Have you ever wanted to create some great 2D animation without the huge upfront costs? There are many free software programs that can help you create just that. This list includes some of the best 2D animation software options out there.
Here is the list of top ten best 2d animation software. The definition of 2D Animation Software is an Animation software for creating 2D animated content. Basically 2D animation software are used to create animated movies for TV, Videos, Cartoons, Movies, Tv series etc. This article will be useful for students who are searching on google or any other search engine for finding out best software for animation.
Animation Studios
Animation studios is an all-in-one videoediting software for making 2D explainer videos in any language. Name thelanguage or niche, and you have it. It is one of the best software with groovyand cool templates with the trending niche. Make the videos from scratch. Ithas in-built assets, props, and characters. Enjoy the experience of makingamazing videos with a professional experience. It helps you in reaching out toa global audience. It has so many languages that you can translate it quickly. Anaverage mobile user spends 4-6 hours a day watching videos, the videos createdwith animation studios help impact the viewers’ minds. With entertaining andcatchy content, you can create your brand, business, and website for free.
WHY CHOOSE ANIMATION STUDIO?
• Takes minutes to create studio-grade videos.
• It provides you with an unlimited commercial license.
• It is hosted on the Microsoft cloud platform.
Pros:
- This free animation software is super easy to use for beginners as well as for experts.
- In order to create or edit videos, there is no need for any technical skills.
Cons:
- This software has a custom story interface that creates videos from scratch.
Get AnimationStudio For Just $67/month $47 One-Time!
Get Instant Access To AnimationStudio!
Your low investment is protected by a 30 day money back guarantee
2. Synfig
Synfig is one of the best free 2D animation software that is compatible with Windows, OSX, and Linux. The best thing about Synfig is that it provides more than 50 layers you can choose from to create simple or professional animation. It does not impose any limitations on you. If you search online, you will find tutorials to get started with using Synfig to create animation.
As a beginner, Synfig studio is the best place for you to start learning 2D animation. Synfig is an open-source application with a stable version and testing version. You can experiment with the testing version before the new features are released in the stable version.
Features of Synfig
1. Allows several layers of content
2. Support using bitmap images through its bone system function
3. Allows adding audio files, voiceovers, or music to the project.
Pros:
- This software is very powerful due to which you can do anything that you imagine for your video.
- In this software, there is a plugin capability that helps you in enhancing your animation videos.
- It is super affordable due to which anyone can easily buy it.
Cons:
- There are few operations that make this software crash due to which you have to continuously save your work.
- It is very heavy software which makes it hard to start.
3. Opentoonz
This is another free 2D animation software best suited for beginners. The software is compatible with Windows and OSX devices. Opentoonz comes with pre-loaded plugins that allow creating amazing animation effects automatically without needing more editing. However, the downside of Opentoonz is that the design of its user interface is outdated compared to other 2D animation software in the market. Regardless, users would still have an exhilarating experience.
Opentoonz is easy-to-use, free, and available for download. Meanwhile, users can modify the source code to introduce new features to the software.
Features of Opentoonz
1. Allows changing picture styles
2. In-built GTS scanning too
3. Supports adding light effects and distortion
4. Supports black and white and colored scans
Pros:
- This software offers more customizable brushes that allow you to enhance your animation videos
- It is best for experienced users.
Cons:
- It is difficult to learn and use for beginners.
- Its design is outdated
Maefloresta
Another free animation software for beginners, you can use is Maefloresta. It is a free app that supports both iPhone and Android devices. This software allows learning and creating animated content on the go. It is easy to use for beginners. Meanwhile, you may not get the installer online except you email the software company. The best thing is the flexibility to use the software on Android and iOS devices. Above all, the software is free of charge – you so not have to pay for some animation software to create fun videos.
Features of Maefloresta
1. Free downloadable app for both iOS and Android devices
2. Easy-to-use animation software with tutorial
3. User-friendly interface easy to use for beginners
Pros:
- It is available on your smartphones and is compatible with iOS as well as android.
- It is free to download and is designed for those who want to create small videos and animations.
Cons:
- In this software, you may not get the installer online except
Pencil 2D
Pencil 2D is a great 2D animation software that is compatible with OSX, Windows, and Linux. Pencil 2D is a free software that comes with tutorials in multiple languages – English, Portuguese, and Spanish.
The downside of Pencil 2D is that it does not support shapes tools, which makes creating or drawing shapes impossible. Meanwhile, Pencil 2D is an open-source 2D software. It is user-friendly and easy-to-use.
Features of Pencil 2D
1. Supports switching between vector and raster workflow
2. Minimalist design for easy animation creation
3. Cross-platform compatibility.
Pros:
- It has a minimalistic interface with nothing unnecessary, which makes your animation creation easy.
