Crinkler vs WinLicense
Crinkler
github.com
WinLicense
oreans.comSide by side
| Figure | Crinkler | WinLicense |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | €8.25/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 4 |
| Spec score · Executable Packers | 8.3 (#3) | 7.4 (#18) |
| Purpose | Crinkler is a compressing linker for Windows executables that are only a few kilobytes in size, mainly for small demoscene productions. | WinLicense combines Windows software protection with license management for developers distributing trial and registered applications. |
| Support | The README directs users to the Pouët.net forum for general discussion, questions and comments. | The maker provides technical support by email and says it usually replies within 24–48 hours. |
Plans
WinLicense
- One Year (Developer License)€99 a year
- One Year (Company License)€199 a year
- Developer License€399, paid once
- Company License€799, paid once
In their own words
Crinkler
Crinkler is a compressing linker for producing very small 32-bit Windows executables, particularly demoscene intros in 1k, 4k, and 8k sizes. It combines linking and compression; the resulting executable decompresses into memory when run. By default, context modelling compresses code, optional text data, and general data as separate parts. Crinkler can replace the Visual Studio linker and supports its basic options, with configuration through project settings. Its data compressor is also available as a separate library for estimating compressed data size. Crinkler is free and distributed under the zlib license, which permits commercial use subject to its conditions. Version 3.0 requires Windows 10 or later and SSE4.2, including for the executables it produces, although those executables can target older Windows versions. Uncompressed input is limited to 64k per part. The manual warns that tiny-header mode can make decompression prohibitively slow for files significantly larger than 1 KB. The project directs users to GitHub Releases for downloads and links a manual for usage and version history.