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Download link: in this video i show you how to get the best free animation software for beginners. I hope you found it useful. Feel free to ask any questions you have in the comment section bellow.

Sep 11,2019• Proven solutions

When you are trying to make funny cartoons, explainer videos, or informative shorts to post online, 2D animation software can come in handy. With access to a 2D animation maker, you can create intricate and interesting stories that will help you connect with your audience.

Whether you are teaching a group of kids, showing employees how to do their job, introducing a new product, or trying to elicit an emotional reaction from your audience, 2D cartoon animation can be very useful.

If you are new to the world of 2D animation as a beginner and want to be a professional animation maker, you will be interested in our review of the top 10 free download 2D animation software options that may prove useful to you.

Recommend free download animation maker FilmoraPro

If you want to create an animation video, we recommend using 2D animation software FilmoraPro. Why do you need to use FilmoraPro to make 2D animation?

• Keyframing helps you quickly make animation
• Auto color correction to make animation video perfect
• You can make smooth 2D animation

Easy To Use 2d Animation Software Free

FilmoraPro is a powerful and straightforward animation video editor to make a 2D animation video. You can customize the workplace to make it comfortable while editing.

From start to finish, you can make animation within 7 steps, so don't worry about it is too difficult to start. Just free download it to have a try!

Here are 10 best free download 2D animation software for you to have a look.

• Synfig
• Opentoonz
• Maefloresta
• Pencil 2D
• Toon Boom Harmony
• CelAction2D
• Moho (Anime Studio) Pro
• Stop Motion Studio
• FlipBook
• Reallusion CrazyTalk Animator

Part 1: Best Free 2D Animation Software for Beginners

1.Synfig

Price: Free

Compatibility: Windows, Linux and OSX

Pro: It offers more than 50 layers to make simple or advanced animation, so you don't need to worry about its limitation though it is free to use.

Con: Few tutorials are available in the market to start making animation for beginners.

Synfig Studio is an open-source free 2D animation software that is the perfect place for beginners to learn about 2D animation. There are two versions available for free download - stable and testing.

The testing version has some experimental features if users want to try those ahead of their introduction into the stable release.

Features:

• Supports multiple layers of content
• The bone system allows for the creation of cutout animations from bitmap images
• Has sound support to allow for the addition and syncing of narration and/or music to the video

2.Opentoonz

Price: Free

Compatibility: Windows and OSX

Pro: You can use a plug in to make beautiful animation effects automatically without further editing.

Con: The UI design it outdated compared with other animation software, but it won't affect user experience.

Based on the Toonz software, Opentoonz is the best free alternative that will help you create 2D animated content. Anyone can use the software, free of charge and download.

And users can modify the source code to add specific features to this simple animation software.

Features:

• GTS scanning tool
• Ability to change picture styles
• Add distortion and light effects
• Compatible with black and white and colored scans

3.Maefloresta

Price: Free

Compatibility: iPhone and Android

Pro: It is free to use with easy to start the introduction, even for kids.

Con: You need to email its staff to get the installer online, which is inconvenient sometimes.

The beauty of the Maefloresta app is that you can use your Android or iOS tablet and smartphone to create free 2D animated videos.

There is no need to pay for expensive software if you just want to create some fun videos to show your friends. It also offers school solutions for teachers and students.

Features:

• The free downloadable app that works on smartphones and tablets
• Easy animation software with tutorials
• Intuitive interface that beginners can use with ease

4.Pencil 2D

Price: Free

Compatibility: Windows, Linux and OSX

Pro: It offers English, Spanish and Portuguese language tutorials to use.

Con: It doesn't support shapes tool. If you like to make shapes and draw something, you'd be disappointed.

Want an open source and free 2D animation design software to help you create videos? Pencil2D animation is the type of program that can help beginners.

You can get to grips with how 2D animation works, and you can create some very fun and interesting videos along the way.

Features:

• Minimalist design to let you make animation easily
• Raster and vector workflow switching
• Cross-platform compatibility to free download

Part 2: Best Professional 2D Animation Software

5.Toon Boom Harmony

Price: The first 21 days of using the product are free. After the 21 days are up, you will need to pay $109 per month.

