The Best 2D Animation softwares
2d animation software that you need to bring your ideas to life
2D animation is the art of creating moving images in a two-dimensional space using characters, backgrounds, and props. 2D Animation Software is a tool that helps you create, edit, and animate 2D graphics, such as cartoons, illustrations, logos, and games. They can be used for various purposes, such as entertainment, education, marketing, and storytelling.
Key Insights
- Linearity Move is a vector animation platform tailored for modern creators of all levels. Its unique selling points include its beginner-friendly interface, seamless integration with Linearity Curve, and the ability to turn static designs into animations with a single click using Auto Animate.
- While free software like Pencil2D and Synfig Studio offer budget-friendly options for beginners, paid software such as Linearity Move and Toon Boom Harmony provide a broader range of advanced features, professional-grade capabilities, ongoing support, and greater stability. The decision between paid and free software ultimately depends on skill level, budget, and project requirements.
- The article presents various 2D animation software options for different user needs and preferences. From beginner-friendly tools like TupiTube to professional-grade platforms like Adobe Animate, there's something available for everyone.
They can also help you express your creativity, enhance your skills, and showcase your work. But how do you choose the best 2D Animation Software for your project? There are many factors to consider, such as the level of complexity, the style of animation, the compatibility, the budget, and the user-friendliness of the software.
To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a list of the Top Animation tools. This blog explores the 15+ Best 2D Animation Software, based on their pros, cons, and prices in great detail. Let’s dive in deeper!
Table of Contents
- OpenToonz
- Animate CC
- SketchBook
- Blender
- FlipBook
- Synfig
- Toonz
- Toon Boom Harmony
- Blender
- Pencil2D
- Animaker
- Adobe Animate
- Krita
- Moho
- Powtoon
- Stop Motion Studio
- ソースネクスト Cartoon Animator 4 Pro版 ダウンロード版
- Adobe After Effects
- Adobe Character Animator
- TupiTube
- CelAction2D
- Plastic Animation Paper
- Autodesk Maya
- Cinema 4D
- Cartoon Animator 4
Conclusion
In this section, we will explore Top2D Animation Software and its pros and cons. This will make it easy for you to choose the right tool for you. Let's explore them below:
In this section, we will explore Top2D Animation Software and its pros and cons. This will make it easy for you to choose the right tool for you. Let's explore them below:
Pencil2D is a free-to-use, open-source 2D Animation Software. It allows you to create simple hand-drawn animations. It is easy to use, lightweight, and cross-platform. You can draw, sketch, and animate with a pencil, pen, brush, or eraser tool. You can also import and export images, sounds, and videos.
Pencil2D is a beginner-level 2D animation tool. This drawing and painting application lets you create traditional hand-drawn animations using both bitmap and vector styles for your animated video.
Pencil 2D is free-to-use software that is designed for amateur animators. This is a handy software that makes animation looks easier by eliminating the intimidating and non-essential features of 2D animation.
t’s simple to use with an easy-to-use User-Interface and allows beginners to draw and animate videos on a platform that ensures cross-platform compatibility.