- This software is free due to which everyone can easily use it.
Cons:
- This best free 2d animation software is lightweight as there are not many tools present in it.
- It does not support shapes tools due to which it becomes impossible to create or draw shapes.
Toon Boom Harmony
Toon Boom Harmony is one of the best paid animation software. It comes with 21 days trial period, after which you would be required to pay $109 per month before you can use the software again. The software is compatible with OSX, Windows, and Linux.
With Toon Boom Harmony, creating 2D and 3D animations is hassle-free. However, it takes some time to learn to make 2D animation for newbies.
Toon Boom Harmony is best suited for narrating a story through 2D images, creating an art piece, or creating a message for your audience.
It is professional software that contains vector and bitmap tools to create art, 3D imported models, and best suited for creating multiplane scenes with z-depth. It may take some time to master the learning curve of this software; it is worth it.
Features of Toon Boom Harmony
1. Built-in vector and bitmap drawing tool
2. Advanced color pallettes and painting options
3. Supports 2D and 3D integration to create impressive animation
4. Cut-out animation tools
5. Conventional paperless animation
Pros:
- There are a load of features that everyone requires.
- It contains vector and bitmap tools to create art, 3D imported models and a lot more.
Cons:
- This software demands resources
- It might be expensive for beginners.
Renderforest.
Renderforest is an all-in-one online video, animation, logo, and website maker. This tool is great for web designers, business owners, and those who aren’t necessarily looking for advanced 3D modeling.
If you aren’t a design expert but need to create a logo, animated video, music visualization, or professional intro, Renderforest is the obvious choice.
Renderforest is Best for:
Business owners that don’t want to hire an animator but can follow easy online instructions will benefit from joining Renderforest. If you don’t know how to code but want professional animations at one monthly price, this software is for you.
CelAction2D
Best Features:
- Machine learning and AI deliver the best logo design options with just a few clicks
- Over 50,000 unique artwork files to choose from
- Professional mockups and uploadable brand guidelines
- 100+ pre-made mobile-friendly website design templates
- Hundreds of animated video templates to suit your needs including slideshows, intros, explainer videos, logo reveals, corporate presentations, and animated infographics,
- Ready-made animated blocks
- One-click web page animations
Pros:
- A super-intuitive user interface allows you to create animated videos in a few clicks
- Their advanced AI does truly understand how to provide you high-quality logo and graphics
- Simple monthly pricing depending on how many videos you need
Pricing:
Plans range from free to $49.99/month depending on how many animated videos you need. I recommend their popular $39.99/month plan, which is made for businesses that create a lot of videos. This plan includes 40 GB of storage, 60 720p or 30 1080p videos per month, unlimited vector logos, and one free website.
Sign up for Renderforest for free today to test it out. Try Renderforest
This is another free 2D animation software. It has a paid version, the studio Edition that costs $1,300 for a single license. CelAction2D is compatible with OSX, Windows, and Linux. The software is light and does not encumber the system’s processor due to its low system requirements.
CelAction2D is the best 2D animation software to create unique and complex animation videos. The software has everything you need. It is best suited for beginners, intermediate, and advanced users.
Features of CelAction2D
1. Handles complex projects easily
2. Easy to use for professional
3. Has ergonomic control
4. Compatible with all Windows and Mac
5. More controls through the multiplane camera function
Pros:
- This software can operate thousands of layers which can be beneficial for experts.
- There is no need for numerous resources.
Cons:
- It is very hard to animate movement by using this software.
- The cost of a lifetime license is high in front of other software.
Moho (Anime Studio) Pro
Moho Pro is one of the best paid animation software. It costs only $399.99 to have its full package. The software is compatible with OSX with Windows. The software gets updated and upgraded regularly to introduce new features and tools. The downside of Moho Pro is that it is not user-friendly for beginners.
Meanwhile, if you intend to become a professional 2D animator, Anime Studio Pro is the right animation software you should lay your hands on. It is affordable and best suited for flash-style animations.
Features of Moho Pro
1. Allows the animation of several layers concurrently
2. Feature freehand drawing tools for flexibility and complete control
3. Realistic motion blur
4. Freedom to design videos as you wish
5. Smart warp for easy creation of custom meshes for bending and twisting animations
Pros:
- This software supports drawing tablets that enhance your animations.
- With this software, you will get a strong user community.
Cons:
- There are lots of features present in this software among which some are hard to master.
- The major drawback of this software is that it is not very precise in synchronizing character lips with their speech.
