Animation is used almost everywhere, from movies and games to advertisements and instructional materials. These programs create and edit animated images using vector and bitmap graphics. 2D animation has been with us for over a century, albeit it is becoming increasingly sophisticated as animators innovate new techniques and blur the distinctions between 2D and 3D.
Characters, backgrounds, storyboards, and effects can all be created with 2D animation tools. Characters and backdrops in these projects are developed in two-dimensional, flat space, which is referred to as 2D animation.
There are so many 2D Animation software available, and some of them are even free, so it isn’t easy to take one name as the best 2D Animation Software among so many BESTs. Therefore, we have a curated list of the best 2D animation software and tools, along with popular features.
Vector animation software that is open-source (free) and commercial (paid) is included in the list. So, if you are interested in learning how to make animations, here are some of the greatest free and paid 2D animation software applications.
Adobe Animate
Adobe Animate is a premium program from the Adobe Creative Suite. It supports audio and video embedding and raster images, rich text, and ActionScript scripting. Adobe Animate builds on the original Adobe Flash’s legacy. It is simple to use, and you won’t need much help to pick up the basics and make your amusing 2D videos, though viewing a few tutorials first won’t hurt. Animate has been praised for its capabilities in creating interactive animations.
Animate is the tool of choice for animating website elements. It may be used to animate HTML5 Canvas, SVG animation, WebGL, and other platforms. It has Vector brushes for creating natural brushstrokes, an Export format for publishing creations to any platform, and more—virtual camera with audio synchronization and Type kit utility for using different web fonts. You may adjust frames, highlight letters, and more in this modern timeline.
So, there you have it, our collection of animation software for aspiring 2D animators. While many more solutions are available, the finest 2D animation software is ultimately determined by your needs.
Pencil 2D
Pencil 2D animation software is a cross-platform open-source freeware that lets you use a sketch to ink and paint to create animations. Pencil 2D’s original version was released almost a decade ago, and the software has evolved significantly since then. The UI is more modern, and more features, such as color options, help you create unique projects.
Tweening is not possible with Pencil 2D because it is still based on traditional animation (creating the intermediate frames in between the keyframes to create smoother, more seamless movement). It is, however, highly adaptable, and once you have mastered the keyboard shortcuts, you will be making cartoons in no time.
It has a Pencil 2D Minimalistic user interface so you can focus on animating rather than figuring out which tab to click next, as well as Raster and vector processes so you can sketch, ink, and paint at the same time. The Tagged Image File Format (TIFF) is supported, and you can import images into frames to create new layers.
OpenToonz
Another open-source software alternative is OpenToonz. It is the free version of Toonz, utilized in major films like Princess Mononoke from Studio Ghibli. OpenToonz is as enjoyable to use as the premium version. It offers many more features than other software and blends the traditional drawing and 2D animation (dynamic palette, tweening coloring, bitmap tools, etc.). For novices, OpenToonz is a nice animation program.
All you must do to animate a drawing is scan it. You can also use artificial intelligence to add SDK effects and modify photo styles. It is free to use in business and non-commercial applications because it is open source. It complies with TWAIN specifications. Both vector and raster images are supported. There are four different types of scanning available, and you can save scan settings for later use.
Moho Pro
2D animation software based on vectors The bitmap capabilities of Moho Pro are well-known. It also has capabilities that allow you to draw freehand. It is, however, not very beginner-friendly and can take some effort to master. Moho Pro is compatible with both Windows and Mac OS X. It is a premium program, but the benefit is that it is an all-in-one animation studio that can handle 2D and 3D projects. Moho Pro is difficult for the faint of heart, and it can take considerable practice to master.
Tweening of vector forms and bone animations are among the capabilities added to the software. To eliminate distortions in your animations, use smart bone technology. You can also use soundtracks in your animation. Freehand drawing with the built-in bitmap brush. To generate natural-looking strokes, you can vary the brush output’s pace, pressure, and direction. New action window that allows you to filter and search using a combination of keywords, sub-words, and Boolean operations.
Tupi Tube
Tupi Tube by Maefloresta is a free animation program that works on Android and iPhone. Install the software on your Android or iOS device to begin making entertaining 2D videos to share with your friends. It is basic, but it is simple to get started with. TupiTube includes a user-friendly, straightforward design for beginners, as well as a free downloadable app for Android and iOS devices. There are also numerous free tutorials available on how to utilize the software.