Let's explore the pros and cons of this tool:
Pros:
1) Free and open-source
2) Easy to use and learn
3) Lightweight and fast
4) Cross-platform and portable
5) Supports raster and vector graphics
Cons:
1) Limited features and tools
2) No advanced animation options
3) There is no timeline or onion-skinning
4) No support or documentation
Price: Free
Pros:
1) Professional and industry-standard
2) Powerful and versatile
3) Rich in features and tools
4) Supports raster and vector graphics
5) Supports 2D and 3D integration
Cons:
1) Expensive and subscription-based
2) The complex and steep learning curve
3) Requires high system requirements
4) No free trial or demo
Price: $25-$115 per month
Synfig is another free and open-source 2D Animation Software that lets you create vector-based animations. It has a unique feature called “bones”, which allows you to create cut-out animations and manipulate characters easily. You can also use layers, filters, gradients, and transformations to enhance your animations. Here are the pros and cons of Synfig:
Pros:
1) Free and open-source
2) Supports vector graphics
3) Has a bone system for cut-out animation
4) Has layers, filters, gradients, and transformations
Cons:
1) Outdated and buggy
2) Difficult to use and understand
3) Lacks some basic tools and features
4) No support or documentation
Price: Free
Pros:
1) Easy to use and learn
2) Has ready-made assets and templates
3) Supports facial mocap and lip-sync
4) Supports bone editing and IK rigging
Cons:
1) Its 2D Animation Styles are limited, and cartoonish style
2) Not very flexible or creative
3) Requires additional purchases for more content
4) No free trial or demo
Price: $99-$199
OpenToonz is also a free and open-source 2D Animation Software. It is based on the software used by Studio Ghibli, the famous Japanese animation studio. It has a lot of features and tools for creating traditional and digital 2D animations, such as scanning, drawing, colouring, inking, and rendering. You can also use plugins and scripts to extend its functionality. Let's explore the pros and cons of OpenToonz:
Pros:
1) Free and open-source
2) Based on professional software
3) Has a lot of features and tools
4) Supports plugins and scripts
Cons:
1) Complicated and confusing
2) Unstable and buggy
3) Lacks support and documentation
4) No free trial or demo
Price: Free
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Pros:
1) Part of Adobe Creative Cloud
2) Supports interactive animations
3) Supports vector and bitmap graphics
4) Integrates with other Adobe software
Cons:
1) Expensive and subscription-based
2) Requires internet connection and Adobe account
3) Not very user-friendly or intuitive
4) No free trial or demo
Price: $20.99 per month
SketchBook is a 2D Animation Software that is focused on drawing and sketching. It has a simple and intuitive interface, with a variety of brushes, pencils, pens, and markers. You can also use layers, rulers, guides, and symmetry tools to create precise and detailed drawings. You can also create basic animations with up to 4 layers and export them as GIFs or MP4s. Let's explore the pros and cons of this tool:
Pros:
1) Simple and intuitive
2) Focused on drawing and sketching
3) Has a variety of brushes and tools
4) Supports layers and symmetry
Cons:
1) Limited and basic animation features
2) Not very versatile or creative
3) Requires Autodesk account and registration
4) No free trial or demo
Price: Free
Pros:
1) Simple and intuitive
2) Focused on drawing and sketching
3) Has a variety of brushes and tools
4) Supports layers and symmetry
Cons:
1) Limited and basic animation features
2) Not very versatile or creative
3) Requires Autodesk account and registration
4) No free trial or demo
Price: Free
Pros:
1) Cloud-based and online
2) Easy to use and learn
3) Has pre-made templates and assets
4) Supports voice-overs, music, and sound effects
Cons:
1) Limited and generic style
2) Not very flexible or original
3) Requires internet connection and account
4) Has watermark and video length restrictions
Price: Free-$39 per month
Blender is yet another free-to-use and open-source software that is primarily used for 3D animation. However, it can also be used for 2D animation. It has a powerful and comprehensive set of tools and features for creating 3D models, scenes, and animations. You can also use its 2D animation mode, called Grease Pencil, to create 2D animations with a 3D feel. Here are the pros and cons of Blender:
Pros:
1) Free and open-source
2) Powerful and comprehensive
3) Supports 3D and 2D animation
4) Supports Grease Pencil mode
Cons:
1) The complex and steep learning curve
2) Requires high system requirements
3) Lacks support and documentation
4) No free trial or demo
Price: Free
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Pros:
1) Free and open-source
2) Powerful and comprehensive
3) Supports 3D and 2D animation
4) Supports Grease Pencil mode
Cons:
1) The complex and steep learning curve
2) Requires high system requirements
3) Lacks support and documentation
4) No free trial or demo
Price: Free
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FlipBook is a 2D Animation Software that is designed for traditional animators. It allows you to create frame-by-frame animations using a digital pen and tablet. You can also scan your drawings, import images, and capture video. You can also use onion skinning, rotoscoping, and playback features to refine your animations. Let's explore the pros and cons of this tool:
