Software for animation is a Japanese software package created by Fukushima-based programmer and illustrator Hikaru. This software package has been used in the production of several Japanese anime television shows and in overseas projects such as “The Simpsons”.
Step into the world of animation video making with this software powerhouse. Features include easy to use tools, high definition video, vector graphic control, and more!
Autodesk Maya
Use on: Windows, Mac OS, Linux
Best for: Everyone, beginner to pro
Many beginner animators want to know: What animation software does Disney use? Well, look no further—while Disney artists use a variety of animation software, one of the most popular choices is Autodesk Maya. (If your question, on the other hand, is “What animation software does Pixar use?” it’s a proprietary software that’s not available to animators outside of the company.)
For many professional animators and animation studios, Autodesk Maya is the industry standard. This 3D animation software is ideal for character creation, modeling, simulation, motion graphics, and more. It’s been used to create animation for movies including “Finding Nemo,” “Monsters, Inc.,” and “Avatar.”
After a free trial, pricing begins at $122 per month (for a three-year license), although monthly plans are also available. If you’re a current student, you may be able to access Autodesk Maya for free.
Adobe Animate
Use on: Windows, Mac OS
Best for: Everyone, beginner to pro
If you want to create a traditional cartoon, Adobe Animate is a great 2D animation software option. With this software, you have the ability to animate using a variety of different techniques, including hand-drawn, frame-by-frame animation, as well as puppet animation, which allows you to manipulate a character rig without redrawing it. You can even import a character created in Procreate or another illustration tool and animate it within this software.
Many shows have been created using Adobe Animate (previously known as Adobe Flash), such as “My Little Pony.” Adobe Animate is available as part of the Adobe Creative Cloud subscription model, but it can also be purchased individually (unlike some other programs, like Adobe Character Animator).
GoAnimate
“Make your first video in less than 5 minutes”. Obviously, ease of use is the biggest advantage of this animated video software. As listed on the site, the eLearning industry is definitely a field where such a tool could find good use.
- Lip-Syncing And Voice-Over Narration
The only thing the user has to do is provide the words. The platform syncs the words with the character’s voice automatically. If you add a voice track to the background then the platform automatically assigns it as voice-over narration. - Industry And Occupation-Specific Templates
GoAnimate comes packed with animation templates for an array of different industries and occupations. Great feature for creating animation videos that learners of each industry can relate with. - Character Customization
Character customization features in GoAnimate are quite extensive, with the user being able to choose all aspects of a person’s appearance.
Plans And Pricing
- 3 Premium Options Available
The basic “Go Publish” package runs at $39 per month or $299 per year and includes great features such as 720p videos and unlimited video production. The “Go Premium” package runs at $79 per month or $599 per year with 70 premium music tracks and a live chat feature. The “Go Team” package asks for a monthly $159 or $999 per year and offers 1080p videos 100+ premium music tracks and the ability to import fonts.
Moovly
We put our own platform at the top of the pile for a reason. Before we tell you why Moovly is number one, here is some background information about our animation platform.
Moovly is an online video animation maker which is entirely cloud-based. No need to download and install any software. All that is required is a working web browser and an internet connection, and you can get started creating animations in no time.
Now that you have the basics, what makes Moovly our top pick?
For starters, with Moovly you are not limited to one or a few specific styles. You can create videos in doodle or cartoon styles, but you can also choose any other style you prefer, even your company, organization or school style!
Moovly has unique media libraries with over 1 million media assets you can use, including stock videos, motion graphics, music, sound effects, photos and illustrations, all royalty free and free for you to include in your videos!
Unlike most of the other top video animation makers that feature on this blog, Moovly offers a full-featured Free version. Sign up for free and immediately start working on your animated video, it’s that easy!
Adobe Character Animator
Use on: Windows, Mac OS
Best for: Beginners
Adobe Character Animator is perfect for beginners, even those with very little animation experience. That’s because creating and animating a character in this program requires very few animation skills.
Here’s how it works: You choose a character (called a puppet), which can be your own artwork imported from Procreate, Adobe Photoshop, or Adobe Illustrator. Then, the program uses your computer’s microphone and camera to detect your voice and movements and animate the character. Essentially, you use your own performance to animate a character in real time. Whatever you do with your face—including your mouth, eyes, and eyebrows—your character does. Plus, you can add in other movements, like hand gestures.
Ultimately, this allows beginners to create animations quickly and easily. However, it’s best used for animations that are mostly dialogue, as there is limited functionality to create action and physical movement. Interested in seeing an example? Showtime’s “Our Cartoon President” is created with this animation software.
Character Animator is available as part of Adobe Creative Cloud’s “All Apps” plan.
CrazyTalk
This is one of the most entertaining animated video software mainly focusing on facial animation for both Windows and Mac. Lots of great features including a 3D head creation tool.
- 3D Character Pipeline
Easy creation of 3D avatars as well as full body animations. - Talking Avatars
Import your photo and CrazyTalk will give voice to it. 2D or 3D avatars made from your personal pictures with 3D face fitting technology. - Appearance Customization
CrazyTalk allows users to fully modify physical features, clothing and hairstyle. - Auto Motion And Auto Lip-Sync
The platform adjusts the avatar’s head movements and facial expressions to suit the voice tone of the audio file the user provided. Mouth and lip movements are also synchronized with the voice.
Plans And Pricing
- 3 Premium Options Available
The Standard edition can be purchased at $39. The Pro package costs $99 and the Pipeline package costs $149. User’s choice depends on what type of features are needed.
Conclusion
Updated day to day video tutorial software for Maya, Blender and other 3D animated formats to make animation easier and faster for students, freelancers and makers.