Do you want to try yourself as a 2D animation maker but not sure what to start with? I have prepared a review of the best free 2D animation software that will be especially interesting for beginners.
How does the best animation software for anime work? To create an animated picture, you need to arrange several images and they will transition one into another.
2D and 3D animation software allow you to create several layers containing pictures and sounds, control scenes and cameras and other features. The software for the beginners doesn’t require any serious study or preparation. The functions are easy to understand and apply.
To create complex moving objects like in computer games, there is special free 3D modeling software.
Verdict: Pencil 2D may be considered the best free drawing software with 2D functions for beginners. All the frequently used tools are present. An animator may also work with vector and raster layers – a feature that can be rarely found in free programs.
Besides, there is a great community helping improve the utility and helping beginners get acquainted with the software.
Verdict: Syngif Studio is free 2D animation software for beginners developed to create high-quality vector 2D animation in a small group. You can work with vector objects to create both small animated pictures and draw the entire cartoons. Besides, this program can be used as a replacement for expensive photo animation software.
Compared with other free 2D animation programs, Syngif Studio can boast of a professional interface with a window for the image and dashboards (tools, properties, layers, navigation, settings, etc.) To create animation, you have to set key points of the image, and the software will count and create inbetweening.
Verdict: It is meant for everybody willing to create 2D animated content. The source code is easy to modify in order to add some special features to the software.
With this open-source animation software you will be able to work as an artist drawing with a pen, using special graphic tablets to create bitmap or vector graphics. Opentoonz pleases users with a range of interesting features and tools. For example, there is a special tool to draw “skeletal animation”. Moreover, it can easily compete with entry-level motion graphics software.
Verdict: Anime Studio Pro is meant for professionals rather than for beginners. It is one of the most convenient drawing animation programs free that is designed to create 2D animation, combining the most powerful 2D rigging system and traditional tools. It gives you an opportunity to draw high-quality animation quickly on the lightest tablets without serious efforts.
To make the process of creating animations smoother and more efficient, Anime Studio Pro has several unique features of raster and drawing to offer. There is also a range of great vector animation tools, a system for skeletal animation, 3D objects support and a lot more to make your experience with this software pleasant and unique.
Verdict: Toon Boom Harmony is the most advanced and powerful software to create animation. Toon Boom animation 2D will help you with a wide range of tasks on the way of creating an animated film, but you need to use the best animation tablet to enjoy trouble-free work.
If you are a beginner, you may need some time to get acquainted with the functions offered by this software, and the most efficient way of using them. You will be able to work with bitmap and vector tools, 3D models for hybrid productions. You can even create multiple scenes with Z-depth.
Verdict: CelAction2D is free animation software for beginners and professionals. It is a complex solution, with interesting and unique features to create a top-grade 2D animation film at a professional level, even if you are only a beginner.
The interface of the software is easy to understand, so do not hesitate to try it. Considering the widest range of 16 million bright colors to use in your palette, it stays on par with the best rotoscoping software. You might want to start with a free trial version to appreciate all the benefits the software offers, as the license is rather expensive.
Verdict: I used Cartoon Animator by Reallusion to create a video for my food styling workshop. Using the rigging feature, I turned a simple illustration of a photographer into an animated character and synced the narration with the lip-sync tool in several clicks.
To make the character more interesting, I added some natural head turns and expressions with the 360-head tool and imported real facial animations by using motion capture. As for the background, I animated the props such as a camera flash and moving curtains using free form deformation.
Having the ability to customize everything with such features as 3D parallax effects and a Photoshop/vector pipeline, I quickly customized everything for a professional and dynamic promo video.
Verdict: Stop Motion Studio is a great choice among free 2D animation programs. With its help, you will be able to create a real masterpiece. Even if you are a beginner, Stop Motion Studio is easy to use, you just need some time to practice. The software has features to attract all kinds of users: intuitive controls, easy frames movement, and a lot more.
Your 2D GIF animation film will be unique with this editor. Upload your elements and objects, change the focus, white balance or exposure, edit frame by frame to create a top-quality product.
If you have a high-end camera, you will be able to use it with Stop Motion Studio thanks to the DSLR support.
So, in case you are looking for the best free stop motion software, no matter if you are a beginner or a professional, you should try Stop Motion Studio.
Verdict: Making a list of 2D animation software, it is necessary to mention Plastic Animation Paper (PAP). It helps animators transfer the whole process of drawing into a PC, increasing productivity while creating animated characters.
PAP is the best 2D animation software to create TV cartoon series, commercials or even full-length animated movies.
PAP will provide you with all the necessary tools for drawing and editing images. The software is optimized to be used on a tablet and allows to draw quickly and to preview the animation in real-time at the speed of 60 frames per second.
Verdict: CreaToon is professional 2D animation software developed to help with the creation of simple animated videos. It is focused on animation in cut-out style, featuring special effects that are not available while dealing with traditional animation.
You will be working in real-time, combining bitmaps and vector graphics, editing and previewing your animation, saving time.
If you are looking for a straightforward and robust 2D animation software that offers advanced capabilities within the power even of beginners, CreaToon is just what you need.
Verdict: Stykz is the best 2D animation software if you are looking for a straightforward option. You will create animated movies with stickmen. These are simple line drawings that represent human beings. It is possible to rotate, scale, duplicate and color them.
In the system based on frames and squares, you will need to create different frames one by one. There is a special function to view the previous frame while you are creating a new one, which is called onion paper.
So, if you don’t need professional 2D animation software, try Stykz. You will like the efficient process and the result.
Verdict: Krita is great software to create digital painting files from scratch by masters. It is not only the best animation software but the entire digital art studio. Working with it is fun and you will be happy with the result.
If you choose this program you will get a full range of brushes and other painting tools. You will be able to work with layers, modify vectors, use the full-color palette, and a lot of filters to retouch photos. In addition, the software supports the majority of image formats. This makes it very similar to Adobe product and serves as a basis for serious Krita vs Photoshop competition.
Free 2D animation software may have limitations in terms of advanced features, rendering capabilities, or support options. However, these limitations can often be overcome by exploring alternative techniques, utilizing external resources, or upgrading to a paid software in the future.
Consider factors such as your level of expertise, desired features, compatibility with your operating system, and community support. Try out different software options, experiment with their features, and choose the one that aligns with your goals and workflow.
Collaboration options may vary depending on the software. Some free 2D animation software allows for collaboration through cloud-based platforms or file sharing. You can collaborate by sharing project files with others who use the same software.