Pros:
1) Designed for traditional animators
2) Supports frame-by-frame animation
3) Supports scanning, importing, and capturing
4) Supports onion skinning, rotoscoping, and playback
Cons:
1) Outdated and old-fashioned
2) Lacks some modern features and tools
3) Not very compatible or integrable
4) No free trial or demo
Price: $19.99-$199.99
Pros:
1) Designed for traditional animators
2) Supports frame-by-frame animation
3) Supports scanning, importing, and capturing
4) Supports onion skinning, rotoscoping, and playback
Cons:
1) Outdated and old-fashioned
2) Lacks some modern features and tools
3) Not very compatible or integrable
4) No free trial or demo
Price: $19.99-$199.99
Krita is a free and open-source 2D Animation Software that is mainly used for digital painting and illustration. It has a lot of brushes, textures, patterns, and effects for creating realistic and artistic paintings. You can also use its animation mode, called Animation Workspace, to create frame-by-frame animations with onion skinning and audio features. Let's explore the pros and cons of Krita:
Pros:
1) Free and open-source
2) Mainly used for digital painting and illustration
3) Has a lot of brushes, textures, patterns, and effects
4) Supports frame-by-frame animation
Cons:
1) Not very focused on animation
2) Lacks some animation features and tools
3) Slow and laggy
4) No support or documentation
Price: Free
Pros:
1) Free and open-source
2) Mainly used for digital painting and illustration
3) Has a lot of brushes, textures, patterns, and effects
4) Supports frame-by-frame animation
Cons:
1) Not very focused on animation
2) Lacks some animation features and tools
3) Slow and laggy
4) No support or documentation
Price: Free
Stop Motion Studio is a 2D Animation Software that is used to create stop motion animations. It allows you to capture images from your camera, webcam, or smartphone and turn them into animated videos. You can also add titles, music, sound effects, and filters to your videos. You can also use it to export and share your videos online. Here are the pros and cons of Stop Motion Studio:
Pros:
1) Used for creating stop-motion animations
2) Supports capturing images from various sources
3) Supports adding titles, music, sound effects, and filters
4) Supports exporting and sharing online
Cons:
1) Limited and simple animation style
2) Not very flexible or creative
3) Requires in-app purchases for more features
4) No free trial or demo
Price: Free-$4.99
Celaction is a 2D Animation Software that is used to create cut-out animations. It allows you to import images, vectors, and audio files and animate them with a bone system, a curve editor, and a camera system. You can also use layers, masks, effects, and transitions to enhance your animations. Let's explore the pros and cons of this tool:
Pros:
1) Used for creating stop-motion animations
2) Supports capturing images from various sources
3) Supports adding titles, music, sound effects, and filters
4) Supports exporting and sharing online
Cons:
1) Limited and simple animation style
2) Not very flexible or creative
3) Requires in-app purchases for more features
4) No free trial or demo
Price: Free-$4.99
Pros:
1) Used for creating cut-out animations
2) Supports importing images, vectors, and audio
3) Supports bone system, curve editor, and camera system
4) Supports layers, masks, effects, and transitions
Cons:
1) Expensive and license-based
2) The complex and steep learning curve
3) Not very compatible or integrable
4) No free trial or demo
Price: $1,500-$3,000 per license
Moho Pro is a 2D Animation Software that is used to create professional and realistic animations. It has a lot of features and tools for creating vector-based animations, such as drawing, painting, rigging, morphing, and physics. You can also use its Smart Bones, Smart Warp, and Smart Mesh features to create smooth and natural movements. Let's explore the pros and cons of Moho Pro:
Pros:
1) Used for creating professional and realistic animations
2) Supports vector-based animations
3) Has a lot of features and tools
4) Supports Smart Bones, Smart Warp, and Smart Mesh
Cons:
1) Expensive and subscription-based
2) Difficult to use and master
3) Requires high system requirements
4) No free trial or demo
Price: $399.99 per year
Pros:
1) Used for creating professional and realistic animations
2) Supports vector-based animations
3) Has a lot of features and tools
4) Supports Smart Bones, Smart Warp, and Smart Mesh
Cons:
1) Expensive and subscription-based
2) Difficult to use and master
3) Requires high system requirements
4) No free trial or demo
Price: $399.99 per year
Pros:
1) Free and open-source
2) Designed for children and beginners
3) Supports drawing, colouring, and painting
4) Supports frames, layers, onion skinning, and lip-sync
Cons:
1) Limited and childish style
2) Lacks some advanced features and tools
3) Not very stable or reliable
4) No support or documentation
Price: Free
