My point of view: Character Animator FREE VS. PRO Version

[Rares Molnar]

Adding new and new features to those who use the FREE Version (such as creating their own characters, rigging, behaviors, etc.) I do not think it is entirely fair for those who pay. Of course, I understand the division of the application for increasing the adoption rate, for the new ones in this world, but at the moment what you offer in the FREE version is more than enough. I consider that the difference between the FREE and PRO is not so big now, and the addition of even more features in the future for the FREE Version will decrease the difference between those two. I think that Character Animator is a top application and the free version should remain a sample. Since considerable things can be done in the FREE Version now, I'm wondering about the updates for the PRO Version. It just would not be nice for those who do pay for the complete Adobe Bundle to realize that many things are available for free now... I am a little bit disappointed as a PRO User. Maybe I'm wrong. I hope that creating characters, rigging them and adding behaviors, triggers will remain the options only for PRO users and maybe some new updates for those who do pay significant money annually will be announced soon. Of course that this is a logical step from a business point of view, but I think it should stop here. We are waiting for new updates for the PRO Version. 

This is what I am creating with your software: YouTube . I know what I'm talking about. I hope you can take my opinion into consideration.

[alank99101739]

I have never seen or heard of a free version of Adobe Character Animator - only a time limited free trial. Where have you seen a download for a free version?

[Rares Molnar]

https://youtu.be/ZgjZ3j3YBmg

[oksamurai · Accepted solution]

Thanks for the feedback! As I said on your YouTube comment, Starter mode is exactly what you say, a sample. It is purposefully limited to have a more streamlined user experience, but the differences are huge. Some of the biggest include:

• No multitrack recording
• No arming/disarming
• No track edit options like blending, keyframing, cameras, etc.
• No Rig mode (no custom character creation)
• No customization of triggers
• No behaviors like dragger, body tracking, walk, etc
• No Puppet Maker
• No multiple characters
• No custom backgrounds
• No transcript based lip sync
• No streaming

And the list goes on and on. While some of these may change depending on Beta feedback, the expectation is that Starter mode is a quick and easy place to try out the tool, but you will run into the limitations very quickly if you want to do anything more than short single character/scene videos.

[Rares Molnar]

Thank you, Dave. You reassured me with this explanation. Well explained. Thank you! 

[ericc19576445]

I don't completely agree, there are alot of differences, however my concern is that the CA team is too focused on updating the free version and not addressing key issues in the pro version. Lots of new features came out for the free version that are useless to pros and not too many pro upgrades.