Here's an example: if you're using any of the advanced deformer modules for rigging (bones, curves, etc.,) there is no IK available, only FK. I could be wrong about that but, as I said earlier, this is only my personal impression so far. But because of this approach, Artist's who have long used other digital animation programs (notably 3D animators,) may view parts of the workflow as a step backwards. I think this is because the workflow behind the program appears to be designed for animators coming from a 'analog' background, and maybe there's some resistance to making the ui and workflow 'too digital'.

I think there's a lot to appreciate about Harmony, especially when it comes to FBF drawing, but for cut-out style animations I'm finding it can surprisingly 'basic' (this is strictly a personal opinion of course.) The motion graph, for example, is very simple compared to motion graphs I've used in other programs, and in some cases you need to drill down a bit to access them. I'm currently using Harmony at work and, yes, to me that appears to be the case. I believe it did not offer a full animation curve window. Herbert123 wrote:Last time I worked with Toonboom it forced the animator to work with animation curves in a separate keyframe window. On the other hand, TB has the edge when it comes to creating FBF animations. TB has a very simple IK system for cutouts but their advanced deformers do not support IK at all-for me, this is probably the single most frustrating thing about rigging and animating in TB. In some significant ways, ASP is actually more advanced than TB, most notably with its the IK and constraints system. Yes, I'm curious to see what the next version of ASP will bring too. But then again, in some ways (see below,) I think the TB products are a bit overpriced, so maybe subscription makes more sense? I dunno. But for now TB is still offering perpetual licenses as well.

Since I don't use Toon Boom as regularly at home, subscription will probably discourage me. For some software, subscription has worked out for me but for others it's forced me to switch over to competing products that offer a perpetual license. Not sure how I feel about the subscription option. Alternatively, monthly subscriptions from $23 - $109 are also on offer.

Toonboom harmony essentials