RAM, 4 GB of free disk space, and a three-button mouse. Autodesk offers a free 30-day trial, but no free plan. A subscription covers installation on up to three devices for one named user, with use limited to one computer at a time, and includes the current version plus three previous versions.
Motion Analysis Cortex
Motion Analysis Cortex is Windows motion-capture and analysis software for biomechanics, broadcasting, sports performance, game production, virtual and augmented reality, film, research, engineering, and rigid-object tracking. It provides body, face, and hand tracking, character and animation retargeting, cleanup tools, real-time output, and FBX, HTR, and C3D export. Cortex connects with Maya, MotionBuilder, Unity, and Unreal in real time or through data files. Cortex 10 adds Manus Meta glove tracking, marker templates, selectable batch processing, editable system objects, markerset-trimming scripts, and Rainbow HD camera support. A license includes Calcium Solver, SONIC Viewer, KinTools RT, DV Reference, Skeleton Builder, CamTrak, Motion Composer, and Continuous Calibration. Other integrations include Delsys and Noraxon EMG, Bertec and AMTI force platforms, MATLAB, LabVIEW, ROS, and VRPN. Motion Analysis lists clinical evaluation, research, animal studies, studio camera tracking, and robotics among supported uses.