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By arenbailey - 3 Years Ago
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Over all was and am very happy with cartoon animator 4. Hearing about all upcoming features over the past few months with the release of version 5, and also the recent YouTube video showing off the upcoming features got me really excited. Until an email today, about mac support being dropped after version 4. I know many don’t like Mac OS, but those who do, and use it on a daily basis, anyone else here feeling sad about the latest news?
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By gregg2g - 3 Years Ago
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I feel let down by this company.
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By denise.wilson1 - 3 Years Ago
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In FAQs re Mac OS no longer being supported, it said 'For the Mac users, we will suggest using bootcamp as the alternative option'. How will this work?
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By AutoDidact - 3 Years Ago
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denise.wilson1 (9/5/2022)
In FAQs re Mac OS no longer being supported, it said 'For the Mac users, we will suggest using bootcamp as the alternative option'. How will this work?
Just make sure you NEVER upgrade to Mac with an M1/M2 hardware configuration as dual boot systems into windows are a thing of the past for the Mac os.
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By wsterdan - 3 Years Ago
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arenbaley (9/5/2022)
… anyone else here feeling sad about the latest news?
Oh yeah, big time. I’ve used the software for a couple of years but was holding off getting into it more seriously until I retired to really hunker down and use it full-time; I retired in June, and started creating some custom characters with an eye on starting a store here as well. The software, for me, is pure fun. I really do love it.
Waking up to find out that Mac OS support is ending was really a blow. I totally understand the company’s reasoning and I support their business decision, but it still sucks for me personally.
I know that I could run the software under VM Fusion one of my Intel Macs, but I’ve worked in Windows for about 20-30 hours a week for the last 20 years and for me, personally, it would dial back the “fun” metre a lot, so I’ll pass.
— Walt Sterdan
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By denise.wilson1 - 3 Years Ago
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Thank you for your response,AutoDidact - How do I determine if I have updated with M1/M2 hardware? I fear it may be too late for me as I have a new Mac with the Monterey OS. I have been a Reallusion member for 12 years, so this is a major bummer!
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By animagic - 3 Years Ago
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@denise: Here is an article which Macs have an M1/M2 chip and how to determine this for a specific Mac: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211814#:~:text=iMac%20(24%2Dinch%2C%20M1,%2Dinch%2C%20M1%2C%202020).
@wsterdan: I was used to working on Unix systems and then had to move to Windows at my next job 25 years ago (I'm now retired).
But I got used to it and the big advantage for me is that I can build my own systems, but that's not for everyone.
I don't use Cartoon Animator but I hope there will be some kind of deal so that at least existing content is still useable.
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By wsterdan - 3 Years Ago
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animagic (9/5/2022)
@denise: Here is an article which Macs have an M1/M2 chip and how to determine this for a specific Mac: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211814#:~:text=iMac%20(24%2Dinch%2C%20M1,%2Dinch%2C%20M1%2C%202020). @wsterdan: I was used to working on Unix systems and then had to move to Windows at my next job 25 years ago (I'm now retired). But I got used to it and the big advantage for me is that I can build my own systems, but that's not for everyone. I don't use Cartoon Animator but I hope there will be some kind of deal so that at least existing content is still useable.
@Denise - you can’t use Bootcamp, but you can use Parallels to run Windows on your M1 Mac. The drawback will be that your memory will be split between the Mac OS and the Windows OS — while Bootcamp only runs Windows OR Mac at one time, Parallels or VM Fusion runs both.
@animagic — First, let me say I’ve loved seeing your stuff over the years, and I appreciate your supportive attitude, my thanks. For me, as mentioned, I’ve spent 20-30 hours a week using Windows for work so I’m pretty much used to it, but I have never enjoyed working in it. That’s just me, it’s a completely personal decision. If I had to do animation for a living, I would have invested in a higher-end Windows machine and iClone years ago, but I’m planning on doing animation more for fun and for me — again, personal choice — Windows, on it’s very best day, has never been “fun” for me.
I’ll continue to animate in 3D for now, and use Cartoon Animator for some of the 2D stuff that is still very, very much fun, but if I decide to go with 2D more seriously I’ll probably bite the bullet and switch to MOHO.
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By arenbailey - 3 Years Ago
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Definitely a shame. I just started using cartoon animator 4 full time. Intended to make it my primary work tool and source of income. Been over 16 years on mac, so you can probably imagine how much gear and tools I’ve acquired over the years.
On top of that fact, purchased the latest MacBook “future proofing myself” thinking my animation will eventually pay off these investments .of course that’s my problem but a shame. Not a software developer, but wondering if certain features could be simply removed to continue to at least have a watered down version.
Time to either change my workflow, which means changing every other bit of software I used to accompany my animations in mac os to switch to windows, or continue working on ca4, but after a while worried it’ll go outdated.
Still think reallusion is great, but feel like I’ve been kicked in the nuts.
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By Peter (RL) - 3 Years Ago
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wsterdan (9/5/2022)
@Denise - you can’t use Bootcamp, but you can use Parallels to run Windows on your M1 Mac. The drawback will be that your memory will be split between the Mac OS and the Windows OS — while Bootcamp only runs Windows OR Mac at one time, Parallels or VM Fusion runs both.
Please Note: We do not support virtual machine software like Parallels. You may be able to get CTA 5 to run but there will almost certainly be major issues.
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By Peter (RL) - 3 Years Ago
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arenbaley (9/5/2022)
On top of that fact, purchased the latest MacBook “future proofing myself” thinking my animation will eventually pay off these investments .of course that’s my problem but a shame. Not a software developer, but wondering if certain features could be simply removed to continue to at least have a watered down version.
