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.
PageStream
PageStream is a professional desktop publishing and creative design software that allows you to create complex documents with precision typography, professional color management, and integrated drawing tools.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Pro Motion NG | PageStream |
|---|---|---|
| Website | cosmigo.com | pagestream.org |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | One_time |
| Starting Price | Free | $??/month |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✘ No free trial |
| Free Plan | ✓ Has free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✘ No product demo | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 1995 | 1986 |
| Headquarters | Pohlheim, Germany | USA |
Overview
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.
PageStream
PageStream is a versatile desktop publishing and layout application that gives you total control over your creative projects. Whether you are designing a simple flyer or a complex 500-page book, you can manage every detail of your typography and layout with professional-grade precision. It stands out by offering a consistent experience across multiple operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Linux, and Amiga.
You can create sophisticated designs using its integrated drawing tools, which allow you to handle text and graphics in the same environment. The software is built for users who need a reliable, resource-efficient alternative to mainstream subscription-based design suites. It solves the problem of high recurring costs by offering a traditional licensing model while providing the advanced features required for high-quality print production.
Overview
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.
PageStream Features
- Professional Typography. Control your text with precision using advanced kerning, tracking, and paragraph styling for a polished, professional look.
- Integrated Drawing Tools. Create and edit vector graphics directly within your layout without needing to switch to a separate illustration program.
- Master Pages. Maintain a consistent look across long documents by applying global elements and page numbering to multiple pages automatically.
- Color Management. Ensure your prints look exactly as intended with support for CMYK color spaces and professional spot colors.
- Scripting Engine. Automate repetitive design tasks and extend the software's capabilities using the built-in Python scripting support.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility. Work on your projects across different operating systems including Windows, macOS, Linux, and even legacy Amiga systems.
Pricing Comparison
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
PageStream Pricing
- Full desktop publishing suite
- Integrated vector drawing
- Professional typography tools
- Multiple document support
- Standard image filters
- Everything in Standard, plus:
- Advanced prepress tools
- Professional color separation
- Enhanced PDF export options
- Priority technical support
Pros & Cons
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
PageStream
Pros
- One-time purchase avoids expensive monthly subscription fees
- Extremely lightweight and runs fast on older hardware
- Excellent precision for fine typographic adjustments
- Unique support for niche platforms like Amiga and Linux
Cons
- User interface feels dated compared to modern suites
- Smaller community means fewer online tutorials available
- Updates are released less frequently than competitors