Animation Programs

All of the animation programs listed below rely on a Shockwave/Flash file.  This means that your viewers must have the latest Flash plug-in installed on their computer in order to see the animation effects.  Note also that many of these extras are not Accessibility Compliant.  Those viewers who use screen readers, etc. may not be able to view your site at all.

In other words, know your intended audience.  If you are promoting a site that appeals to teens and young adults, Flash effects are a good choice because these viewers are more likely to have the latest gizmos installed on their computers.  If your site is geared towards schools, local government agencies, or older viewers, chances are your great efforts will go unseen.

Swish

We love the Swish program and find it very easy to use.  There are two versions of the program and both programs are a bargain and either one makes a great tool to add to your webmaster toy box.:

• Swish Version 1.5 is the original and is priced at $30.00 US.  The learning curve is small and you can create Swish animations quickly and easily.  Most first time users can get the hang of things and have their movies created and up on their web in under an hour.  (NOTE:  Our Swish movies are created using Version 2.0 and sometimes do not open in the older version.)
• Swish Version 2.0 is a more robust version with more text effects and options.  This version is priced at $50.00.  The learning curve is a bit higher, but there are more things to learn.

Update: SwishMax is here! Bigger, better, faster - this $99 program is full featured with over 200 built-in effects.

Anim-FX

This is a new program we have just discovered and purchased.  One of the great features is that it is extremely easy to learn and use.  While a bit limited in what can be achieved, it is the perfect choice for many great text effects.

An added bonus is that the flash style and the text content is "stored" separately.  You can edit the text without having to purchase the program.

The Anim-FX program sells for $27 US with free upgrades for life

Mix-FX

This program is really cool and is brought to you by the makers of Anim-FX.  It's easy to use and very flexible.  It's similar to Swish, but with some differences that users like.  The Mix-FX program is being offered at a special sale price of $27.00 US.