For those that already have Cartoon Animator 4 for Mac they can continue to use it for as long as they wish. This will in effect be the "watered down" version once CTA5 releases.
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By wsterdan - 3 Years Ago
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arenbaley (9/5/2022)
Not a software developer, but wondering if certain features could be simply removed to continue to at least have a watered down version.
A watered-down version would be great, agreed. I can live without the mocap and connections to iClone, and I’d be willing to pay full price again for the vector format, the wind dynamics, etc. Awesome stuff.
As Mac users, we’re already in the minority and adding still more capabilities to the Windows version will only widen the features gap, so as much as I’d love it, I don’t think we can fairly expect Reallusion to add all the time, support and overall cost to create a second platform that will probably never pay for itself. That would be a lot of extra expense with only marginal returns.
— Walt Sterdan
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By denise.wilson1 - 3 Years Ago
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Peter, thanks for your reply. I was feeling encouraged when I initially read it, but then it went on to say that Reallusion doesn't support virtual Mac machine software. So, does that mean that Parallels/VM Fusion are not really options for Mac users? Are there no other alternatives? This is so sad. I love CTA and the features in CTA5 look awesome. I need a Mac for other reasons; otherwise, I would be tempted to buy a Windows PC just for CTA.
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By wsterdan - 3 Years Ago
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denise.wilson1 (9/6/2022)
Peter, thanks for your reply. I was feeling encouraged when I initially read it, but then it went on to say that Reallusion doesn't support virtual Mac machine software. So, does that mean that Parallels/VM Fusion are not really options for Mac users? Are there no other alternatives? This is so sad. I love CTA and the features in CTA5 look awesome. I need a Mac for other reasons; otherwise, I would be tempted to buy a Windows PC just for CTA.
The new features look incredible for Cartoon Animator. If I had more time and projects invested in Cartoon Animator, I wouldn’t hesitate to pick up a Windows machine, as much as I’d rather not use Windows. Luckily I’m still only newly-retired and have other animation avenues to pursue.
Peter’s mentioned that they don’t support VM Fusion or Parallels, and that there might be issues with using them. In the nature of software, there might be issues using any software on any platform, the difference being that they won’t be able to support you if you go that way. It’s entirely possible there won’t be issues, simply because VM Fusion and Parallels aren’t strictly emulators, but virtual machines, they’re actually running Windows, not emulating it. With silicon Macs, though, they’re running AMD Windows, which then runs Windows 11, etc.
If you’re serious about using Cartoon Animator 5, once it is available to test my suggestion would be to download the trial of Parallels and the trial of Cartoon Animator 5 and see if it will work. If you do run into show-stopping issues, you won’t have spent any money so you lose only your time, and you can decide if you want to pick up a PC. Luckily the hardware requirements are nowhere near as large as you’d need for a 3D application, and I’m sure even a low-end, low-cost Windows machine would work for you.
— Walt Sterdan
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By denise.wilson1 - 3 Years Ago
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Thank you Walt Sterdan for your reply. I will probably give your suggestion a try when CTA5 is available. If it turns out to be a bust, I may consider buying a low cost PC - but I think then I have to rebuy CTA for Windows. Question: What is AMD Windows (I have a silicon Mac). Thanks
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By gregg2g - 3 Years Ago
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AMD is a processor just like the Intel processor. It cost a little less and the performance is very good.
As for Parallels, I use to have it for years (upgrade after upgrade). I used it for windows and linux platforms and almost all programs worked great with it. In fact, you can share outputs from software programs between Mac and Windows.
CTA should have no problems running on Parallels Pro (yearly subscription).
I would upgrade the amount of Ram on your computer. So when Parallels needs Ram, you will have enough to support both Mac and Windows.
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By arenbailey - 3 Years Ago
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Same here. The fluid dynamics was one of the biggest things I got excited about. And same as you would be more than happy to pay again and again for every version release.
But as I mentioned in other areas of the forums. If only we had a separate mirror option for body and separate for the head, that would be it. I would rest my case for all eternity. And use ca4 till my last breath.
I was excited thinking maybe we’ll get the feature in CA5. Not even getting a Ca5 😅
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By Peter (RL) - 3 Years Ago
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denise.wilson1 (9/6/2022)
Peter, thanks for your reply. I was feeling encouraged when I initially read it, but then it went on to say that Reallusion doesn't support virtual Mac machine software. So, does that mean that Parallels/VM Fusion are not really options for Mac users? Are there no other alternatives? This is so sad. I love CTA and the features in CTA5 look awesome. I need a Mac for other reasons; otherwise, I would be tempted to buy a Windows PC just for CTA.
Hi Denise
Over the years some users have posted that they have been able to run our software under Parallels and that may well be true. However, in our experience there are nearly always issues, including sometimes not being able to launch the software at all as it will detect the virtual machine software and throw up an error.
The best course of action is to do as already suggested and try it with the trial version of Parallels and see how it goes. It may be that the latest versions of Parallels will work better than the previous ones.
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By toonmanbill - 3 Years Ago
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I’ll continue to animate in 3D for now, and use Cartoon Animator for some of the 2D stuff that is still very, very much fun, but if I decide to go with 2D more seriously I’ll probably bite the bullet and switch to MOHO.
Tell me more about Moho compared to Cartoon Animator.
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By dayambler_66 - 3 Years Ago
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I'm growing tired of Windows but would not want to move over to Mac! I was wondering about Ubuntu.
