Autodesk MotionBuilder vs Spriter
Autodesk MotionBuilder
autodesk.com
Spriter
brashmonkey.comSide by side
| Figure | Autodesk MotionBuilder | Spriter |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | $59.99/mo |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 8 | 4 |
| Spec score · Animation Software | 9.1 (#9) | 8.1 (#49) |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Integrations | MotionBuilder is designed to complement Maya and 3ds Max and exchanges data through Autodesk FBX with applications that support FBX. | The product page names built-in Papagayo support for lip-syncing; the maker also offers an engine for Construct 2 or 3 that requires Spriter Pro. |
| Purpose | MotionBuilder is 3D character animation software for capturing, editing, and playing back complex animations. | Spriter Pro is a 2D game animation tool that creates animations from modular sprite pieces and skeletal animation. |
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
Spriter
- Free VersionFree
- Spriter Pro$59.99 a month
- Spriter 2 Pre-Order$59.99, paid once
- Spriter Pro$59.99, paid once
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.
Spriter
Spriter is a 2D game animation tool for building motion from modular sprite pieces and skeletal animation. On its timeline, pieces can be rotated, transformed, and tweened, with intermediate frames generated between keyframes. Its animation data can be used in games and manipulated through game events. Export options include spritesheets, animated GIFs, sequential images, and other formats. Features include pixel art mode, inverse kinematics, collision areas, sound effects, and Papagayo lip-sync support. Spriter Pro includes Essentials versions of BrashMonkey animated art packs for game projects. The maker lists a Free Version with a feature comparison against Pro. The Pro license covers one user and can be installed on that user's computers, but not used on multiple systems at once. The listed Free Version is free, and Spriter Pro is $59.99 a month. A separate Spriter 2 pre-order is $59.99, paid once and includes Spriter Pro immediately; Spriter 2's retail price is undecided. Listed platforms are Linux and Windows; Ubuntu 14 is the only officially supported Linux version, and Windows Vista or higher is required.