Adobe Animate is a 2D Animation Software that also belongs to the Adobe Creative Cloud suite. It allows you to create interactive animations for web, games, and apps using HTML5, JavaScript, and WebGL. You can also create frame-by-frame animations, motion graphics, and character animations using vector and bitmap graphics. Let's explore the pros and cons of this tool:
Pros:
1) Part of Adobe Creative Cloud
2) Supports interactive animations
3) Supports vector and bitmap graphics
4) Integrates with other Adobe software
Cons:
1) Expensive and subscription-based
2) Requires internet connection and Adobe account
3) Not very user-friendly or intuitive
4) No free trial or demo
Price: $20.99 per month
Tvpaint is a 2D Animation Software that is used to create traditional and hand-drawn animations. It has a lot of features and tools for creating frame-by-frame animations, such as drawing, colouring, inking, and shading. You can also use layers, masks, filters, and effects to enhance your animations. Here are the pros and cons of Tvpaint:
Pros:
1) Part of Adobe Creative Cloud
2) Supports interactive animations
3) Supports vector and bitmap graphics
4) Integrates with other Adobe software
Cons:
1) Expensive and subscription-based
2) Requires internet connection and Adobe account
3) Not very user-friendly or intuitive
4) No free trial or demo
Price: $20.99 per month
Pros:
1) Used for creating traditional and hand-drawn animations
2) Supports frame-by-frame animations
3) Has a lot of features and tools
4) Supports layers, masks, filters, and effects
Cons:
1) Expensive and license-based
2) Not very compatible or integrable
3) Not very user-friendly or intuitive
4) No free trial or demo
Price: $550-$1,250 per license
Toonz 2D animation software becomes OpenToonz
2. Originally created by Digital Video and customized by Studio Ghibli, it has now been released as Open Source.
Harness the power of toons to bring your message to life, making your viewers say “Got it!” with a little extra POW!
With Powtoon, you can easily create 2D animations in just a few hours. Choose your characters, props, and scene, drag and drop them into the Powtoon editor, and select the animation you want to apply. Presto! You have a free animated video for your website.
Adobe After Effects
Adobe After Effects is a powerful software used for motion graphics, visual effects, and compositing. It's commonly used in film and video production to create animations, special effects, and complex video compositions. Whether you're working on a short film, a commercial, or a music video, After Effects offers a wide range of tools and features, including:
- Layer-based compositing: Combine multiple layers of video, images, and effects to create complex compositions.
- Keyframing: Animate properties like position, scale, and opacity over time.
- Effects and Presets: Apply various effects and use presets to achieve different looks and styles.
- Expressions: Write code snippets to automate animations and create complex effects.
- 3D Integration: Work with 3D layers, cameras, and lights to create depth and perspective in your compositions.
- Rotoscoping: Isolate and manipulate elements in your footage using tools like the Roto Brush.
If you have specific questions or need help with a particular feature or project in After Effects, feel free to ask!
After effects 2d animation
Creating 2D animations in Adobe After Effects is a common and powerful use of the software. Here’s a basic guide to get you started with 2D animation in After Effects:
1. Setting Up Your Project:
- Create a New Project: Open After Effects and create a new project. You can start by importing assets like images, vectors, or video clips.
- Create a New Composition: Go to
File > New > New Compositionor click on the “New Composition” button. Set your composition’s dimensions, frame rate, and duration according to your needs.
2. Importing Assets:
- Import Files: Drag and drop your assets (images, vectors, etc.) into the Project panel or use
File > Import. - Organize Your Assets: Create folders in the Project panel to keep your assets organized.
3. Creating and Animating Layers:
- Add Layers to Your Composition: Drag your assets from the Project panel into your composition timeline. Each asset will be a separate layer.
- Transform Properties: Use the
Transformproperties (Position, Scale, Rotation, Opacity) to animate your layers. To access these properties, select a layer and pressP(Position),S(Scale),R(Rotation), orT(Opacity).
4. Keyframing:
- Set Keyframes: Move the playhead to the point in time where you want to start your animation. Click the stopwatch icon next to the property you want to animate (e.g., Position). Move the playhead to another point in time, adjust the property, and After Effects will create keyframes for you.
- Adjust Keyframes: You can move, delete, or adjust keyframes in the Timeline panel to refine your animation.
5. Using Animation Presets:
- Apply Presets: After Effects includes a variety of animation presets that can be applied to layers. Browse these presets in the
Effects & Presetspanel and drag them onto your layers.
6. Using the Graph Editor:
- Fine-Tune Animation: Open the Graph Editor to adjust the speed and motion of your animations. This tool allows you to manipulate the animation curves for more precise control.
7. Adding Effects:
- Apply Effects: Use the
Effects & Presetspanel to add effects to your layers. Effects can be animated just like layer properties.