Compatibility: Windows, Linux and OSX

Pro: You can make 2D and 3D animation both with models.

Con: It may take some time to learn how to make 2D animation for beginners.

Whether you are trying to create an art piece, showcase a story through 2D images, or craft a unique message for your audience, Toon Boom Harmony will help you immensely.

This professional 2D animation software may take time to learn, but it is worth using. It has bitmap and vector tools for creating art, 3D imported models for hybrid productions, and the option to create multiplane scenes with Z-depth.

For more information in the top 10 review.

Features:

• Revolutionary vector and bitmap drawing technology - Brush Engine
• Advanced color palettes and painting options
• 2D and 3D integration to make professional animation
• Cut-out animation tools
• Traditional paperless animation.

6.CelAction2D

Price: If you go with the Studio Edition, it costs $1,300 to obtain a single license to use the product for a lifetime. Studio Edition is $1300 for one single license

Compatibility: Windows, Linux and OSX

Pro: It is fast to use with low system requirements.

Con: You can draw animation in itself, so you need to import all words from third party software.

Want to create unique and complex 2D animations for your upcoming projects? CelAction2D is the type of product that is going to help you create wonderful and professional animations.

While getting a full license is a financial commitment, you are getting a product that has all the features that you could need.

You can create a palette using up to 16 million colors, and you will have a very easy time getting to grips with the way the software works.

It is designed for beginners and intermediate users, but still has all the advanced features that a pro would want.

Features:

• Easy and fast to use for professional users
• Features ergonomic controls
• Easily handles complex projects with thousands of layers
• Works with all modern Windows machines - 32 and 64-bit Also work with Macs through Boot Camp
• The multiplane camera features to let you have more controls

7.Moho (Anime Studio) Pro

Price: $399.99 for the full package.

Compatibility: Windows and OSX

Pro: Its update is regular with advanced and newest features to use.

Con: It is not user friendly for beginners as the functions are too advanced a little bit.

Anime Studio Pro is a fantastic option for anyone who is looking to get into professional 2D animation creation. It is affordable and designed for Flash-style animations.

While you cannot create frame-by-frame animations using this program, you will be able to create some fantastic videos nonetheless.

There is an Anime Studio Debut - simple animation software, which is targeted towards the beginner user and free download. But if you want all the features of a high-end 2D animation software, you will want to go with the Pro version.

Features:

Free Beginner Animation Software

• Enhanced freehand drawing tools
• Beizer handles to make it easier for you to design your videos the way that you want
• Smart warp feature helps create custom meshes to bend and twist your animations
• Realistic motion blur
• Animation for multiple layers at the same time

8.Stop Motion Studio

Price: $59.99 to download the software onto your PC.

Compatibility: Windows, OSX, Android and iOS

Pro: You can use build-in sound to make your animation unique. You can also record voice and use it on the video.

Con: You can only use it to make 2D stop motion animation.

Want to create fun, 2D animated videos? Hoping to impress your bosses with a 2D animated presentation to highlight a product’s features?

Using Stop Motion Studio will help you achieve all that you want in the world of 2D animation.

You can capture content with ease, whether you change up the focus, exposure or white balance. There is DSLR support, so you can use your high end camera in conjunction with this professional software.

And with a unique, frame-by-frame editor, you will be able to get the result that you want for your 2D stop animation movie.

Features:

• Onionskin allows you to view previous frames through a transparent overlay, which helps you create your next frame
• Comes with Chroma key and audio recording to better narrate and add voice effects to your videos
• Easy one-click uploading to YouTube and Facebook
• DSLR camera support for creating perfect 1080p recordings

9.FlipBook

Price: $19.99 for FlipBook Lite, $49.99 for FlipBook Studio, $149.99 for FlipBook Pro, $199.99 for FlipBook ProHD

Compatibility: Windows and OSX

Pro: From drawing, scanning to sound, this 2D animation software can make you powerful video.

Con: You can't use it to make subtle changing as bone rigging is not available.

