Autodesk MotionBuilder vs Tahoma2D
Autodesk MotionBuilder
autodesk.comTahoma2D
tahoma2d.orgSide by side
| Figure | Autodesk MotionBuilder | Tahoma2D |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 8 | 1 |
| Spec score · Animation Software | 9.1 (#9) | 7.9 (#57) |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Purpose | MotionBuilder is 3D character animation software for capturing, editing, and playing back complex animations. | Tahoma2D is software for 2D and stop motion animation. |
| Support | Autodesk lists 24x7 online support options and resources. | Users can report bugs and request features through GitHub, and the project directs users to a Google Tahoma2D Users forum for tips and troubleshooting. |
| System requirements | MotionBuilder 2026 supports Windows 10 version 1809 or higher, Windows 11, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.10/9.3/9.5 WS, and Rocky Linux 8.10/9.3/9.5. | The listed requirements include a 64-bit Windows 8.1/10/11 or macOS 15 or later system, an Intel Core i-series processor or better, at least 4GB RAM and at least 500MB storage. |
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.
Tahoma2D
Tahoma2D is free, open-source software for creating 2D and stop motion animation on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It includes cut-out and stop motion animation modes, with a hybrid workflow, bone rigging, and mesh deformation. Brushes and style management options work alongside palettes for organizing and animating colors and styles. Automated lip syncing uses Rhubarb Lip Sync, and the software includes special effects. Plugins are available through the effects area on all three supported platforms. Tahoma2D supports DSLR cameras on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and exports formats including MP4 and GIF without additional libraries. The full listed export set also includes 3GP, AVI, BMP, JPG, MOV, PNG, RGB, SGI, spritesheet, TGA, TIF, TIFF, and WebM. Listed requirements include 64-bit Windows 8.1, 10, or 11, or macOS 15 or later, an Intel Core i-series processor or better, at least 4GB RAM, and 500MB storage. The project says it collects no user data; users can report bugs or request features through GitHub and consult a user forum.