Our collection of the best free animation software for beginners will help you learn computer animation techniques. Whether you’re just getting started or are a true beginner, our list of best free programs will help you get more out of each project. Whether you’re interested in stop motion, 3D modeling, or other computer animation techniques, we’ve got free software that can help you master the art.
There are many great animation software programs on the market that make it possible to create animation for free.The more advanced animation software packages can be very expensive, especially for students and beginners who are just starting out.
Source Filmmaker
Features:
- The virtual movie set with lights, actors, props, and cameras
- Create your own movies and add features as per your requirement
- Manages entire workflow needed to make a movie into one single system
This 3D animation software lets you make a movie inside the game engine Source. Wondering how? It is because whatever assets are present in the game, the Source Filmmaker uses it. So, the assets of the game are used by SFM in the film and vice versa. The features of this movie-making tool include:
Features:
- Renders power of a modern gaming PC
- Whatever you see in the game is what you get in the movie
- Completely free to download
Maya
Pros:
- Perfect accuracy and control
- Create flying logos, titles sequences, branding, etc.
- Higher performance in a high fidelity environment
If you wish to create or develop games, 3D scenes, movies, or people, Maya is definitely one of the best 3D animation software tools available. Although a paid software, Maya 3D animation creator does complete justice to its various features of coloring, animating, and modeling.
Maya LT – Create 3D characters and environments for your indie game with a more cost-effective tool based on production-proven 3D products. Buy now! The features are:
Features:
- 30 days of a free trial
- Uncomplicated software
- Create complex technical effects
- High-level animation edits
Cinema 4D
Pros:
- Dissect complete scenes
- Customized with a huge range of assets
A faster 3D animation software tool than Maya, Cinema 4D offers a gentle curve for learning but, does not cover all like Maya. The high-speed feature makes the Cinema 4D software desirable in the television, advertisements, and various motion graphics. The features are:
Features:
- Extensive library of preset scenes, material, and objects
- Develop concepts without time modeling
Blender
Blender is a completely free-to-use, open-source 3D animation platform. It can be used for 3D modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing, motion tracking, and video editing. Users can even create 2D animations using this software.
Best for
Professional animators working at indie studios, or starting their own studio. Good for those looking to be a part of something bigger in regards to animation software as Blender allows for community-driven and community-designed updates.
Clara.io
If you really aren’t looking to commit to downloading free animation software, check out Clara.io—a browser-based 3D modeling tool. With Clara.io you can access a library of 3D models to use in your own animations, as well as create your own. Clara.io also supports 3D rendering within its browser-based app.
Best for
Animators looking to try their hand at 3D animation, but don’t want to commit to downloading due to hardware constraints.
Daz Studio
Daz Studio is 3D modeling software that also allows users to create 3D scenes and renders. It can be used to create still images as well as videos. It comes with built-in 3D figure content for users to use as-is or customize to their liking. These ready-made assets are a huge selling point.
Best for
Character artists focusing on 3D modeling. Video game character artists will particularly enjoy Daz Studio’s 3D character modeling and motion capture capabilities.
Crazy talk
CrazyTalk is a 3D animation tool that uses voice and text to animate facial images. This 3D animation software for PC enables you to use the intensity of your voice to drive animations in real-time. This tool provides 3D editing with expression templates, modify sliders, and muscle control.
Features:
- It enables you to transform a photo into real time into 3D heads.
- You can synthesize 3D head by using both front and side photos for the right and accurate looks.
- You can dress up and customize designs of accessories.
- It allows you to control selected parts and fine-tune facial behaviors.
- Crazytalk provides timeline editing with individual part control and motion clips.
- It supports major image and video file formats up to 4K.
Link: https://www.reallusion.com/crazytalk/
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.
MotionBuilder
MotionBuilder’s Auto Desk is a 3D character animation software developed by Autodesk. It can be used for motion capture, virtual cinematography, and traditional keyframe animation.
Features:
- You can capture, edit, and playback character animation.
- It helps you to manipulate motion capture data.
- Characters.
- This tool allows you to exchange data between other animation applications like Maya, 3ds Max, and Motion Builder.
- It enables you to create a realistic movement for any character.
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
From big-budget animated movies to web cartoons and video games, 3D animation is everywhere. To get started as an animator, you’ll need two things: an animation software program and some skills. The good news? You can develop both by using one of the free animation software programs available online. These programs give potential animators a chance to see how the pros do it at no cost to anyone.