I was one of the people who got caught with an unsupported upgrade from Win 7, to Win 10 and lost the use of my machine. It took me eight months to get my tower rebuilt due hardware issues with an Asus system motherboard etc. Now I am finding out I have to upgrade to another Motherboard for Windows 11!
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By AutoDidact - 3 Years Ago
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toonmanbill (9/9/2022)
I’ll continue to animate in 3D for now, and use Cartoon Animator for some of the 2D stuff that is still very, very much fun, but if I decide to go with 2D more seriously I’ll probably bite the bullet and switch to MOHO. Tell me more about Moho compared to Cartoon Animator.
Looks pretty good actually
https://moho.lostmarble.com/
I used the Old “Anime studio” years ago when I was still exclusively Mac based in fact I still have my last version installed over on my old 2017 Imac. I believe MOHO may be the software that replaced Anime studio I LOVE Reallusion CTA though!! particularly for talking “hosts” of my video tutorials.
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By Kelleytoons - 3 Years Ago
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Anime Studio used to be called Moho. It was THE 2d Animation program for many years, available on both Mac and PC. Then they switched to calling it Anime Studio and it was that way for many years (and versions).
I was a very active tester for it (my NDA long since expired :>). Indeed, some of the code still in there is mine. I wrote a program, for example, that does autorig of 2D characters. It was the program we used for the TV show we sold to Fox Animation.
A few years ago the creator of the program sold it to another company and development nearly came to a stop. However, I have heard that he either bought it back or became involved again (Mike Clifton is his name - we were once very good friends). And the program reverted back to it's original name.
I LOVED Anime Studio/nee Moho. It was my principle animation program for nearly a decade, after 3D Max. Only when iClone matured (around version 5) did I decide to switch back to 3D (plus Fox and I had a falling out. Sigh). I would STRONGLY recommend Moho - it's so far superior to Cartoon Animator it isn't even close (even for the Windows version). I also have a ton of tutorials for it if you are interested.
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By toonmanbill - 3 Years Ago
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Kelleytoons (9/9/2022)
Anime Studio used to be called Moho. It was THE 2d Animation program for many years, available on both Mac and PC. Then they switched to calling it Anime Studio and it was that way for many years (and versions).
I was a very active tester for it (my NDA long since expired :>). Indeed, some of the code still in there is mine. I wrote a program, for example, that does autorig of 2D characters. It was the program we used for the TV show we sold to Fox Animation.
A few years ago the creator of the program sold it to another company and development nearly came to a stop. However, I have heard that he either bought it back or became involved again (Mike Clifton is his name - we were once very good friends). And the program reverted back to it's original name.
I LOVED Anime Studio/nee Moho. It was my principle animation program for nearly a decade, after 3D Max. Only when iClone matured (around version 5) did I decide to switch back to 3D (plus Fox and I had a falling out. Sigh). I would STRONGLY recommend Moho - it's so far superior to Cartoon Animator it isn't even close (even for the Windows version). I also have a ton of tutorials for it if you are interested.
Thanks for the reply. I will take a closer look at MOHO since see it is available for the MAC.
I am trying to decide what to do. I either spend more money and buy a Windows PC in order to be able to stay with Cartoon Animator in the future, or switch to another software moving forward and save some money by not having to buy another computer.
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By toddwaddington - 3 Years Ago
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Moho is a great program. There is a large community of passionate creators. You can find tons of tutorials both free and paid (Udemy is a good source for paid). Mike Kelley is a hero and many of his videos are still around. If you are dedicated you'll find it is worth the time and small investment (compared to toonboom and others). Plus, long time professional animator Victor Parades (and another whose name escapes me) who has been part of the Anime Studio/Moho universe for years has purchased the software from SmithMicro and is dedicated to keeping the software up to date--always adding new features.
And I suck at it. But if you are dedicated, you'll look no further.
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By AutoDidact - 3 Years Ago
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A few years ago the creator of the program sold it to another company and development nearly came to a stop. However, I have heard that he either bought it back or became involved again (Mike Clifton is his name - we were once very good friends). And the program reverted back to it's original name
Thanks for the clarification on the naming Mr Kelly! The company that let it languish, was non other than the infamous Smith Micro ,as they did much the same to the 3D Character program that preceded/inspired Daz Studio
( Poser )
So very glad to see MOHO rescued from the obscurity of neglect and remain a ,vibrant modern
leader in its Market. Sadly the same cannot be said for the aforementioned Poser.
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By Kelleytoons - 3 Years Ago
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toddwaddington (9/9/2022)
Plus, long time professional animator Victor Parades (and another whose name escapes me) who has been part of the Anime Studio/Moho universe for years has purchased the software from SmithMicro and is dedicated to keeping the software up to date--always adding new features.
Wow, hadn't heard Victor bought it. Good on him.
For many years I ran the "unofficial" Moho support site, AnimatorsForum.com. It's actually still around but the forum software became hard to maintain so it fell into disuse (although I still own the URL - not sure what happens when I type that in :>).
My heart always has been with 3D - it's what I got my start with - but there's a certain part of me that misses the 2D world a lot. For those of you who want to create in it you had better at least check out Moho.
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By toddwaddington - 3 Years Ago
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Yes, Victor and another long time (perhaps one of the orig writers of the software? When it was “Moho” before Anime Studio. You know him I’m sure.).
They rwaited to launch until the most serious bugs were worked out.
