ArmorPaint
ArmorPaint is a standalone software designed for physically-based texture painting that allows you to paint 3D models in real-time using a node-based system and GPU acceleration.
Pro Motion NG
Pro Motion NG is a specialized pixel art creation tool designed for artists and game developers to design precise animations, tilemaps, and sprites for retro-style video games.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | ArmorPaint | Pro Motion NG |
|---|---|---|
| Website | armorpaint.org | cosmigo.com |
| Pricing Model | One_time | Freemium |
| Starting Price | Free | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✘ No free trial |
| Free Plan | ✓ Has free plan | ✓ Has free plan |
| Product Demo | ✘ No product demo | ✘ No product demo |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2019 | 1995 |
| Headquarters | Ljubljana, Slovenia | Pohlheim, Germany |
Overview
ArmorPaint
ArmorPaint is a specialized tool for 3D artists who need to create high-quality, physically-based textures for games and digital assets. You can paint directly on your 3D models in a real-time viewport, seeing your changes instantly thanks to its GPU-accelerated engine. The software uses a node-based approach for materials, giving you the flexibility to build complex surfaces by connecting different functional blocks rather than relying on static layers.
You can import your own 3D models and export the resulting texture maps to popular game engines like Unreal Engine and Unity. Because it runs as a standalone application on your desktop, you don't need to worry about subscription fees or cloud-based limitations. It is particularly useful if you are looking for an affordable, open-source alternative to industry-standard texturing suites while maintaining a professional-grade workflow.
Pro Motion NG
Pro Motion NG is a powerhouse for creating pixel-perfect art and animations, specifically tailored for the constraints of classic game consoles and mobile devices. You can manage indexed colors with precision, ensuring your palettes remain consistent across complex projects. Whether you are designing individual character sprites or massive seamless tilemaps, the software provides the specialized toolset you need to maintain a retro aesthetic while working with modern efficiency.
You can streamline your animation workflow using onion skinning to see previous frames and multi-layer editing to keep your project organized. The software solves the common headache of tile-based design by allowing you to draw directly into a tilemap, automatically updating all instances of a tile across your level. It is the go-to choice for professional pixel artists who need more than a general-purpose image editor.
Overview
ArmorPaint Features
- Node-Based Materials Build complex, realistic materials by connecting nodes to define properties like roughness, metallic, and height maps.
- GPU Acceleration Experience lag-free painting on high-resolution models by utilizing your computer's graphics card for all rendering tasks.
- Real-Time Viewport See exactly how your textures will look in the final game engine as you paint them on your 3D models.
- Baking Tools Generate essential texture maps like ambient occlusion, curvature, and world-space normals directly within the software.
- Layer Masks Control exactly where your materials appear on the model using non-destructive masks and painting tools.
- Plugin System Extend the core functionality of the software or automate your workflow by using custom JavaScript plugins.
Pro Motion NG Features
- Tilemap Editing. Create and edit seamless tilemaps visually, allowing you to draw directly into tiles while the software handles the repetition.
- Advanced Color Management. Control your indexed color palettes with precision, including easy color cycling and palette effects for authentic retro visuals.
- Onion Skinning. View multiple animation frames simultaneously so you can track movement and timing without constantly switching between layers.
- Symmetry Drawing. Draw perfectly symmetrical objects in real-time using mirror modes, cutting your design time in half for characters and icons.
- Multi-Layer Support. Organize your artwork into independent layers to separate backgrounds, characters, and effects for non-destructive editing.
- Dithering Tools. Apply classic dithering patterns automatically to create smooth gradients and textures within the limitations of small color palettes.
Pricing Comparison
ArmorPaint Pricing
- Full access to GitHub repository
- Compile the software yourself
- Community-driven updates
- No cost for personal use
- Customizable engine code
- Everything in Source Code, plus:
- Pre-compiled executable files
- One-time purchase price
- Lifetime free updates
- Direct support for development
- Easy installation on Windows/Linux
Pro Motion NG Pricing
- Basic drawing tools
- Indexed color support
- Single layer editing
- Basic animation frames
- Unlimited usage time
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Advanced tilemap editor
- Multi-layer support
- Onion skinning
- Custom brush shapes
- Commercial usage rights
Pros & Cons
ArmorPaint
Pros
- Affordable one-time payment with no subscriptions
- Extremely fast performance due to GPU acceleration
- Lightweight installation with minimal system footprint
- Open-source nature allows for deep customization
- Frequent updates and active community development
Cons
- Smaller feature set than industry giants
- Learning curve for the node-based workflow
- Limited documentation compared to commercial suites
Pro Motion NG
Pros
- Unmatched precision for indexed color palette management
- Excellent tilemap tools for level design efficiency
- One-time purchase avoids annoying monthly subscription costs
- Lightweight performance runs smoothly on older hardware
Cons
- Steep learning curve for those used to Photoshop
- User interface feels dated compared to modern apps
- Limited documentation for some advanced technical features