8. Working with Shape Layers:
- Create Shape Layers: Use the Shape tools (Rectangle, Ellipse, etc.) to create vector shapes directly within After Effects. You can animate these shapes and their properties just like other layers.
9. Previewing and Rendering:
- Preview Your Animation: Use the spacebar or the preview panel to play back your animation and make adjustments as needed.
- Render Your Final Animation: Go to
Composition > Add to Render Queueto export your animation. Set your desired output settings and clickRender.
10. Tips for 2D Animation:
- Use Parenting: Parent layers to other layers to create more complex animations. This is useful for animating characters or objects with multiple parts.
- Utilize Motion Paths: Adjust the motion paths of your animations for smooth and natural movements.
- Consider Easing: Apply easing (Easy Ease, Ease In, Ease Out) to keyframes to make your animations more fluid and less mechanical.
Cinema 4D
Cinema 4D is primarily known for its 3D capabilities, but it can also be used effectively for 2D animation, especially when you want to leverage its powerful animation tools and effects. Here’s how you can approach 2D animation in Cinema 4D:
1. Setting Up Your Project:
- Create a New Project: Open Cinema 4D and start a new project.
- Set Up the Scene: You might want to adjust the settings in the Render Settings to match your desired output resolution and frame rate.
2. Creating and Importing Assets:
- Import 2D Assets: You can import 2D assets such as images or vector graphics (e.g., SVG files). Go to
File > Mergeto import your assets into the scene. - Use Background Objects: For 2D animations, you might use background objects or image planes. Create a Plane object and assign your imported image as a texture to it.
3. Using MoGraph for 2D Animation:
- MoGraph Tools: Cinema 4D’s MoGraph module is very versatile for animating 2D elements. For example, you can use MoGraph Cloner objects to replicate 2D elements and animate them in various ways.
- Effectors: MoGraph Effectors (e.g., Plain Effector, Random Effector) can be applied to animate and transform 2D objects. These effectors allow you to create complex animations with ease.
4. Creating 2D Animations with 3D Tools:
- Use Planes for 2D Animation: Create simple plane objects in your scene and apply 2D graphics as textures. Animate these planes using Cinema 4D’s keyframing tools.
- Camera and Lighting: Although you’re working with 2D elements, you can use a camera and lights to add effects such as shadows or to simulate a 2D style with depth.
5. Keyframing and Animating:
- Set Keyframes: To animate your 2D assets, set keyframes for properties like position, rotation, and scale. Right-click on the property you want to animate and choose
Add Keyframeor use the Auto Keyframe feature. - Adjust Timelines: Use the Timeline or Dope Sheet to adjust keyframes and refine your animations. This view allows you to precisely control the timing of your animations.
6. Utilizing Plugins and Presets:
- Plugins: There are various third-party plugins for Cinema 4D that can enhance 2D animation capabilities. Look for plugins that offer additional 2D animation features or effects.
- Presets: Some built-in presets can simplify your animation process. Explore the Animation presets to find ones that fit your needs.
7. Rendering Your Animation:
- Set Up Rendering: Go to
Render Settingsto configure your output settings, including resolution, frame rate, and format. Set the output path where you want to save your final animation. - Render the Animation: Use the
Render Queueto render your animation. Check the rendered output to ensure everything looks as expected.
8. Tips for 2D Animation in Cinema 4D:
- Use the Xpresso Editor: For more advanced animations, you can use the Xpresso editor to create complex animations and control animations with more precision.
- Leverage Camera Views: Even for 2D animations, using different camera views can help you fine-tune the animation and get the exact look you want.
- Animate with Layers: If your 2D animation involves multiple layers, organize them properly in your scene to manage complex animations more efficiently.
Cinema 4D’s robust set of tools can bring a unique dimension to 2D animations, blending 2D and 3D elements in creative ways. If you have specific elements or techniques you want to explore further, let me know!
Conclusion
We hope you read and understand the 15+ Best 2D Animation Software. These tools are great for creating animated graphics, videos, and stories. However, choosing the best one for your project can be challenging. By considering factors such as the level of complexity and the budget, you can find the best one for your needs.
We hope you read and understand the 15+ Best 2D Animation Software. These tools are great for creating animated graphics, videos, and stories. However, choosing the best one for your project can be challenging. By considering factors such as the level of complexity and the budget, you can find the best one for your needs.
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