11 Best 2D Animation Software, Free and Paid, for Beginners and Professionals
The Rise of 2D Animation: Unleashing Creativity and Innovation: 2D animation is experiencing a remarkable surge in popularity. This versatile art form transcends mere entertainment, infusing life into complex concepts through explainer videos, captivating gamers within immersive fantasy realms, and effectively capturing audience attention in marketing campaigns. Selecting the right software is essential for success in this field. Your choice should reflect your skill level: beginner-friendly programs emphasize user-friendliness, while more advanced options provide greater control and customization. Additionally, it’s crucial to factor in your budget and specific features you may need, such as keyframing, timeline layers, and animated masking. In this article, we will explore 12 of the best 2D animation tools, both free and paid. Continue reading to discover their key features, pricing, and more! What Kinds Of Animation Software Exist? A wide variety of animation software is available to suit different techniques and user preferences. Below are some common categories and examples: 1. 2D Animation Software: 2. 3D Animation Software: 3. Stop-Motion Animation Software: 4. Motion Graphics Software: 5. Whiteboard Animation Software: 6. Web-Based Animation Tools: 7. Game Development Engines: 8. Open Source Animation Software: 9. Specialized Animation Software: 10. Storyboarding Software: Quick Comparison Table: A Guide to 2D Animation Software Options This quick comparison table highlights the best 2D animation software options available today. It outlines key features, pricing, and user-friendliness to help you make an informed choice. Perfect for beginners and professionals alike, this guide simplifies the selection process. Discover the right tool to bring your creative visions to life! Software Keyframing Timeline Layers Animation Automation Animated Masking Vector/Raster Figma/Illustrator Import Starting Pricing Toon Boom Harmony Yes Yes Yes Yes Vector and Raster Yes $28.50/month Moho Pro (Anime Studio Pro) Yes Yes No Yes Vector and Raster Yes $399.99 (one-off) Adobe Animate Yes Yes Yes Yes Vector Yes $22.99/month Cartoon Animator 5 Yes Yes Yes (Limited) Yes Vector and Raster Yes (Limited) $149 (one-off) Animaker Yes Yes Yes (Limited) No Vector and Raster Yes (Limited) $12.50/month Clip Studio Paint Yes (Limited) Yes Yes (Limited) Yes Raster (with some vector tools) Yes (Limited) $54.00 (one-off) Pencil2D Yes Yes No Yes (Limited) Vector and Raster No Free OpenToonz Yes Yes Yes Yes Vector and Raster Yes (Limited) Free Synfig Studio Yes Yes Yes Yes Vector No Free Krita Yes (Limited) Yes No Yes (Limited) Raster (with some vector tools) Yes (Limited) Free TupiTube No Yes No No Vector and Raster Yes (Limited) Free 6 paid 2D animation tools While free animation software can serve as an excellent entry point for newcomers to the world of 2D animation, investing in paid software often leads to a significantly improved user experience. Paid 2D animation platforms typically offer several advantages that cater to both aspiring and professional animators alike. These include: With these benefits in mind, let’s delve into seven premium animation platforms and explore their key features, highlighting what makes each one a valuable tool for animators. 1. Toon Boom Harmony Image source: Toon Boom Harmony Toon Boom Harmony 22: Setting the Standard in 2D Animation: Toon Boom Harmony 22 establishes itself as a premier tool for 2D animation, catering to both aspiring and professional animators. With its extensive suite of features, it supports a wide range of animation techniques, from traditional frame-by-frame methods to modern cut-out animation. Pricing and Plans Toon Boom Harmony offers three distinct pricing tiers to accommodate different user needs: Key Benefits and Features While Toon Boom Harmony 22 offers an impressive range of features, mastering its extensive toolset may require additional learning time, especially for beginners in animation. Additionally, the software comes with substantial system requirements, which may be a consideration for users with less powerful machines. Ultimately, Toon Boom Harmony 22 represents a significant investment compared to simpler animation software, particularly for those who are exploring animation casually. 2. Moho Pro Image source: Moho Pro Moho Pro: Bring Your 2D Animation Visions to Life: Moho Pro empowers users to transform their 2D animation ideas into reality. With its intuitive interface and wide array of features, it’s a fantastic choice for both beginners and experienced animators delving into animation. Pricing Moho Pro stands out with its one-time purchase price of $399.99, eliminating the ongoing costs associated with subscription-based software. This makes it a cost-effective option for long-term use, especially for individuals or smaller studios. Additionally, a generous 30-day free trial allows users to explore the software before committing. Key Benefits While the one-time payment may seem appealing, it can represent a larger initial investment that some users may find challenging to afford. Additionally, Moho Pro’s online community is comparatively smaller than those of industry giants, which may result in fewer external resources and less available support. 3. Adobe Animate Image source: Adobe Animate Adobe Animate: The Industry Standard for 2D Animation: Adobe Animate, formerly known as Flash Professional, has been a go-to animation software for creators for decades. It continues to set the standard in 2D animation, favored by both professional studios and dedicated hobbyists. Pricing Model Adobe Animate is available through a subscription model as part of the Creative Cloud suite, starting at $22.99/month. This subscription grants access to a wide type of creative tools, making it a cost-effective choice for those who already utilize or wish to incorporate other Adobe products, such as Adobe After Effects. Advanced Features While the extensive feature set of Adobe Animate may necessitate some dedicated learning time, particularly for beginners, the software provides a wealth of resources to aid your animation journey. These include tutorials, comprehensive documentation, and active online communities where you can connect with fellow animators for support and inspiration. 4. Cartoon Animator 5 Image source: Cartoon Animator 5 Cartoon Animator 5: A Powerful Yet Accessible Animation Tool: Cartoon Animator 5 combines power and accessibility, making it an excellent choice for aspiring animators. With its intuitive interface and a wealth of learning resources, anyone can dive into the world of 2D animation for just $149, along with a free trial available for exploration. The