When I first got into animation, my biggest problem was finding a program that suited my needs without costing a fortune. Most of the popular options were paid, and the free ones were usually too restrictive, with watermarks or unlimited functions.
I spent a lot of time looking for decent free animation software and finally discovered some fantastic options. They allow users to create animations of all kinds, from simple 2D cartoons to complex 3D scenes. In this list, you’ll find the best free animation tools that I’ve personally tested or that are actively used by professional animators and designers.
No matter if you're just starting out with animation or you're already a pro, there are free programs available that can help you turn your ideas to life. The programs I’ve selected offer a wide range of tools for all kinds of animation projects. You can create hand-drawn 2D animations, build interactive web experiences, or even demonstrate your 3D modeling prowess. With so many options, you're sure to find the perfect software based on your creative style and project specifics.
Pencil2D is a free, open-source animation tool that’s perfect for beginners looking to create traditional cartoons. It supports both vector and raster graphics, has an easy-to-use interface, and runs efficiently.
What users like best:
What users dislike:
Rive is a cutting-edge tool for making interactive animations for mobile apps, video games, and websites. The animation software free version has some export restrictions, but you can upgrade to the full version to unlock more functions.
What users like best:
“Rive is an awesome tool for UI animation that helps speed up mobile app development. Thanks to its interactive features, users can create animations that adjust seamlessly across devices. Plus, it's easy to integrate into code.”
What users dislike:
“It would be great to have more features in the free version. Currently, due to export limitations, I can’t use the software for commercial projects. The free version makes the program less interesting for professionals who need more export options for animations.”
Adobe Animate is an industry standard for professional 2D animation, commonly used for creating animations, banners, and animated films. Users can access it for free for 7 days. Once the trial period is over, you need to pay for a subscription.
What users like best:
“I used the Adobe Animate free version, and I can say - it's the best 2D animation software on the market. It has many built-in features and integrates with other Adobe products. I believe it is an essential tool for professionals. With this powerful software, you can achieve impressive results.”
What users dislike:
“The 7-day free trial is simply not enough to get a full grasp of the program. Given its complexity and many tools that require learning, I felt that this period was too brief.”
Autodesk Maya is a professional tool for 3D animation and modeling, extensively used in the film and video game sectors. Thanks to its advanced functionality, it is a perfect free animation program for creating realistic animations, character designs, and object modeling. There is a free trial available.
What users like best:
“I have used the Autodesk Maya free version and can say that it’s an exceptionally powerful tool for professionals handling top-tier 3D animation and modeling projects. Advanced rigging, texturing, and rendering tools let you control different elements of your project with precision. This is particularly important for game creators and filmmakers. Thanks to extensive configuration options, users can fine-tune their workflow and maximize productivity.”
What users dislike:
“One of the biggest drawbacks is its steep learning curve. It can take days or even weeks to master all of Maya's features. Surely, this is a problem for beginners. Besides, Maya is very expensive. So, freelancers and small studios can’t afford it. What’s more, Maya requires a powerful computer to run smoothly.”
Animation Desk is an intuitive 2D free animation software designed for both novice and professional animators. It stands out with its easy-to-use interface and stylus support for accurate frame-by-frame drawing.
What users like best:
"Whether you're new to animation or a seasoned pro, Animation Desk is a great tool for quickly making 2D animations. It's easy to use and has a simple interface. You can create traditional frame-by-frame animations thanks to its smooth drawing capabilities and support for multiple layers. There is a mobile app, which can please animators who are always on the move. Using it, they can create without being tied to a desk.”
What users dislike:
Saola Animate is a powerful tool for creating interactive animations for websites and mobile applications. This free animation program supports HTML5 animation, so you can create dynamic interfaces with smooth transitions and animations.
What users like best:
What users dislike:
"Saola Animate is solid free software for animation for creating basic animations. However, it doesn't support video or audio integration, which is a major drawback. The free version is also limited in terms of export options. Plus, there are few pre-made templates, so you can’t speed up your animation process greatly."
Daz Studio is a free 3D animation and visualization program aimed at artists and animators working with characters and scenes. It offers a large library of 3D models and easy rendering capabilities.