And yes, Moho is def worth a look. That said, as this is a reallusion forum, Cartoon Animator 5 is preparing to launch. For most folks who want to create ads, social media, novelty videos, CA does everything you need and then some. I really like that if you own iClone you can utilize the motion, animate in 3D without all of the fussing with key frames
But two different animals. Moho allows you to craft from scratch. And it gets exponentially easier the more one uses it.
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By toonmanbill - 3 Years Ago
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Kelleytoons (9/9/2022)
Anime Studio used to be called Moho. It was THE 2d Animation program for many years, available on both Mac and PC. Then they switched to calling it Anime Studio and it was that way for many years (and versions).
I was a very active tester for it (my NDA long since expired :>). Indeed, some of the code still in there is mine. I wrote a program, for example, that does autorig of 2D characters. It was the program we used for the TV show we sold to Fox Animation.
A few years ago the creator of the program sold it to another company and development nearly came to a stop. However, I have heard that he either bought it back or became involved again (Mike Clifton is his name - we were once very good friends). And the program reverted back to it's original name.
I LOVED Anime Studio/nee Moho. It was my principle animation program for nearly a decade, after 3D Max. Only when iClone matured (around version 5) did I decide to switch back to 3D (plus Fox and I had a falling out. Sigh). I would STRONGLY recommend Moho - it's so far superior to Cartoon Animator it isn't even close (even for the Windows version). I also have a ton of tutorials for it if you are interested.
I took a look at the demo version of MOHO and the Vector Drawing tools are amazing!!!
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By Kelleytoons - 3 Years Ago
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As someone above said, there is no finer tool for creation that Moho. If you are animating existing resources Cartoon Animator has much better tools (particularly when it comes to animation) but for the CREATION of your backgrounds and characters nothing can touch Moho.
It's a bit like iClone versus 3D creation programs. You couldn't really use iClone to create props or your characters, but for animation it's as easy as it gets. The problem is that there is no "Character Creator" tool for Cartoon Animator - you either buy someone else's characters or you struggle (and you will) to create them with the awkward tools available there (rigging is a nightmare in CA). I drew all the characters and backgrounds for our show in Moho and I have absolutely ZERO talent. But it's easy-peasy. Conversely, I was never able to even create ONE character in Cartoon Animator.
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By AutoDidact - 3 Years Ago
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Kelleytoons (9/11/2022)
As someone above said, there is no finer tool for creation that Moho. If you are animating existing resources Cartoon Animator has much better tools (particularly when it comes to animation) but for the CREATION of your backgrounds and characters nothing can touch Moho.
It's a bit like iClone versus 3D creation programs. You couldn't really use iClone to create props or your characters, but for animation it's as easy as it gets. The problem is that there is no "Character Creator" tool for Cartoon Animator - you either buy someone else's characters or you struggle (and you will) to create them with the awkward tools available there (rigging is a nightmare in CA). I drew all the characters and backgrounds for our show in Moho and I have absolutely ZERO talent. But it's easy-peasy. Conversely, I was never able to even create ONE character in Cartoon Animator.
It does not help that they have made, having Adobe Photoshop, a requirement for their custom character making process. ( according to the video tutes)
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By Kelleytoons - 3 Years Ago
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*It does not help that they have made, having Adobe Photoshop, a requirement for their custom character making process. ( according to the video tutes)*
Yeah, that was problematic. I do have Photoshop, so for me that's not the problem. The problem is that using Photoshop is not well integrated or intuitive in the way they need the layers set up. It's really an unwholly mess to create a character (not to brag, but I even wrote the autorig problem for Moho so it's not like I don't know something about creating 2D characters and their rigs).
I really see Cartoon Animator for those folks who aren't able to draw or create 2D on their own. If anyone has actual talent in those areas they are FAR better off with Moho.
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By toonmanbill - 3 Years Ago
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AutoDidact (9/12/2022)
It does not help that they have made, having Adobe Photoshop, a requirement for their custom character making process. ( according to the video tutes)
I agree. It's nice to have software that is self-sufficient on its own. Hopefully Cartoon Animator will get there someday. The Moho vector tools fro drawing are amazing and there is no need to depend on other software fro character and prop creation.
That being said, I have to give Reallusion credit for adding other software like Affinity Photo, Affinity Designer, Photopea, Clip Studio Paint, Inkscape, etc as non-Photoshop options to use.
The confusion is that they still keep mentioning Photoshop in webinars, etc. They should eliminate the word Photoshop from everything and just use the phrase "your favorite PSD editor".
I personally like Clip Studio Paint and Affinity Designer to use with Cartoon Animator. With Affinity Designer you can have BOTH VECTOR and RASTER layers in the same document. This is great for designing characters. Photoshop and Illustrator can't do that. The brush engine in Clip Studio Paint is amazing.
But the Vector drawing tools in MOHO are top notch. I just checked out the demo and I am very impressed. You don't need any extra PSD editors. Everything can be done inside the software.
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By Kelleytoons - 3 Years Ago
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The other amazing thing about Moho (and then I'll shut up and leave this thread - so if you have any other questions to me personally just email me at mike at kelleytown dot com) is those amazing tools you are using are all written in an easy language that you can, yourself, edit. IOW, you can easily customize those tools to do EXACTLY what you want.
I edited the vector drawing tools so they would perform differently - a lot of us did, and some of those changes ended up in future versions (that's how a lot of my code ended up in there). Writing that code is FAR easier than the Python enabled stuff Reallusion uses, because ALL of the tools inside of Moho are editable AND transparent (IOW - if you change the way a selection tool works, when you boot the program up that's just the way it always works now).