Stop Motion Studio
Stop Motion Studio is the top paid animation software that is compatible with OSX, Windows, iOS, and Android. The software costs $59.99 to own a license. The software comes with built-in sound to create a unique animation. It also supports recording or importing voice over to use on the video. The only limitation that Stop Motion Studio has is that it can only create 2D stop motion animations.
If you are looking for the best way to create fun animation or 2D animated presentation, Stop Motion Studio comes handy. You can use a high-end camera with the software as it has DSLR support.
Features of Stop Motion Studio
1. Comes with Chroma key, audio recording option, and voice effects
2. Supports viewing previous frames through a transparent overlay
3. Supports DSLR camera for 1080 HD recordings
4. Supports sharing videos to Facebook and YouTube
Pros:
- In this 2d animation software, there is a sharing option present due to which you can share your video on any platform.
- In this software there are good tutorials present, thus anyone can use it easily.
Cons:
- The major drawback of this software is that the full version of this software is not free.
- In this software, there are no templates available.
FlipBook
FlipBook is a top-of-the-line 2D animation software. It costs from $19.99 to $199.99 for different grades. It is compatible with OSX and Windows. With this software, you can draw your images. You can also scan images and add sound to your project. You can create an incredible video with FlipBook. However, the software does not come with bone rigging, which makes making subtle changing impossible.
FlipBook is suitable for both beginners and pros. It makes 2D animation creation hassles-free and exciting. If you are a lover of 2D cartoon animation, this is the best animation software for you.
Features of FlipBook
1. Supports scanning images to be added to a project
2. Provides ten layers for effective editing and adding final touches
3. Allows speed painting by pressing the shift key
4. Allows real-time editing
Pros:
- This software is compatible with drawing tablets which help you in making your animation more creative.
- The biggest pro of this software is that you can work with imported images like scans and a lot more.
Cons:
- In this software, there is no template present.
- With this software, you can only do manual drawing.
Vidtoon
Vidtoon is fairly new in the field of video animation. It has proved to be one of the fastest and easy to use animation software out there. With this tool you get an extensive library of pre-made motion graphics, animated characters, audio, text and many more elements.
You don’t need to be a professional designer or have a lot of technical knowledge to be able to use Vidtoon. It’s drag and drop interface makes it very easy to create attractive animations in a short amount of time.
The animations created using Vidtoon are bound to grab the attention of viewers because of their high quality. This is very essential for business owners who want to generate audience engagement for their products or services.
With Vidtoon you can create various kinds of videos like product or service demo videos, explainer videos, video for advertisements, tutorials, etc. All this at an affordable price of $49.
Features of Vidtoon :
- Vidtoon with its drag and drop interface is one of the fastest video animation software. You can add elements, effects, and transitions, modify the backgrounds and export your videos in a matter of seconds.
- Vidtoon has a library full of royalty free images. Further, there are graphics, HD backgrounds, audios, texts and many more such elements to help you create impressive animated videos. You get all these elements with your paid subscription.
- As it has a simple drag and drop interface, you don’t need to be a pro at animation to use it. Its learning curve is almost negligible.
- You don’t need to pay any extra cost for rendering your videos. After creating your videos on Vidtoon you can simply download them to export or share according to your needs.
- Vidtoons lets you place the various elements in your videos exactly where you want them to be. This is possible with its Free Roam Canvas Feature.
- You can convert text into real human speech with Microsoft or Google Text To Speech in Vidtoon.
Pros:
- Export videos in HD quality.
- Camera focus can be changed by zooming in or out.
- Latest user interface.
- Built-in library with royalty free images.
- Additional transitions and animations.
- Dedicated training is available.
Cons:
- You may find the funnel to be quite deep but your problems will be solved by an efficient front end.
Reallusion CrazyTalk Animator
This is topnotch paid animation software for professionals. It costs $99 to $199, and it is compatible with OSX and Windows. Whether you are a beginner or professional, Reallusion CrazyTalk Animator has something for everyone. It allows the characters’ control without any hassles. Meanwhile, the downside of the problem is that it requires Photoshop to import and export videos.
You can control your characters through your facial expression and lip-syncing. Most marketers, educators, and YouTubers use Reallusion CrazyTalk Animator for their animation videos.
Features of Reallusion CrazyTalk Animator
1. Supports real-time control through facial expression
2. Bundled with tools to turn an image into a moving cartoon
3. Supports making 2D visual effects
Pros:
- It allows you to make 3D animated cartoons.
- This best 2d animation software uses voice and text to vividly animate facial images.
Cons:
- This software requires Photoshop to import and export videos.
Conclusion
There are a number of free animation software programs in the market today. I have tried a few and have found some that have worked well for me, with two being my favourites.