Autodesk MotionBuilder vs Popmotion
Autodesk MotionBuilder
autodesk.comPopmotion
popmotion.ioSide by side
| Figure | Autodesk MotionBuilder | Popmotion |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | $10/mo |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 8 | 3 |
| Spec score · Animation Software | 9.1 (#9) | 8.2 (#46) |
| Purpose | MotionBuilder is 3D character animation software for capturing, editing, and playing back complex animations. | Popmotion describes itself as a low-level JavaScript motion library for animating user interfaces. |
| Security | Autodesk says its security practices include a secure software development lifecycle, continuous vulnerability assessment, and risk mitigation. | The opened maker pages do not state security or compliance certifications. |
| Security and compliance | Autodesk says it performs internal and external audits, risk assessments and penetration testing, and maintains compliance certifications and attestations for certain products. | The opened Popmotion pages provide no security or compliance details. |
| Support | Autodesk lists 24x7 online support options and resources. | The site directs users to Patreon for individual support and Open Collective for organisational support. |
| What it does | MotionBuilder is Autodesk software for real-time 3D character animation used in games, feature films and television. | Popmotion is a low-level, functional JavaScript motion library for creating animations. |
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
Popmotion
- PopmotionFree
- Individual supporter license$10 a month
- Company supporter license$100 a month
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.