I wrote what I called my Swiss Army tool that did EVERYTHING with just different mouse presses so it made creation/animation a treat. (Of course I gave those tools away for everyone). I had really hoped when Reallusion made Python scripting available for iClone it would work similarly but perhaps because 3D is so much more complicated (or because the program itself wasn't designed that way) it's a pretty clunky process to run Python stuff. I've been able to write a few things and that's good, but it's also frustrating because, unlike Moho, not everything is exposed (a LOT of stuff we need exposed is not).
Okay - off soapbox. To all those with Macs - check out Moho. (And now I disappear into the night - not even sure why I'm following Cartoon Animator - even though I have the latest version after I bought and tried it I realized it was NOT the program for me).
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By wsterdan - 3 Years Ago
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AutoDidact (9/12/2022)
Kelleytoons (9/11/2022)
As someone above said, there is no finer tool for creation that Moho. If you are animating existing resources Cartoon Animator has much better tools (particularly when it comes to animation) but for the CREATION of your backgrounds and characters nothing can touch Moho.
It's a bit like iClone versus 3D creation programs. You couldn't really use iClone to create props or your characters, but for animation it's as easy as it gets. The problem is that there is no "Character Creator" tool for Cartoon Animator - you either buy someone else's characters or you struggle (and you will) to create them with the awkward tools available there (rigging is a nightmare in CA). I drew all the characters and backgrounds for our show in Moho and I have absolutely ZERO talent. But it's easy-peasy. Conversely, I was never able to even create ONE character in Cartoon Animator.It does not help that they have made, having Adobe Photoshop, a requirement for their custom character making process. ( according to the video tutes)
PhotoShop isn't required; I use Affinity Paint and Phototopie (which came free with the Pipeline version of Cartoon Animator).
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By toonmanbill - 3 Years Ago
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wsterdan (9/12/2022)
PhotoShop isn't required; I use Affinity Paint and Phototopie (which came free with the Pipeline version of Cartoon Animator).
I agree. The confusion is that Reallusion keeps mentioning Photoshop in webinars, etc. They should eliminate the word Photoshop from everything and instead use the phrase "your favorite PSD editor".
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By AutoDidact - 3 Years Ago
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PhotoShop isn't required; I use Affinity Paint and Phototopie (which came free with the Pipeline version of Cartoon Animator). Hi I have Affinity Designer and Krita would they work?? any video tutorials you can send me to?? I Would like to try my hand at creating some custom Characters for CTA4 as I have advance Drawing skills from my Pre computer /fine art days.
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By wsterdan - 3 Years Ago
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Kelleytoons (9/11/2022)
It's a bit like iClone versus 3D creation programs. You couldn't really use iClone to create props or your characters, but for animation it's as easy as it gets. The problem is that there is no "Character Creator" tool for Cartoon Animator - you either buy someone else's characters or you struggle (and you will) to create them with the awkward tools available there (rigging is a nightmare in CA). I drew all the characters and backgrounds for our show in Moho and I have absolutely ZERO talent. But it's easy-peasy. Conversely, I was never able to even create ONE character in Cartoon Animator.
I have to disagree regarding the rigging, I think Reallusion has done an excellent job and the software works very well for creating and rigging characters with their 5-angle rigged templates, as well as a couple of their add-ons for creating custom hair and such. It's about a billion times easier than modelling and rigging a 3D character in most cased (though the iCone auto-rigging looks pretty neat).
I think their lip synch is still much faster and easier to use than MOHOs, from what I've seen so far (haven't used it in a very long while but I did check out some tutorials that didn't look promising), especially when you also use their face tracking package and the various face animation tools in Cartoon Animator.
I've always viewed Moho as a higher-level, more professional 2D animation package, but some of the tools in Cartoon Animator (and the price) makes it very, very nice to use and a lot more powerful than I'd originally expected.
I'll continue to use it for now, as it hasn't suddenly stopped working and is still a lot of fun to use. I'll continue to develop my own characters, but I just won't be thinking of opening a store here anytime soon.
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By wsterdan - 3 Years Ago
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You'd be just the guy to create characters in Cartoon Animator. I haven't fully tested it (as I use the Pipeline version, highly recommended you add it if you're going to do this more than once, but download the free trial and Phototopia to test it)
The pipeline version really does make it easier, as you can work from inside CA while selecting a single part to edit in your external program where you can do your tweak, hit save and be back in CA almost seamlessly.
Without pipeline, you lose the immediacy of character edits, but yes, you can work with Affinity Designer -- one of the main character designers uses it to make his characters on his iPad, exports it to PhotoShop, then into CA.
Without the Pipeline version, you can import your layered PSD into CA and work there for fine-tuning rigging and such, importing edited parts (like eyes, hands, etc.) as you go.
To test it, I'd grab one of the template characters (there's a nice set of the five body poses) and open the layered PSD file in Designer. Duplicate each layer as you work on it (e.g. forearm, hip, etc.) hiding the original and once you've done all your layers, you can export your Designer file as a layered .psd, open up Cartoon Animator and import your character.
Without Pipeline, you might have to tweak your Designer file and re-import, but you should be able to update your Designer file and export an image for just the image you're updating and import that into your character's layer for that part (e.g. you can open your character inside CA and select, say, the left eye and you'll see all the different images for the eye -- closed, open, iris change, etc.) and add new ones or replace the ones there.
There's a lot of tutorials out there dealing with character creation but I think most use pipeline.
If you take a run at it and have any questions, you can message me on the DAZ forum and I'll help in any way I can. In the meantime, I'll see if I can find a tutorial or that might help you.
