Moho (software)

Moho

Moho Pro 13.5, running on Windows
Developer(s)	Lost Marble LLC
Stable release	Win: 13.5.2 / Mac: 13.5.2 / November 9, 2021; 2 months ago (2021-11-09)
Written in	C++, Lua
Operating system	Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X
Type	Animation software
License	Proprietary, Trialware
Website	mohoanimation.com

This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources:  –  ·  ·  · scholar · JSTOR (December 2020) (Learn how and when to remove this template message)

Moho (previously marketed as Anime Studio) is a proprietary vector-based 2D animation application distributed by Lost Marble LLC. It is sold in two different packages: Moho Pro – described as 'The all-in-one animation tool for professionals and digital artists. A powerful 2D animation software that combines the most powerful animation technology with state-of-the-art professional animation tools' - is a fully fledged professional & prosumer 2D/3D animation platform; and Moho Debut – described as 'The fun, quick and affordable way to create your own cartoons and animations in minutes' - is like the pro version but restricted in terms of export length and image size, as well as not containing some of the advanced features of Moho Pro. Moho is available for Windows and macOS in English, Spanish, French, Russian, German, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional) and Japanese. (A much earlier Linux version is no longer available).

History[]

The software was originally developed under the name "Moho" in 1999 by Mike Clifton at LostMarble. (LostMarble is also the developer of Papagayo, a free lip sync software which works with Moho.) The software was distributed by E Frontier until 2007, when it was taken over by Smith Micro and renamed Anime Studio, as a marketing companion for the former Manga Studio.

In 2010, Smith Micro released Anime Studio 7, which added features such as Physics, 3D creation and an improved interface.

In 2011, Anime Studio 8 added features such as the Character Wizard, layered Photoshop import, and real-time media connection. Version 8.1, also supported the new Poser 9 SDK and integrated the Wacom Multi-touch API, the first graphics based software product to work natively with Wacom's Bamboo and Intuos tablets.

In 2012, Smith Micro released Anime Studio 9, with new features including Smart Bones, Editable Motion Graphs, and Bézier handles, as well as major enhancements to the timeline, key frames, and onionskins.

In 2014, Anime Studio 10 contained upgraded features and new mechanics to its predecessor.

In 2015, Anime Studio 11 added frame-by-frame animation, layer referencing, animated shape ordering, enhanced tools and brushes, JSON file format support, and other features.

In 2016, Anime Studio was renamed Moho by Smith Micro Software to reflect the software's ability to do more than just Anime.

In 2016, Moho 12 was released with Pin Bones, optimized Bézier handles, improved free hand tools, Smart Warp, real motion blur, and more.^[1] Moho Pro 12 was released in August 2016. In October 2016, Moho became available for the Microsoft Surface Studio. The functionality of the Surface Dial is also incorporated with Moho as Smith Micro worked with Microsoft to develop unique Moho functionality specifically for the Surface Dial peripheral. This feature set enables users to create complex animations more quickly and easily through functions such as a new overlay timeline, rigged characters, rotating canvases and frame-by-frame animation.

In June 2019, Moho 13 introduced new bitmap tools, including bitmap frame to frame capabilities, and re-engineered 3D objects support.^[2]

On 22 December 2020, it was announced that the Moho 2D animation software had been acquired by Lost Marble LLC, a company founded by Mike Clifton, the original creator of Moho, and Victor Paredes, Supervisor of Moho animation at Cartoon Saloon and former Moho Product Manager.^[3]

On 26 April 2021, Lost Marble LLC released Moho 13.5, with new features including Vitruvian Bones, Wind Dynamics and Quad meshes, as well as a slightly refreshed User Interface.

Features[]

• Moho features layers of different types for artwork as well as for grouping and switching assets. Layers can be animated in perspective.
• Layer ordering can be animated.
• Camera movements.
• Pressure-sensitive tablets in combination with brush shapes can be used to create natural-looking strokes. Artwork created in Moho is resolution-independent.
• The animator can create a skeleton of bones to which pieces of artwork are attached. The skeleton works with inverse and forward kinematics and makes it easier to animate characters.
• Tweening of all layer, vector shapes, and bone animation.
• Physics engine, Particles and Wind Dynamics to simulate reality.
• Styles for outlines and fills.
• Masks are possible.
• Some 3D abilities, useful for multiplane camera effects and virtual set building.
• In combination with Papagayo, Moho supports automated lip-synching, where an imported sound can be automatically added to a mouth to make the mouth move as if it is talking in sync with the audio.
• Moho supports several file formats to import pictures and video. Alpha channels of PNG and video files are recognised.
• Multiple soundtracks can be added.
• Most tools are completely scriptable (in Lua)
• Smart Bones and Vitruvian Bones technology.
• Actions for premade re-useable animation sequences.
• Smart Warp, Quad meshes and Live meshes.
• Editable motion graphs with Bézier handles.
• Onionskins for frame-by-frame control.
• Supports layered Photoshop files.
• Includes a timeline with keyframes.

Notable uses[]

Feature films[]

• The Secret of Kells (Cartoon Saloon)
• Song of the Sea (Cartoon Saloon)
• The Breadwinner (Cartoon Saloon)
• Wolfwalkers (Cartoon Saloon)

Short films, TV and Web series[]

• Pete the cat (Amazon Studios)
• Club Baboo (Frame Order)
• Puffin Rock (Cartoon Saloon)
• Jay’s Life on YouTube (Kartoon Management)
• Lil’ Ron Ron on YouTube (Cartoon Connect)
• Phungus & Mowld on Amazon Prime Video (Pixelblast Animation)

See also[]

• List of 2D animation software
• Manga Studio

References[]

External links[]

• Moho (Anime Studio) - Official Page
• Lost Marble LLC - Official Page
• Moho (Anime Studio) Forum - Official Page
• Smith Micro Software, Inc. page: Anime Studio 10, Anime Studio 11, Moho 12, Moho 13
• e frontier America, Inc. page: Anime Studio
• Moho (Anime Studio) Tutorials
• Moho Scripting - Scripting Documentation