Freedom251 › Animation Software
Dragonframe
by Dragonframe
What Dragonframe is
Dragonframe is paid stop-motion software from Dragonframe, a maker founded in 2007 and headquartered in Ojai, California, United States. It runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux. The software has a 30-day trial, but no free plan. Dragonframe exports H.264/AAC MP4 and QuickTime MOV files using uncompressed, Animation, Photo JPEG, or ProRes codecs. Windows AVI export is available in uncompressed or Motion JPEG formats, along with WMV. The listed capabilities do not include 3D modeling, motion graphics, or cloud collaboration. These details position Dragonframe as a desktop stop-motion tool with several video export choices and separate download, upgrade, and student licensing options.
Who it suits
It suits stop-motion creators using macOS, Windows, or Linux who need a paid tool with a 30-day trial and multiple video export formats. The student and upgrade licenses address those eligible for those options.
What it does well
- Runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux
- 30-day trial available
- Exports MP4, MOV, AVI, and WMV
- Student and upgrade licenses listed
What to know first
- No free plan
- No 3D modeling
- No motion graphics
- No cloud collaboration
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Dragonframe 2026 Download (Student) | Student version · Digital download | On request |
| Dragonframe 30-day trial | 30 days · watermarked images · maximum 50 frames per take · no camera RAW | Free |
| Dragonframe 2026 Student Download | non-commercial student/teacher license · eligibility approval · non-commercial use · excludes VAT/GST/import fees | $195, paid once |
| Dragonframe 2026 Download | perpetual license; 3 years updates and support · macOS/Windows/Linux · one computer at a time · second activation allowed | $295, paid once |
| Dragonframe 2026 + Bluetooth/USB Controller | perpetual license; 3 years updates and support · software plus controller · excludes tax | $305, paid once |
| Dragonframe 2026 Upgrade | upgrade license · existing Dragonframe license required · excludes tax | $95, paid once |
As dragonframe.com lists them, read 23 Sept 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
Dragonframe provides cross-platform stop-motion software with broad listed export support.
Facts from Dragonframe's own pages
- 3D support
- Dragonframe includes stereoscopic capture, convergence and interocular controls, 3D review and stereo movie export. · dragonframe.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Animation
- The animation workspace provides frame stepping, capture, playback, repeat, onion skinning, drawing layers and customizable hotkeys. · dragonframe.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Audio
- Dragonframe imports multiple audio tracks, supports basic edits, dialogue track reading, waveform views and time-warped synchronization. · dragonframe.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Camera compatibility
- Supported camera families include Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus, Fujifilm, HDV, HDMI and other listed devices; folder watching supports some unsupported DSLRs. · dragonframe.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Cinematography
- Camera controls cover shutter speed, aperture, ISO, white balance, focus checks, test shots and image-review tools. · dragonframe.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Cloud collaboration
- No · dragonframe.com, 23 Sept 2026
- Company
- DZED Systems LLC is a privately held Ojai, California company founded in 2007 by Jamie Caliri and Dyami Caliri. · dragonframe.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Company size
- LinkedIn lists DZED Systems LLC under software development and shows three employees on the company page. · linkedin.com, 15 Oct 2026
- DMX lighting
- Its DMX workspace programs exposure-based lighting with keyframes and can control up to 512 channels using supported hardware. · dragonframe.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Documentation
- The official manual covers interface, camera connections, cinematography, animation, timeline, audio, X-Sheet, DMX, triggers, motion control, 3D, export and preferences. · dragonframe.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Export formats
- H.264/AAC MP4; QuickTime MOV (uncompressed,Animation,Photo JPEG,ProRes); Windows AVI (uncompressed,Motion JPEG); WMV · dragonframe.com, 23 Sept 2026
- Founded
- 2007 · dragonframe.com, 23 Sept 2026
- Free plan
- No · dragonframe.com, 23 Sept 2026
- Headquarters
- Ojai, California, United States · dragonframe.com, 23 Sept 2026
- Integrations
- Dragonframe supports OSC messaging, command-line script actions, Python API access beginning in Dragonframe 2027, and hardware such as eMotimo, Slidekamera and Arduino-based rigs. · dragonframe.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Licence
- The EULA grants a limited, nonexclusive proprietary license; it permits activation on two systems but simultaneous use on only one. · dragonframe.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Limit: Android app reliability
- Google Play reviewers report outdated instructions, connection failures, crashes on launch and a need for newer devices. · play.google.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Limit: editing scope
- Some G2 reviewers say editing and time-lapse capabilities are limited and that the interface feels dated or clunky. · g2.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Limit: learning curve
- G2 reviewers repeatedly describe the interface as complex for beginners and report a steep learning curve. · g2.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Limit: performance hardware
- G2 feedback says complex projects may require a powerful GPU or computer to avoid slowdowns. · g2.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Limit: price
- G2 reviewers describe the price as steep for hobbyists or one-off projects and question value for some users. · g2.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Motion control
- The Arc workspace programs camera moves, runs move tests and integrates supported motion-control hardware. · dragonframe.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Motion graphics
- No · dragonframe.com, 23 Sept 2026
- News: 2026 release
- The 2026.07.4 release added Sony A7R VI support, fixed project-opening hangs and included major conform-speed improvements. · dragonframe.com, 15 Oct 2026
Where Dragonframe stands on Freedom251
- Animation Software#75 of 106
- Stop Motion Software#21 of 29