Quick tutorial and different templates here: https://www.reallusion.com/cartoon-animator/import-PSD-file.html
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By AutoDidact - 3 Years Ago
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Thanks!
and yes I have the pipeline version one of my windows machines.:D:D
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By wsterdan - 3 Years Ago
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Excellent, then I think you should be able to use the web-based Phototopia.
Another method, of course, is to open one of the existing CA characters that fit the format you want to use and use it as a template, doing the same as with the empty templates, making your own layer using the original as a guide and once you're done, delete the layers from the original CA character until only your artwork remains.
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By arenbailey - 3 Years Ago
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Oh man. sad to see this post already discussing a completely different software for animating. At the same time in not surprised. Personally for my self I feel let down by Reallusion. I was willing to keep buying upgrades. Personally ive invested my self into cartoon animator. Waited in excitement to see what CA would bring out next. Im a Mac user for over 15 years, and my whole workflow has been on a Mac. Right from music and audio recording down to the video side. From hardware down to the software. my Mac work flow has always been self efficient, with no need of a different OS to get work done. Now having to change to windows, buy more software or hardware just to be able to run a windows version of CA, just seems like a kick in the butt.
For the time being CA4 is what Ill be sticking to, since there's no other options for my self as a Mac user, but give it a few years, It'll become outdated. Eventually we will start feeling it, knowing there's more efficient methods of making the same animations. Kinda feels like that 2008 maxed out Mac Pro I I found in the recycling centre. Its what I always wanted, but that was 14 years ago. I could never afford when it was new, but it was a 2008 model, in 2021. Its great, I mean was once great, just doesn't live up to todays standards. As much fun as I had using it, its a relic.
Unfortunately the day will come when I will have to move on all together probably. Shame they literally dropped Mac users over night. No warning. Not even an email "oh here's a few updates well give you before we move on." Time wasted waiting when I could have already been learning new software all together. Literally one email and that's it. "Sorry im dumping you... its not you... its me.." kinda vibes. I wouldn't want to move on to MOHO or anything like that, to substitute the simple fact that Mac support has been dropped. I love CA4, and would love it to one day become an industry standard. It has a lot of potential. But like I said, eventually CA4 will become outdated, and Ill have to make a choice. What to change. The entire office to windows or stick to Mac and find a different company all together. It wouldn't hurt so badly if this was just simply a hobby, but Ive actually intended to invest my self in the CA workflow for years to come.
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By toonmanbill - 3 Years Ago
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Thanks to everyone for mentioning MOHO here. :)
It supports the MAC and PC. After recently investigating, I have been playing with Moho Pro 12 ( which I got on sale in StockSocial ) and I am very impressed!!! The fact that I can draw everything in Moho with awesome vector tools is refreshing! I feel like I have more control over the creation and animation of characters. I love to create and draw and I feel at home in Moho. Also, it has so many other cool features: Vectors, Physics, effects, etc.
I think every MAC user should consider trying the demo, since Reallusion is stopping production of Cartoon Animator for the MAC. Best wishes to all Mac users!
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By Deborah Hearne - 3 Years Ago
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Another option is to try Adobe Character Animator or Adobe Animate. Both work on Mac. There is a free version available for Adobe Character Animator if you want to try puppet animations and mocap.
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By ApplebiteMedia - 3 Years Ago
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arenbaley (9/5/2022)
Over all was and am very happy with cartoon animator 4. Hearing about all upcoming features over the past few months with the release of version 5, and also the recent YouTube video showing off the upcoming features got me really excited. Until an email today, about mac support being dropped after version 4. I know many don’t like Mac OS, but those who do, and use it on a daily basis, anyone else here feeling sad about the latest news?
I feel your pain. I would like a Linux Version. I HATE WINDOWS!!!! Pay for an OS and have ads pop up WOW! Capitalism at its finest. I have ads turned off but it seems some software ignores that and I get their crap ads 1-2 times a day when booting up. :crazy: Then needing anti-virus software because without it, windows is not great on security. To be honest... if I did not have so much invested in the Reallusion software... I would just stick to Blender, dump windows and be able to work from desktop and laptop. Laptop is Linux only... purchasing one copy of windows was bad enough..... I feel like I sold my soul when I purchased it LMAO, not going to buy another. Of course, my laptop is older and slow as molasses with blender. No graphic card so renders are SLOOOOOOOOOWWWWW!!!!. Windows will come with the purchase of a new laptop.... depressing! LOL But at least I can make my Reallusion software portable. Silver lining right? :D
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By toonmanbill - 3 Years Ago
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Deborah Hearne (10/23/2022)
Another option is to try Adobe Character Animator or Adobe Animate. Both work on Mac. There is a free version available for Adobe Character Animator if you want to try puppet animations and mocap.
Adobe is not a good option. A lot of people are not into subscriptions. Moho Pro would be a better alternative.
For people that like to make consistent monthly payments, then Adobe will work.
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By animagic - 3 Years Ago
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I think hating an OS is a waste of time and energy. Anyway, how do you get ads pop up in Windows? That never happens to me...:unsure: I have Windows Pro, I wouldn't touch the Home version, so that may be different.
There is no need for a separate anti-virus application, the built-in Windows Defender is quite adequate.
BTW, if you're thinking about a hardware upgrade, unless you absolutely need a laptop, a desktop would get you more value for the same money.
