The Productivity and Graphics group of Smith Micro Software (mysmithmicro.com) has announced the latest version of Anime Studio software, which is designed to streamline production for studios and professional artists who create complex animations.
The new Frame-by-Frame feature of Anime Studio 11 lets artists switch between traditional animation techniques and more automated bone-rigging techniques. New and enhanced drawing and painting features provide a natural feel and raster-like characteristics with life-like results, according to the folks at Smith Micro. Key features of Anime Studio 11 include:
° Frame-by-Frame allows artists to immediately switch between bone-rigging and a frame-by-frame workspace;
° Layer Referencing propagates changes from one design layer to all related layers, even across multiple documents;
° Animated Shape Ordering extends the ability to rearrange shapes anywhere within an animation timeline rather than adjusting each full frame independently;
° Enhanced Tools and Brushes Freehand drawing is now simpler and more realistic with new automated Merge Strokes, a Smoothing option for round, smooth shapes, and a more efficient Blob Brush for simple shapes. The new Color Points tools lets artists blend colors together in new ways, while Merged Alpha and Drift Angle brushes offer a more natural and pleasing look and feel.
° JSON File Format support for Java Script Object Notation (JSON) file format provides faster file processing and more flexible asset tagging within files, making it easier to exchange and manage related assets across workgroups.
Anime Studio Pro 11 is available for US$299.99 and Anime Studio Debut 11 for novice artists is $49.99.