Animation, as an art form and also a career, allows you to express yourself, show your creativity and also to earn money. If you are new in this area of art and want to learn animation without any rush, check out the most useful software available under 100 USD and find out what is the best animation software for beginners and professionals.
We have researched the market and found our list of ‘Best Animation Software for Beginners’ which are all guaranteed to be both easy to use and effective at helping you create your own animations. These programs have been chosen as they offer the best combination of price and features needed in a good animation software package.
Toonator
Pros
- The easy and funny animation style is loved by many users
- Users can upload thire work to here
Cons
- Lack of advanced features
Toonator is a very niche online animator that will allow you to create cartoons to your liking. Say you want to create a funny cartoon from scratch, or edit some graphics that others have created – you can do it with Toonator.
And the best part is that it features fill integration with tablets. You can open up a window and start drawing with your fingers or a pen immediately!
Features:
- A library of popular and recently-added cartoon clips made by other users of the program.
- Easy to create your own cartoons, edit others, or enhance ones that you have created in the past!
- The ability to draw right onto the program when you are using a tablet is very helpful.
Powtoon
Price: $19/month. $29/month. $99/month.
Pros
- Making prensention online is what Powtoon focus
- Business users give a high rate
Cons
- It doesn’t suport 3D animation and keyframing
Hoping to create professional videos or animated content that you can showcase to customers or clients? With Powtoon you do not have to pay tons of money for expensive software.
In fact, you do not even need a powerful computer to get these videos made. You can use this cloud-based animated video maker to create professional animated content.
Features:
- Powtoon has integration with some of the top sites, apps, and content providers out there.
- There is a vast collection of media files that you can use for free within your own content.
- Customizing the templates and graphics you have chosen is very easy. Your video will look unique by the end.
Vyond
Price: $299/year. $649/year. $999/year.
Pros
- Use storytelling to let animation interesting
- It is easy and afforable to for everyone
- Offer a comprehensive business solution service
Cons
- The pricing plan is more expensive compared with other online solutions
Wanting to create professional animated videos that will impress your bosses? Hoping to promote your personal brand through a social media video? You can create such content using Vyond.
You can try the program for free before you choose whether you want to purchase the full version.
Features:
- There are options for video marketing, training videos, whiteboard animations, sales videos, and video presentations.
- Many templates available to help you get your animated video made quickly.
- Many royalty-free images and videos you can use to enhance your content.
- Three subscription plan options after the free trial run out: GoPublish, GoPremium, and GoTeam.
Autodesk Maya
Powerful 3D animation software for VFX and character creation
SPECIFICATIONS
Platform: Windows, Mac and LinuxPrice: $1,700/yearBest for: ProfessionalsTODAY’S BEST DEALSAutodesk Maya – 1 Year£1,872VISIT SITEat Autodesk – Europe
REASONS TO BUY
+Full animation solution+Physics engine and rendering
REASONS TO AVOID
-High yearly cost-Resource heavy
Autodesk’s Maya is undoubtedly one of the best if you’re a professional animator looking for a powerful 3D animation tool. With Maya, you get it all: modelling, animation, visual effects. As if that wasn’t good enough, Maya has one of the best physics engines and rendering systems on the market.
Maya also ships with a unique feature known as XGen interactive grooming. XGen interactive grooming includes tools like sculpting brushes, modifiers, and sculpting layers. Using these tools, you’ll be able to create many different styles of hair and fur.
Cartoon Animator 4
The best 2D animation software for all content creators
SPECIFICATIONS
Platform: Windows and MacPrice: Starts at $79Best for: Beginners, hobbyists and professionalsTODAY’S BEST DEALSVISIT SITE
REASONS TO BUY
+3D motion to 2D animation+Works with PSD tools and Wacom
REASONS TO AVOID
-Steep learning curve-No drawing tools
The folks at Reallusion have certainly been busy. Cartoon Animator 4.5 (formerly known as CrazyTalk Animator) is their newest release, and golly if it’s not jammed packed with features. While it may not be an industry standard, Cartoon Animator is powerful enough to create professional animations.
From smart IK motion editing to full-body motion capture, Cartoon Animator has it all and more. For example, with its sprite-based facial system, you can quickly transform a 2D face into a 3D talking head. But that’s not all: Cartoon Animator includes rigging and bone tool so that you can create believable multi-angled 2D characters.
Adobe Character Animator
Bring your characters to life with this beginner-friendly software
SPECIFICATIONS
Platform: Windows and MacPrice: $52.99/monthBest for: Beginners, hobbyists and professionalsTODAY’S BEST DEALSAdobe Character Animator CC£238.42VISIT SITEat Adobe
REASONS TO BUY
+Animate in real-time+Integrates with other Adobe products
REASONS TO AVOID
-Limited use cases-No drawing tools
Adobe Character Animator gives you all of the tools you need to quickly and efficiently animate your 2D characters, from lip-syncing to motion capture technology. With its seamless Photoshop and Illustrator file integration, you can create your characters using your favourite tools and then bring them into Character Animator to bring them to life. You can even live-stream your characters!
K-3D
Image courtesy of K-3D
K-3D is an animation and 3D modeling software. It combines plugins with a visualization pipeline architecture to make it a powerful and flexible tool for artists. This free animation software allows users to create unique combinations in their work.
K-3D offers a number of features to make an artist’s work as easy as possible:
- An advanced undo/redo function
- Properties that can be adjusted interactively
- A node-based visualization pipeline
What users like
“This is the tool with the features, speed and stability for you.”
— K-3D review by a user in graphic design
What users dislike
The same K-3D reviewer said, “Great program all around, only complaint, just wish it had some sort of quick getting started guide, considering that’s my only complaint, always have this installed on my comp.”
Conclusion
You don’t have to be a professional animator to create high quality animations. In fact, this animation software for beginners removes many of the technical barriers that prevent most people from sharing their ideas.