Side by side
DragonBones vs Stick Nodes
Both stand on 2d character animation software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan MacWindows
DragonBones provides free rigged animation with bone controls, mesh deformation, and JSON export. Its desktop-only platform list and focused export formats are key considerations before adopting it.
Visit DragonBones Free plan AndroidiPhone
Choose Stick Nodes if you want a mobile stickfigure animation app with GIF export, image importing, and frame-level tools. Look elsewhere if you need MP4 export, no export watermark, sound effects, or additional filters without buying Pro.
Visit Stick NodesThe facts
| DragonBones | Stick Nodes | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Mac, Windows | Android, iPhone |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Stick Nodes Pro: $3.99, paid once |
| Plans published | 1 | 4 |
| Maker | Not published | Stick Nodes |
| Website | dragonbones.github.io | sticknodes.com |
| On 2d character animation software | #26 of 48 | #22 of 48 |
DragonBones: what it does well
- Free plan available
- Rigged animation workflow
- Bone rigging support
- Mesh deformation
- JSON export formats
What to know first
- Only Windows and macOS listed
- Exports center on JSON data
- No broader format list specified
Stick Nodes: what it does well
- Automatic frame tweening supports the animation workflow.
- Camera tools pan, zoom, and rotate scenes.
- Import images and add textfields to animations.
- Projects, stickfigures, and movieclips can be saved, opened, and shared.
- Pre-3.0 Pivot stickfigure files are supported.
What to know first
- The free plan may show ads.
- MP4 export is a Pro feature.
- Pro removes export watermarks and adds sound effects and filters.
Alternatives to DragonBones Alternatives to Stick Nodes The whole list