Today, we will explore free 2d animation software for windows 10 which can be used to animate characters and realistic 3D models. To know the best 2d animation software for windows 10, we will look at different features and workflows of five popular 2d animation softwares: Synfig Studio, Pencil, OpenToonz, Anime Studio and Moho Pro.
In the past it was very expensive to do 2d animated movies. A lot of professional animators used to use traditional cameras and film for this type of project. But with the help of new technologies, there are even free software’s that can do that. Some software is specifically created for video animation while others can be applied for that purpose too. Below you will find a list of free 2d animation software for Windows 10
Maya.
Initially established in 1998, Maya is an Academy Award-winning (2003) 3D computer graphics and animation software. Currently owned by Autodesk, it is especially useful for the creation of interactive 3D applications like motion pictures, video games, TV series, special effects, and more.
It is, without any doubt, one of the best software tools on the market providing 3D animation, and has been acclaimed for its use in notable films like ‘Lord of the Rings,’ ‘Spiderman,’ ‘Star Wars,’ and ‘Ice Age.’
The best part is that it is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Best for:
Maya is one of the best animation software tools for creating animation pictures, video games, and adding 3D effects in motion pictures. If you require high-quality visual effects, then Maya has you covered.
Advanced Features:
- Clip matching feature
- Bifrost liquid creation feature that creates simulations of photorealistic movies
- Excellent character animator
- Allows deep adaptive liquid simulations
- In-built accelerated modeling workflows
- Paint effect feature that allows you to make 3D shapes by freehand drawing tools and drawing software
- Enhanced viewport 2.0 and DX11Shader rendering engine (blur refFlections, shader effects, imparting translucency)
- Free-form approach to 3D modeling that allows you to add as many layers as you want
- Arnold integration – this RenderView feature can be used to view scene changes in real-time
- Create your own scripts and plugins for better customization (in Maya-embedded Language or python scripting)
- Voice-o-matic provides lip-syncing technology, motion capture, and walk cycles
Pros:
- Complex hand-made animation tasks made extremely easy
- Efficient color management (useful Boolean operations on polygon geometry)
- Create realistic effects including explosions and cloth simulations
- Excellent rendering technology even for the most advanced projects
- Comes with a 30-day free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee
Pricing:
Maya is easily the best 3D animation software on the market and comes in at a reasonable cost of $1,545/year (or pay $195/month). They also offer a 30-day free trial so you can test the software before making the purchase.
Maya is one of the best on the market and my #2 pick this year.
You can test out Maya for free with a 30-day free trial or purchase a yearly plan and save 33%.
Pencil2D.
Pencil2D is a simple and intuitive tool that helps you create 2D hand-drawn animations.
Open-source, and entirely free of cost, it is open to use by anyone, even for commercial purposes. On top of that, it is decidedly user-friendly, making it an ideal animation software for beginners who want to hand draw character designs.
Best for:
This tool is tailor-made for traditional artists trying to learn about and master digital art. Pencil2D is also an easy-to-use platform for beginner digital artists with very basic requirements.
Key Features:
- Very lightweight and easy-to-use
- Seamlessly switch between workflows (Raster and Vector), which allows you to streamline and speed-up your work
- Cross-platform software (runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux)
- Unique ‘Timeline’ feature that will enable you to choose the pace at which the animation moves
Pros:
- One of the cheapest tools on the market
- User-friendly and intuitive user interface
- Comes with in-depth tutorials to help you get started
- Minimal designing that lets you focus on the job at hand (animation) and paper drawings
- Website continually updates you with the latest news and information regarding the software
- Free access to a community of users to discuss problems, developments, and for brainstorming sessions
Cons:
- Must use separate layers for every image (similar to PhotoShop, Anime Studio, Adobe Animate, Adobe After Effects, Disney products, and Toon Boom Harmony)
- Not yet available for 3D animation
- Importing and exporting feature needs to be better
Pricing:
Pencil2D is entirely free of cost since it is an open-source software tool. You can access and download it online easily. Pencil 2D is the best free animation software for anyone just starting their animation journey.
Synfig Studio
The best free animation software is powerful and open source
SPECIFICATIONS
Platform: Windows, Mac, LinuxPrice: FreeBest for: Beginners and hobbyistsTODAY’S BEST DEALSVISIT SITE
REASONS TO BUY
+Digital tweening+Vector support
REASONS TO AVOID
-Steep learning curve-Software sometimes crashesAdvertisementhttps://0160f8e7037fa8361d3966eafb2ccb16.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html
More robust than other free and open-source animation tools, Synfig Studio offers advanced controls where you can link parameters of various layers, allowing you to create advanced character puppets and other dynamic structures.
Speaking of layers, with Synfig Studio, you can use over 50 layers and choose from various layer types, like geometric, gradients, filters, distortions, transformations, and fractals. But that’s not all: Synfig Studio also includes a full-featured bone system that you can use to rig your vector artwork or create cutout animation using bitmap images.
Adobe Character Animator
Adobe Character Animator is a powerful tool that allows you to animate a character in seconds. Firstly, the software is easy to use. It also comes in handy for beginners that would like to make intuitive 2D cartoon characters and live animations. After importing art from Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop, or start with built-in templates (called a puppet), turn your microphone and webcam on. Then, the application matches your expressions from lip-syncing to eye-tracking to animate in real-time. After that, your performance can bring the character to life.
Image by Adobe.com
Main Features of Adobe Character Animator
- The timeline search filter helps track items. Besides, you can hide or isolate tracks, create groups for better organization.
- Control your puppet using your webcam, microphone, as well as mouse.
- Built-in triggers and functions make the character move, react, hold objects, and so on.
- Lip sync is more accurate thanks to improved Adobe Sensei machine learning.
- Ground detection makes your character jump, dance, as well as bend more naturally.
- Easily integrate with other Adobe applications, for example, to export a scene or puppet.
Price
Individuals plan costs $69.72/month/all apps.
The business plan starts at $50.50/month.
Students and Teachers plan costs S$26.30/month the first year and S$39.46/month after that.
Schools and Universities plan costs $51.99/month/all apps and $22.27/month/single app.
Conclusion
Today there are very few people who can’t imagine their life without PC computers. They have become an integral part of our lives, whether it is work or homework. Computers have become an important part of education, education is the base for any further step in this world. However, laptops, tablets and smartphones can not always replace high-performance office computers.