Dan Ritchie has released Howler 2026, an updated version of the unconventional and low-cost painting, animation and video-processing tool originally known as Project Dogwaffle. The application remains a sub-$100 offering, now pricing full licences at US $32.99 for Windows only. Notably, the developer had planned to cease work and make version 2025 free, but instead has resumed active development and shipped this new update .
New AI-Based Image Editing
A key addition is an experimental AI-based image editor. Users can now perform inpainting, colorising and upscaling by entering text descriptions of the edits they want. This expands Howler’s traditional natural-media painting roots into generative, AI-guided image editing.
Confetti Particle Tool
Howler 2026 also introduces the Confetti tool, designed for creating organic particle effects. The interface exposes controls over emitter shape, particle geometry, and parameters such as count, size and lifespan, enabling expressive, painterly FX directly within the app.
New Audio Recording and Editing Tools
Audio capabilities have been expanded as well. The software now includes audio recording functionality and a four-track audio editor, which supports multitrack editing, a feature that complements Howler’s existing animation and timeline tools.
Legacy Features Remain
Howler continues to support its established strengths in natural-media painting. It also retains basic 3D rendering (primarily for landscapes and foliage), timeline-based animation with onion-skinning, frame repair, retiming, and an exposure-sheet for lip-sync animation, ensuring that the core feature set remains intact.
Worth Testing in Production?
Howler 2026 delivers a quirky but cost-effective package of AI-powered image tools, particle effects and multitrack audio at just US $32.99 for Windows. Its experimental AI engine and new Confetti FX may interest concept artists, indie animators or production tool-devs seeking low-cost alternatives. As with any update, productions should test these new features thoroughly before integrating them into critical workflows.
