MotionStudio 4.1

Overview

MotionStudio is an interactive multimedia presentation creation package which can package animations, video and sound into a complete, exciting piece of media to consume. Music, video, text captions, animation and more elements all get packed into an executable EXE file which can then be distributed easily on a portable USB flash drive, CD, DVD or across the internet.

There are 64 animation effects which provides almost endless possibilities. Alternatively, drawing a path for objects to follow will create their own animation in a unique way.

Visual effects are included to make the presentation more interesting. Parts of the presentation can be faded into and then faded out to create a transition. Images can be scaled to the viewing window, rotated around, dissolved into nothing or act as slides to be able to display several quick shots in succession.

Objects and graphics use vector approach with graphics which means that they are mathematical equations as much as they are graphics, so they can be scaled up or down in size without losing any image quality. Objects can be created and reused over and over from the Object library.

HTML pages can be created to showcase the animation without the need to distribute the EXE file.

There is also a built-in player to view your creations directly from the MotionStudio software package.

Installation

The setup uses the Wise installation wizard to get the software on to the PC. The destination folder is chosen for the user, but then the user can browse their file system and pick a different location instead.

There is an optional desktop shortcut and the ability to set the software to start when Windows does which seems unnecessary for a presentation creation package really.

Interface

The interface is quite busy with many small buttons on the toolbar before the menu system. There is a library window on the left side of the interface, a preview window for the presentation being viewed or created in the center, and a property sheet on the right side where individual elements can be clicked on from the preview window and then adjust their properties directly.

A frame list sits below these three panes so the user can see what frames they have created so far, play around with them and adjust their running order.

Pros

• Create interesting presentations and save them as EXE files or on a HTML page
• 64 animation effects to choose from
• Re-size vector graphics to scale up or down
• Create objects and reuse them later
• Define own animation path
• Built-in player to view presentation as it is created
• 48 visual effects

Cons

None.

Conclusion

MotionStudio does a good job of providing options to create an effective presentation. Creation of an EXE file to view it may cause concern over viruses, so the option to create an HTML page with the presentation placed there is good to see.