Today’s computer technology has enabled new tools for character animators. We thought it would be interesting to review some of the most popular software for character animation, starting with 3D animation software.
There are many different software programs that are used for the creation of character animation. Not all of them are easy to use, but some are far easier than others. The ones that are easy enough for someone without experience in animation to use are certainly worth considering if you don’t want to take on employment or freelance work to get something started.
Mango Animate Character Maker
Mango Animate Character Maker (Mango Animate CM) is the best character animation software specially developed for beginners. It provides a variety of action skeleton templates that allow users to easily convert multiple images in PNG / PSD format into realistic 2D animated characters. Mango Animate CM is equipped with a rich library of premade motions so users can quickly and easily animate the character they choose. It can also customize animated characters, change their clothes or skin color, add facial expressions to express wonderful stories.
Animiz
Animiz happens to be a great addition to existing bunch of animation software that allows you full control over character customization, letting you choose from the motions, emotions and actions just to give it a realistic touch. Animation designers can also utilise the voice-over narration feature to illustrate a story of their choice.
Mixamo
Mixamo chooses the shortest possible way to an animated 3D character. This involves only a 5-step procedure starting with imaging and ending with designing. In-between, simple steps like create, rig and animate paves the way to a unique model in just a couple of minutes. Bid farewell to painstaking weight painting by using this desktop app, without having to model from scratch. Also, you can pick from the rigged 3D characters to get your project done in minutes!
Autodesk Maya
Autodesk Maya is just the right toolkit for professional animation designers out there. Being comprehensive software that includes rendering, simulation and modelling all at the same time, it is a medium to channel your technical and artistic proficiencies into thrilling 3D animations. As per its novel features are concerned, clump modifier, MASH nodes, UV editor and after effects live link are some of the notable aspects that are worth mentioning.
Adobe Character Animator
Animate in real-time. Really.
Being one of the newest additions in Adobe family, Adobe Character Animator is a powerful tool which allows you to animate cartoon characters in real time very easily and fast. The software works very simply. You plug in your mic and cam. Then import a character specifically prepared for animation in Adobe Character Animator (called a puppet). The program detects your facial expressions and voice in order to animate the character’s face. By using pre-defined triggers and functions, you make the character walk, make gestures, hold objects, and more.
Features:
- automatic lipsyncing and animation of facial features like mouth, eyes, eyebrows;
- support of real-time animation and live streaming;
- in-app template puppets;
- streamline recording and editing;
- scene snapshots which act like onion-skinning;
- walk cycles, behaviors, breathing, blinking and other animation options;
- replays, magnets, and more functions.
- Perfect for online education, game streaming, live chat and more.
Pricing plans:
- Free trial – 7 days
- Creative Cloud All Apps – $52.99/month billed annually
- Students and teachers – $19.99/month billed annually
- Business – from $33.99/month billed annually
Stop Motion Studio
Stop-motion animation software for beginners
An app perfect for beginners in video making. Stop Motion Studio will help you create amazing 4K stop-motion animations that can easily be mixed with 2D style drawings painted directly onto the image.
With the frame-by-frame editor enriched with super handy features, you have a powerful and affordable app for your device. Stop Motion Studio can be installed on iPhone, iPad, macOS, Android, and Windows, and you can easily open the same project on different devices.
Features:
- 4K ultra HD videos;
- runs on iPhone, iPad, macOS, Android, and Windows;
- manual or automatic control of the focus, exposure, ISO, white balance
- DSLR camera support;
- green screen option and background library;
- import of images, audio, video files;
- frame-by-frame view and easy editing;
- grid and onion skinning options;
- connect a remote camera as a second device;
- paint tools, sound effects, magic eraser, and more handy tools.
Pricing:
- for iOS – $4.99
- for Mac – $9.99
- for Android – $4.99
- for Windows – $1.99
After Effects
After Effects is a motion graphics and digital visual effects application developed by Adobe. This tool helps you to easily remove elements in the film.
Features:
- This tool provides more than 100 options for selecting effects.
- You can preview your playback using GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).
- It allows you to animate titles.
- You can combine images and videos to create animation.
- This tool provides more than 100 options for selecting effects.
- You can remove an object from a video clip.
Adobe Character Animator
Adobe Character Animator is a software product that helps you to animate characters in real time. You can utilize this software to turn any art into animated characters with webcam.
Features:
- It helps you to create an animation that matches with your facial expression.
- You can animate with arms, legs, and heads.
- This tool allows you to set up specific shots like a close-up and zoom.
- You can design characters to convey movement and speed.
- It provides a Keyframes to create a moment.
- You can sync audio to your animation.
Maxon
Maxon is a 3D modeling, motion, and rendering software designed by MAXON Computer. It is capable of animating, lightning, and texturing. This tool helps you to work on both 3D graphics as well as animation.
Features:
- This 3D rendering software helps you to create both realistic and abstract models.
- You can create high-quality product visualization using customizable models.
- It enables you to choose fonts quickly from the drop-down menu showing preview.
- This tool offers procedural objects and shaders make, which makes it easy to refine your ideas.
Link: https://www.maxon.net/en/
Conclusion
There are many factors that can affect character animation performance. These factors are directly related to the character, the selected method of animation, and your personal machine or network. When these factors are considered, it can give you better insight into what type of personal computer hardware may be needed to improve the performance. There are many different types of software available for animating characters. Some methods are more demanding than others. As a result, one computer may work well with one method while another may need a more capable machine to get optimal results with the same software.