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By AutoDidact - 3 Years Ago
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I would like a Linux Version. I HATE WINDOWS!!!! Pay for an OS and have ads pop up WOW! Capitalism at its finest. I have ads turned off but it seems some software ignores that and I get their crap ads 1-2 times a day when booting up. Then needing anti-virus software because without it, windows is not great on security. To be honest... if I did not have so much invested in the Reallusion software... I would just stick to Blender, dump windows. Never seen a Popup ad on any of my windows machines..ever!!
But I do keep my main work stations offline only going on my wifi for a few seconds once every month to renew my free License for Houdini Apprentice. I use my old 2017 intel Imac for internet and movie watching. I LOVE that Imac !!and still use it 2D graphic designs of my YT video thumbnails etc
However the reality is that for 3D animation you will have to work in the environment where your chosen tools are supported. Thus if you are invested the Reallusion eco-system, that means windows OS.
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By Peter (RL) - 3 Years Ago
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ApplebiteMedia (10/23/2022)
I HATE WINDOWS!!!! Pay for an OS and have ads pop up WOW! Capitalism at its finest.
I'm not sure what's going on for you, but I have used Windows OS forever (both Home and Pro) and have never had ads pop up from the OS. You can of course get ads on websites through your browser but that's the same in Safari on your Mac. You also can get ads pop up if you allow a website to send you notifications (I never allow) but again that's not the Windows OS itself giving you adverts.
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By Deborah Hearne - 3 Years Ago
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toonmanbill (10/23/2022)
Deborah Hearne (10/23/2022)
Another option is to try Adobe Character Animator or Adobe Animate. Both work on Mac. There is a free version available for Adobe Character Animator if you want to try puppet animations and mocap.Adobe is not a good option. A lot of people are not into subscriptions. Moho Pro would be a better alternative. For people that like to make consistent monthly payments, then Adobe will work.
Unless I am missing something, Moho Pro doesn't offer any mocap features. I only see standard animation features. Also, a lot of people already use Photoshop and Illustrator which are subscription programs with Cartoon Animator.
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By AutoDidact - 3 Years Ago
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Unless I am missing something, Moho Pro doesn't offer any mocap features. I only see standard animation features. Also, a lot of people already use Photoshop and Illustrator which are subscription programs with Cartoon Animator. Perhaps the MOHO user base prefers not to depend on canned motion clips or rent their software. And their are PSD and vector alternatives such as Krita & Affinity designer to create content for Reallusion CTA. Two years of rent on the full version of Adobe Character animator cost more than Iclone 8/CC4 and CTA 5. And with perpetual licenses one can fall on economic hard times and still create art as long as there is electric power to run your PC Also if you live in a country as a NON political innocent ,creative citizen but your leadership runs afoul of the of the U.S. government and incurs “sanctions”, Adobe will be forced to kill your subscription as they did to the many innocent artists in venuzuela
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By Deborah Hearne - 3 Years Ago
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AutoDidact (10/24/2022)
Unless I am missing something, Moho Pro doesn't offer any mocap features. I only see standard animation features. Also, a lot of people already use Photoshop and Illustrator which are subscription programs with Cartoon Animator. Perhaps the MOHO user base prefers not to depend on canned motion clips or rent their software. And their are PSD and vector alternatives such as Krita & Affinity designer to create content for Reallusion CTA. Two years of rent on the full version of Adobe Character animator cost more than Iclone 8/CC4 and CTA 5. And with perpetual licenses one can fall on economic hard times and still create art as long as there is electric power to run your PC Also if you live in a country as a NON political innocent ,creative citizen but your leadership runs afoul of the of the U.S. government and incurs “sanctions”, Adobe will be forced to kill your subscription as they did to the many innocent artists in venuzuela
We are talking about Cartoon Animator users. Most Cartoon Animator users use the mocap features. Also, most Cartoon Animator users have an Adobe subscription. Having a subscription is not a deciding factor. MOHO would not be an option because it does not have any way to record mocap animations. MOHO is in the same class as Adobe Animate. Most Cartoon Animator users aren't looking for that type of program. They are looking for a program that offers realtime animation features. If you know of any other puppet animation software with Mocap that works on Mac, please share.
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By toonmanbill - 3 Years Ago
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Deborah Hearne (10/24/2022)
toonmanbill (10/23/2022)
Deborah Hearne (10/23/2022)
Another option is to try Adobe Character Animator or Adobe Animate. Both work on Mac. There is a free version available for Adobe Character Animator if you want to try puppet animations and mocap.Adobe is not a good option. A lot of people are not into subscriptions. Moho Pro would be a better alternative. For people that like to make consistent monthly payments, then Adobe will work. Unless I am missing something, Moho Pro doesn't offer any mocap features. I only see standard animation features. Also, a lot of people already use Photoshop and Illustrator which are subscription programs with Cartoon Animator.
True, Moho doesn't offer any mobcap features, but a lot of animators don't need that. Everyone has different needs. Moho is a breeze to use with the built-in vector and bitmap drawing features. No need for Photoshop or illustrator subscriptions. Even with that, there is Affinity Designer, Affinity Photo, Krita, etc. No need for subscriptions if you want to use an external PSD editor.
I love animating. I don't need mocap. I do use it at times and it's fun. Mocap can also save time, but it's not always necessary. With Moho you have more control over animations and rigs.
That being said, I do like cartoon animator and I will use it as needed, but Moho Pro will be my main animation app from this point on. It's very PC and MAC friendly.
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By toonmanbill - 3 Years Ago
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We are talking about Cartoon Animator users. Most Cartoon Animator users use the mocap features.
True, everyone has different needs. If anyone depends on or prefer mocap features, then they should go that route. The mocap features are easy to use.
