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Installing this app is not for the faint-of-heart or casual users. It requires four different installer files, Gtk , Gtkmm, Synfig Core, and Synfig Studio.
Once you get past the setup, however, Synfig is a powerful program for those who want to create Flash animations for free. It's neither easier nor harder to use than Flash, but--also like Flash--it requires some diligent study before you can begin using the toolbox effectively. To help you get there, there's a huge volume of documentation and tutorials available at the Synfig Web site.
The app seems to be able to do most--if not all--that its expensive Flash cousin can do, at least as far as animation goes. Features include spatial and temporal resolution independence, pen tablet-sensitive tools, path-based gradients, layering, and an interface that's modular, allowing you to maximize screen real estate. It would be nice to see some more shape tools in future versions, but for a free animator that doesn't devour your system resources, Synfig is absolutely worth trying.
Publisher's Description
From Synfig:
Synfig Studio is a vector based 2D animation program. It is designed to be capable of producing feature-film quality animation. It eliminates the need for tweening, preventing the need to hand-draw each frame. Synfig Studio features spatial and temporal resolution independence (sharp and smooth at any resolution or framerate), high dynamic range images, and a flexible plugin system.
Note:You will also need to download Synfig Core, GTK+ Runtime Environment and Gtkmm installers. Install all three before installing Synfig Studio. Beta or prerelease software is not intended for inexperienced users, as the software may contain bugs or may potentially damage your system. We strongly recommend that users exercise caution and save all mission-critical data before installing or using this software.
What's new in this version: Version 0.6.1.05 includes a variety of minor bug fixes.
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All versions:
3.6 starsout of 16 votes
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Current version:
3.6 starsout of 11 votes
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My rating:
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Results 1-10 of 10
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"Great animation program..."
Version: Synfig Studio 0.61.05
Pros
Very similar to Flash, so it's easy for me.
Cons
It'snot actually Flash
Summary
You can't actually do Flash animations. I don't know why this article says you can. It's something they're working on, but it's not implemented yet.
If you can do Flash animations in this, someone please let me know how. I'm using Synfig Studio in Kubuntu Linux. I have found no way turning my animations into Flash animations. -
"Hard-to-install, GNU = FREE def worth it, I reccomend"
Version: Synfig Studio 0.61.05
Pros
This is very great software and it is absolutely free! It is a great replacement for Adobe Illustrator/Adobe Flash, I recommend it! Plus it runs on the GNU platform so you can hook it up with your linux systems as well!
Cons
The installing isn't exactly the easiest thing and GNU isn't exactly the best formatted interface. Personally I'm a fan of the .NET stuff but GNU is great for cross-platform. There is a video of how-to-install listed on the download page.
Summary
I gotta say, I've seen Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Flash, sure those may be more powerful but spending over a thousand dollars for this stuff isn't my cup of tea, I'm not a professional studio and I don't need everything they have to offer. Synfig Studio (get their newest version, 0.61.09 at synfig.org!) is an awesome replacement and it's got tons of features. I've notice they really strive to point out how good the layer system is, and I agree it is unique and really good. I looked for a long time to find something equivalent to this, I haven't figured out if I can export stuff to a sprite-sheet (I'm a game developer, GIF vids aren't good for games) yet but if not I know some external programs that will do that for me. I definitely have to recommend this software if you don't have money but would like to get into 2D animations. I wouldn't recommend it if you aren't already familiar with the GNU interface, but everyone has to start somewhere right? combined with GIMP, this makes for some professional quality animations!
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"Thank GOD !!!!!"
Version: Synfig Studio 0.61.05
Pros
S*#%W Adobe,Synfig is a Gift , ThankYou Synfig ! To previous idiotZ w/ useless reviews READ THE DIRECTIONS, downloaded GTK+ & other installz,on Vista HomePre (refuse to use SP1 yet) 2.5 Intell Celeron & 2G memory--- Up & running like new money !
Cons
Haven't yet learned if Synfig has Flash like interactivity, ( ActionScript 3 like idea or something ... "SynScript" haha). Don't know enough about it But I know Vector graphics & timelines w/ Layers is always a GOOD start !
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"spell before actual reviews can be submitted as serious"
Version: Synfig Studio 0.61.05
Pros
the program is awesome
Cons
none just read the manual
Summary
any user that take the cons from people who can spell shouldn't take the review serious, please people: <#include io.h> Crash_Beta
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"Good, useful, lots more potential development."
Version: Synfig Studio 0.61.05
Pros
Some users' comments do not do justice to this tool, and that's why I decided to comment. SynFig provides a sophistcated set of facilities for developing layered pictures with animations. "Tweening" (automatic smooth transition from one fixed picture to another to produce animation) is a powerful labour-saving technique. There is an installation video on their web site which, although low resolution, removes the uncertainty, and the Help menu connects to a series of textual/pictorial tutorials which progress through the multitude of features. There is also an ambitious set of enhancements in the development pipeline, including major speed improvements. Follow the links to the Wiki and you can see some of what can be achieved!
Cons
This is not for you unless you are prepared to take it seriously. It does require you to put some effort into learning, just as other sophistcated packages do, such as Gimp and Flash. Do check for updates on the synfig web site.
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"stupid download"
Version: Synfig Studio 0.61.05
Pros
manytime try to download but we couldn,t.
Cons
so bed downloading
idrisimag@ yahoo.co.in
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"trohble with down load"
Version: Synfig Studio 0.61.05
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"good"
Version: Synfig Studio 0.61.05
Pros
good
Cons
nothing
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"stupid not wearth the download"
Version: Synfig Studio 0.61.05
Pros
it only takes a few seconds to download.
Cons
it dont work at all. unless you buy this stupid program or somthing.
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"looks good...using is something else"
Version: Synfig Studio 0.61.05
Pros
The interface is intuitive enough and much like TheGimp. Set up is a by the book process but easy enough for those who are used to setting up apps in M$ or Linux.
Cons
Try to find full documentation for the WIN32 version... Oh yeah, hens teeth are easier to find. The description says 'lots of documentation out there' or something such... and even the 'wiki' is left hanging. Needs some serious attention this could be a life changing tool for a one-man studio like mine! I was hoping to use it for my anime/manga students.
Results 1-10 of 10
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