What users like best:
"Daz Studio's free version is a wonderful option for beginner artists. It has an extensive library of pre-made models and resources, so creating realistic characters and 3D scenes is a no-brainer task. I believe this is one of the best animation software free for anyone who wants to bring their creative visions to life without the hassle of building everything from the ground up."
What users dislike:
"Daz Studio is a great starting point, but the free version has its limitations. The lack of advanced customization may frustrate experienced 3D artists. Moreover, there often arise performance issues with complex animations and high-poly models. Besides, users need to purchase additional assets, so the software feels less “free” than advertised.”
Blender is one of the most popular open-source 3D modeling, animation, and rendering tools. It is used to create 3D animations, visual effects, and game development.
What users like best:
"If you're serious about 3D art, you need to download Blender. It's a powerful and versatile tool that can handle all your 3D animation and modeling needs. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, Blender has something to offer. The best part is that this program is completely free. Plus, there's a huge online community to help you along the way."
What users dislike:
"Blender's interface is not the most user-friendly. It's packed with features, which is great, but it can be a lot to take in at first. If you're a beginner, be prepared to spend some time learning the ropes. Also, keep in mind that Blender can be demanding on your computer, so make sure you have a decent setup if you plan on working with complex projects.”
OpenToonz is a free 2D animation program suitable for both professionals and amateurs. It was created for animation studios and offers extensive customization options.
What users like best:
"OpenToonz is a fantastic animation program free for animators who love the traditional 2D approach. There are advanced frame-by-frame features and scanning capabilities that make it easy to bring your hand-drawn art to life. The fact that it's open-source is a bonus, as it means a strong community and plenty of customization options.”
What users dislike:
"The interface of the program is not very user-friendly and can be confusing for beginners. Another issue is the lack of 3D animation features, so it is impossible to create more complex animations. Finally, the software can be unstable at times, and I've experienced some crashes, especially when working on larger projects.”
If you feel confused after reading so much information about free animation software, take a look at this comparison table. It covers the most important aspects:
| Software Name | FixThePhoto Rating | Free Plan | Paid Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Pencil2D
|
4.6 / 5
|
Free plan available
|
❌
|
|
Rive
|
4.6 / 5
|
Free plan available
|
From $32/month
|
|
Adobe Animate
|
4.7 / 5
|
Free trial available
|
From $22.99/month
|
|
Maya
|
4.4 / 5
|
Free trial available
|
From $245/month
|
|
Animation Desk
|
4.4 / 5
|
Free plan available
|
❌
|
|
Saola Animate
|
4.6 / 5
|
Free trial available
|
From $79/license
|
|
Daz Studio
|
4.5 / 5
|
Free plan available
|
From $19/month
|
|
Blender
|
4.8 / 5
|
Free plan available
|
❌
|
|
OpenToonz
|
4.3 / 5
|
Free plan available
|
❌
|
To really get a feel for each program, I tested them and created a short animation. In the process, I evaluated how intuitive the software was, what essential features it offered, how well it performed, and what export options were available.
I paid close attention to whether a beginner could easily pick it up, how smoothly it operated, and whether the free version was genuinely useful or had many limitations. File compatibility was also a must, so I imported and exported files in various formats. While some programs impressed me with their professional quality, others disappointed me with their limitations.
If you're just starting out with animation, Our experts at FixThephoto recommend looking for free software that's easy to use and has the basic tools you need to draw and sync your animations. Thus, you can learn the ropes without dealing with complicated features.
Definitely. There are plenty of free animation software options suitable for creating 3D animations. These programs usually include modeling, rigging, and rendering tools. They are a good fit for anyone from beginners to more experienced users who want to work on 3D projects.
Free animation programs for PC may not have all the bells and whistles of paid programs, but many free tools offer everything you need to create high-quality animations. Typically, free tools cover the main animation techniques, so you can master animation step by step.
You can find different free programs for stop-motion animation. Typically, you can edit each frame and change the speed or add special effects with such software.
Lots of free animation software comes with licenses that permit commercial use. But it's really important to read the fine print and understand the specific license terms before you use your animations for any money-making ventures.
There are free 2D animation software for both iPhones/iPads and Android devices. They contain features for creating animations frame by frame and working with layers. Thus, you can complete projects even on the go.
