What it does
PD Howler combines natural-media painting, animation and effects, including particle-based foliage and procedural landscapes. The current Howler release is paid, with a demo limited to 30 saves. The developer also offers the older Howler 2023 as a free full version.
Painting with motion tools
Howler includes brushes for foliage and other particle patterns, alongside bitmap painting tools and tablet input. Its animation tools include an exposure sheet, onion skinning and frame scanning. Video or an image sequence can be brought in for further painting and effects.
Procedural landscape tools add erosion, snow and clouds. These make Howler relevant to artists building painted environments as well as animators working directly on frames. PD Artist is a related product that omits the animation menu, so check the product name when buying.
Choose a version deliberately
The download page distinguishes the current Howler 2027 demo from the free full Howler 2023 release. The demo permits 30 saves. The store sells full and upgrade licences and displays limited promotional offers.
For current hardware, the download page calls for AVX2 processor support and shader level 6 for GPU functions. Some plug-in features need .NET Framework 4. The free older edition should not be treated as a promise of the current release’s features.
Strengths
- Frame painting and animation tools share one application
- Particle brushes include foliage-oriented effects
- An older full version is offered free
Watch out for
- The current demo stops after 30 saves
- Current GPU functions require shader level 6
- PD Artist omits the animation menu found in Howler
Best for
- Artists painting directly over animation frames
- Illustrators building procedural landscape studies
Sources
- PD Howler painting and animation features (Oct 27, 2026)
- PD Howler full and upgrade licences (Oct 27, 2026)
- PD Howler demo, free version and requirements (Oct 27, 2026)