Hello all, In this article we will offer a comprehensive list of free 2d animation software for games. The software covered below are completely FREE to download and own, but some of these do require a premium account to access all their features. There are a lot of options out there, but the ones you will find in this list are great for beginners and also include both Mac and Windows compatible versions. We hope you find this article useful and if you have any 2d animation software or online tool that is free for games or animation please mention it in comments. Thank You !
Animation is an important aspect of any great game. When you think of some of the top video games out there, such as the new Tomb Raider, you will notice how much attention to detail was put into the character’s movements. This is because animation is a crucial aspect of that game. The artwork and design of the characters and surrounding environments brought them to life making them believable and relatable. If you want to create your own video games and bring them to life with animations, you can use free 2d animation software for games and start creating your own animation today.”
Animaker.
Launched in 2014, Animaker is a do it yourself (DIY) 2d animation software and video editor. It offers a wide range of services, including aiding users to create animated videos using in-built videos and infographics.
In 2017, it launched a vertical video creator tool (animated), the first animation company to do so.
Best for:
The in-built templates are extremely self-sufficient for basic animation work, including educational tutorials and classroom teaching.
Key Features:
- It is a cloud-based animation and video maker for GIF, short video, and live video editing
- Uses HTML and Adobe Flash
- Can directly upload animated videos to platforms like Facebook and YouTube (videos can also be downloaded as mp4 extension)
- Offers Google Chrome extension
- Has one of the largest collections of animated characters, properties, icons, charts, and maps
- Offers video creation in six different, unique styles and video layouts
- Offers video infographics
- Allows you to edit and customize explainer videos (text-to-speech, background music tracks, more than 100 sound effects)
Pros:
- Pro-level features (record, multi-movie, camera, curve, transition effects, enter, and exit effects)
- Animaker deck (pools all the features of animated videos and convenience of powerpoint on the same platform)
- Audio features include voice over and auto lip sync for characters
- Text support for more than 50languages (custom font support)
- Export video in full HD (1080 p)
Cons:
- At times, previewing can make the video lag
- Sometimes there are errors in case of video upload
- The free version does not offer HD animation
Pricing:
For starters, it offers a freemium version with basic and limited functionalities.
After that, Animaker offers three paid plans, including:
- The ‘Personal’ plan is $12 per month (payable annually).
- The ‘Startup’ plan costs $19 per month (payable annually).
- The ‘Business’ plan is priced at $39 per month (payable annually).
Synfig.
Also known as Synfig Studio, Synfig is one of the newest animation tools on the market. It is a free animation software for 2D animation and character animation. Moreover, it specializes in vector graphics solutions.
Best for:
Synfig is beneficial for creating cartoons for television, publicity campaigns, or a marketing initiative. You can use it for educational purposes as well.
Key Features:
- Supported on Mac, Windows, and Linux
- Provides two versions with different attributes for a different set of people (stable version and development version)
- Provides vector tweening and thus eliminates the need for manual tweening
- Offers a plethora of layers and filters to choose from (over 50 layers to create artwork and animation)
- Stores its own files in XML file format
- Supports animated graphic formats like GIF and MNG
- Provides advanced controls (link parameters of various layers either directly or mathematically)
- Incorporates HDRI (High Dynamic Range Imaging)
Pros:
- Free and open-source
- Free video training for an in-depth understanding of the software in four languages, including English, French, and Dutch
- Animation features include a bone system for cut-out animation using bitmap images or control vector artwork and a Skeleton Distortion Layer for bitmap artwork
Cons:
- Difficult to grasp at first
- Takes a lot of time to wrap your head around its functionings
- The user-interface is not very intuitive
- There have been complaints regarding the bugs in the software in the past
Pricing:
Synfig Studio is open-source, free, and open to use by anyone. It mainly relies on donations from patrons to provide quality solutions.
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.
Clip Studio Paint
A cross-platform drawing and animation software
SPECIFICATIONS
Platform: Windows, Mac, iOS, AndroidPrice: $219 or 2.29/monthBest for: Beginners, hobbyists and professionalsTODAY’S BEST DEALSVISIT SITE
REASONS TO BUY
+Includes drawing tools+Multiple export options
REASONS TO AVOID
-Confusing UI-No rigging toolsAdvertisement
Clip Studio Paint is a powerhouse when it comes to an all-in-one drawing and animation solution. While it may not offer a powerful rigging system, Clip Studio Paint lets you combine frame-by-frame animation with camera effects so that you can create stunning full-length animations. In addition, with its simple timeline interface, you’ll be able to easily tweak the speed of your animation and even rearrange the animation cels. Best of all: Clip Studio Paint runs on nearly every major platform.
MOHO
MOHO is a powerful 2D animation software that helps bring your imaginations to life. Firstly, the software offers you two editions which are MOHO DEBUT and MOHO PRO. MOHO DEBUT, including an intuitive user interface, ready-to-use features, is aimed at first-time animators. MOHO PRO inherits all features from MOHO DEBUT. It also comes with amazing features that can help you create professional animations. Moreover, it is beneficial for making brand anime and logos, cartoons, and films.
Image by Moho.lostmarble.com
Main Features of MOHO
- A wide variety of premade character options, scenes, stock audio & video clips, as well as scatter brushes to save your time.
- Timeline, Audio Recording & Sound Effects, Automatic Lip Synching.
- Edit multiple layers simultaneously.
- Frame-by-frame animation techniques let you change the character stage in every frame.
- Draw freehand tools to auto-convert illustrations & sketches into editable vector drawings.
Price
MOHO PRO 13.5 costs $399.99/license. (One-time purchase)
MOHO DEBUT 13.5 costs $59.99/license. (One-time purchase)
Conclusion
If you plan to start building your own game today, you’re probably looking for some of the best 2d animation software programs. This is why you came here. The good thing is that 3D animation software is not always needed. You can make your game using simple 2D drawing applications like pencils and paper (haha). But these days, using software like Picasa or Adobe Photoshop for game graphics is more popular with developers all around the world. This guide presents 5 free 2d animation software for games that are easy to use, professionally designed, and affordable.