But the rigging and drawing tools in Moho Pro are way superior to Cartoon Animator. You get lots of control and the animations are smoother.
Because of the discontinued support for MAC with CA5, I decided to try Moho and I love it!!! In the short period of time I have been using it, it has been a very pleasurable experience.
But Cartoon Animator is a very good product and mocap features are great and easy to use. Everyone has different needs. Everyone needs to decide on what's best for their workflow and needs.
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By Deborah Hearne - 3 Years Ago
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toonmanbill (10/24/2022)
Deborah Hearne (10/24/2022)
toonmanbill (10/23/2022)
Deborah Hearne (10/23/2022)
Another option is to try Adobe Character Animator or Adobe Animate. Both work on Mac. There is a free version available for Adobe Character Animator if you want to try puppet animations and mocap.Adobe is not a good option. A lot of people are not into subscriptions. Moho Pro would be a better alternative. For people that like to make consistent monthly payments, then Adobe will work. Unless I am missing something, Moho Pro doesn't offer any mocap features. I only see standard animation features. Also, a lot of people already use Photoshop and Illustrator which are subscription programs with Cartoon Animator. True, Moho doesn't offer any mobcap features, but a lot of animators don't need that. Everyone has different needs. Moho is a breeze to use with the built-in vector and bitmap drawing features. No need for Photoshop or illustrator subscriptions. Even with that, there is Affinity Designer, Affinity Photo, Krita, etc. No need for subscriptions if you want to use an external PSD editor. I love animating. I don't need mocap. I do use it at times and it's fun. Mocap can also save time, but it's not always necessary. With Moho you have more control over animations and rigs. That being said, I do like cartoon animator and I will use it as needed, but Moho Pro will be my main animation app from this point on. It's very PC and MAC friendly.
Those animators aren't Cartoon Animator's target audience. MOHO is comparable to Adobe Animate. Cartoon Animator is comparable to Character Animator. The target audience for Cartoon animators is people who want to do real-time Mocap animation. The target userbase is different from MOHO's.
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By Deborah Hearne - 3 Years Ago
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toonmanbill (10/24/2022)
Deborah Hearne (10/24/2022)
toonmanbill (10/23/2022)
Deborah Hearne (10/23/2022)
Another option is to try Adobe Character Animator or Adobe Animate. Both work on Mac. There is a free version available for Adobe Character Animator if you want to try puppet animations and mocap.Adobe is not a good option. A lot of people are not into subscriptions. Moho Pro would be a better alternative. For people that like to make consistent monthly payments, then Adobe will work. Unless I am missing something, Moho Pro doesn't offer any mocap features. I only see standard animation features. Also, a lot of people already use Photoshop and Illustrator which are subscription programs with Cartoon Animator. True, Moho doesn't offer any mobcap features, but a lot of animators don't need that. Everyone has different needs. Moho is a breeze to use with the built-in vector and bitmap drawing features. No need for Photoshop or illustrator subscriptions. Even with that, there is Affinity Designer, Affinity Photo, Krita, etc. No need for subscriptions if you want to use an external PSD editor. I love animating. I don't need mocap. I do use it at times and it's fun. Mocap can also save time, but it's not always necessary. With Moho you have more control over animations and rigs. That being said, I do like cartoon animator and I will use it as needed, but Moho Pro will be my main animation app from this point on. It's very PC and MAC friendly.
Those animators aren't Cartoon Animator's target audience. MOHO is comparable to Adobe Animate. Cartoon Animator is comparable to Character Animator. The target audience for Cartoon animators is people who want to do real-time Mocap animation. The target userbase is different from MOHO's.
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By AutoDidact - 3 Years Ago
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Also, most Cartoon Animator users have an Adobe subscription. Having a subscription is not a deciding factor. it is a deciding factor if you live outside the U.S. where adobe may have their commercial rights shut off due to international politics that have nothing to to do with your art. Also can you present some actual third party data to support your assertion that “ most Cartoon Animator users have an Adobe subscription”?? “MOHO would not be an option because it does not have any way to record mocap animations.” I think you meant to say…. not an option for YOU. MOHO is clearly an option for its large, vibrant user base on both mac and PC.
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By Kelleytoons - 3 Years Ago
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Okay, I wanted to stay out of this but...
Those who are saying MOHO doesn't do mocap are just wrong. It does - I even wrote scripts for it. Please do not comment on things you don't know anything about (IOW, feel free to comment on Cartoon Animator if you have it and use it, but if you don't have MOHO - just shut up).
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By AutoDidact - 3 Years Ago
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Kelleytoons (10/24/2022)
Okay, I wanted to stay out of this but...
Those who are saying MOHO doesn't do mocap are just wrong. It does - I even wrote scripts for it. Please do not comment on things you don't know anything about (IOW, feel free to comment on Cartoon Animator if you have it and use it, but if you don't have MOHO - just shut up).
THIS^^
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By toonmanbill - 3 Years Ago
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AutoDidact (10/24/2022)
Kelleytoons (10/24/2022)
Okay, I wanted to stay out of this but...
Those who are saying MOHO doesn't do mocap are just wrong. It does - I even wrote scripts for it. Please do not comment on things you don't know anything about (IOW, feel free to comment on Cartoon Animator if you have it and use it, but if you don't have MOHO - just shut up).THIS^^
Good point, I forgot about the Moho scripts. I just started using Moho and I haven't had a chance to play with scripts. I did watch a very interesting video on Moho scripts. To study this is on my "to do" list. Thanks for pointing this out.
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