Reallusion Cartoon Animator 4
CrazyTalk Animator (CTA) is the world’s most user-friendly 2D animation software, allowing users of all skill levels to produce great animations with no effort. Applying bouncy Elastic Motion effects or one of the many motion templates available in CTA3 allows anyone to rapidly bring an image, logo, or item to life.
CTA3 includes 2D character templates, valuable motion libraries, a strong 2D bone rig editor, facial puppets, and audio lip-syncing capabilities for animating 2D cartoon maker software talking figures for videos, online games, apps, and presentations.
Cartoon Animator 4 (previously known as CrazyTalk Animator) is a 2D animation program that focuses on ease of use like other software productivity. You can use a comprehensive photoshop pipeline to quickly customize characters and create content, as well as turn images into animated characters, control characters with your expressions, generate lip-sync animation from audio, create 3D parallax scenes, produce 2D visual effects, access content resources, and use a comprehensive photoshop pipeline to customize characters and create content quickly. LIVE Performance, 2D Character Designers, Video Makers and Animators, and Photoshop Animation Pipeline are all part of the package.
Autodesk Sketchbook
At Autodesk Sketchbook software, we believe that creativity starts with a new idea. So, from the quick conceptual sketches to fully finished artwork, sketching is at the heart of the creative process using this one. You never know when a great idea will strike you, and you will start it by doing, so access to fast and powerful creative sketching tools is an invaluable and important part of any creative process.
Harmony Toon Boom
Toon Boom Harmony is a type of software for digital production, and Toon Boom Harmony is also the gold standard by which all 2D animation software is judged if we compare it with other ones. Harmony is the most creative we have ever seen, and yet, it is a full efficient software that is ever created for animation – that’s why it is the industry standard.
Powtoon
PowToon is also an easy-to-use software that enables you to create 2D animation videos like other ones in the market online without investing a lot of time in learning new skills and also spending money on video equipment. You can also start by experimenting with 2D animation for free with PowToon. It supports full HD that is 10870p quality videos, which means that you do not need to compromise on simplicity and price with quality.
You can customize its themes and access its library to find relevant media files for your project. There are several advanced animation tools in the market if you want to get into more about these parts of 2D animations. When you get yourself started producing and uploading 2D animated videos with PowToon or other software, you can also switch to its paid versions to get more features and publish mind-boggling videos.
CelAction2D
CelAction2D is the last piece of software to cut. You may produce unique and spectacular animation videos using this software. Even if you are a total newbie with no prior experience with animation, understanding and utilizing this software is simple. Although it is simple, it contains several powerful features that movie directors have used to edit some parts of TV shows.
Although CelAction2D is more expensive than other animation tools, the software’s features will convince you that it is well worth the money. CelAction2D allows you to make various videos, including short films, music videos, student films, and more. Some of you may be asking what makes this program so valuable that it commands such a high price. It has so many functions that you need to set aside time to learn about them. A link to its feature page may be found here.
Stop Motion Studio
Stop Motion Studio enables you to make stunning stop-motion animations without spending a lot of time learning how to use animation software. Connect your DSLR camera to this app and begin taking pictures. Don’t worry, and you will have complete control of the camera. You can also customize the video by adding themes, graphics, colors, and text. Additionally, you will have no trouble adding or modifying the objects in the video. Stop Motion Studio is compatible with both Mac and Windows, the world’s two most popular operating systems today.
Blender
If you are looking for a free 2D animation program, Bender is the way to go. Blender is a free animation software that has garnered much support from a wide range of professionals and business owners. It comes with various tools that let you make 2D, 3D, or even mixed 2D and 3D objects in your film. It includes a stunning rendering capability that allows you to smoothly handle layers, characters, backgrounds, and other video elements.
You can also use its incredible video-editing features for chopping, slicing, layer adjustments, and more. Here’s a video that talks you through the process of using Blender to make gorgeous 2D animations. Keep in mind that you will need to devote some time to understanding Blender’s capabilities before you can fully use the software’s potential.
You can start producing fantastic 2D animated videos and getting the outcomes you want for your business with a wide selection of tools in your toolbox. Remember that you may need to employ more than one piece of software from this list to get the greatest results for your company.
Making a 2D animation video becomes a lot easier when you have the correct software. You may have had a script and storyboard in mind, but now is the time to bring your vision to life in elaborate and creative ways.
Regardless, we are all fortunate in this day and age to have such a diverse selection of animation programs to choose from. As a beginner animator, you can pick a 2D animation application that suits your needs.