FlipBook is easy to use for beginners and pros who want to improve the editing experience. It is a powerful video editor that you can make 2D animation with various functions like syncing sound with animation, scanning cells and more.

If you like to make a cartoon videos like a pro, this 2D animation maker is best for you. It is free to download.

Features:

• Changes will be made while you change the animation, so FlipBook is fast to use
• You can use the shift key to make speed painting once you select one color
• 10 layers in animation for adding extra touches
• You can use a scanner to import images

10.Reallusion CrazyTalk Animator

Price: USD199 for the pipeline, USD99 for pro.

Compatibility: Windows and OSX

Pro: You can always find the feature you like for beginners and professionals. You can control characters even in expression level.

Con: It integrates with PhotoShop to import and export video.

CrazyTalk is a 2D animation maker for professional users, so you can use this one if you don't know which one to use. It supports controlling characters with your expression and lip-syncing. It is popular among YouTubers, educators and marketers.

Features:

• Capture real time facial expression with precise changing
• Black magic to turn the image to a moving cartoon
• For advanced users, you can make 2D visual effects

Price: USD199 for pipeline, USD99 for pro.

Conclusion

Creating a 2D animation video is a lot easier when you have the right software available to you. You already have a script and storyboard in mind, but now you can realize your vision in intricate and unique ways.

If you want to make 3D animation, there are also various 3D animation software options for you. If any one of the products above will serve you well, you could use FilmoraPro.

Easy-to-use and powerful video editor for all creators.

Bring up your video to a professional level with straightforward tools.

• Choosing Video Editing Software
• Video Editing Tips

Easy To Use 3d Animation Software Free

Edited by Nataly Bogorad

April 2, 2019

If you are looking for the best 2D animation software, you came to the right place. We compiled a few 2D animation software for beginners and professionals available in the market, to lead you through the process of choosing the right one. If you want to start in the animation world or just want to try another software, you certainly will find the one that fits your needs on our list.

2D Animation Software for Beginners and Professionals

2d Animation software, free download

This top 10 doesn’t follow a particular order, each program has their own good and not-so-good features, advantages, and disadvantages that make it special in a particular way. We recommend you to read every one and make your choice at the end of the article. Every software listed here can be used by professionals and beginners because the learning curve is not that hard and some have advanced features that professionals can use.

2d Animation Software For Kids

Toon Boom Harmony

This is the “good for everyone” kind of software. It’s a good 2D animation software for beginners and a powerful tool in the hands of a professional. Used by Disney, Pixar, and Warner Bros, this program has the ability to be one of the most advanced without being too complicated for a new developer. The Princess and the Frog, the Disney movie, was made using this program, so we can say it’s one of the biggest names in the animation world.

The amount of tools and options available in Harmony makes it one of the best 2D animation software. It offers a full range of properties for pencils and brushes, so you can draw directly into the program with your mouse or your Wacom tablet. Harmony allows you to use a traditional frame-to-frame animation or the cut-out. There are other available features such as camera angles, post-production special effects, and vector drawing. It also has an incredible lip-syncing feature to match the voice with the animations.

CelAction2D

CelAction is another program used by a vast group of animation studios and professionals. Powerful but easy to learn, this animation program offers a wide range of options that can make the learning process a little bit easier. You can use vector and bitmaps simultaneously, customize your workspace and it allows you to create both simple and massively complex projects.CelAction2D works in both Windows and Mac, so you aren’t limited to use a particular OS. Its performance and the way the program simplify some complex projects supplement its lack of drawing tools, so that’s why this software is still on the top ranking.

Moho (Anime Studio) Pro

If you want to begin in the animation world, but doesn’t have the money for a super advanced animation program, Moho is the right choice. But don´t get me wrong: Moho is one of the best 2D animation software out there. It’s one of the most popular in the animation world among beginners, due to its features and price. Smart Bones is one of that features: it helps to reduce or completely remove any distortion around elbows, knees or any joint of your animation. This tool simplifies some process that can take much longer to perform in another program.If you want to learn animation, Moho will help you out, and you can give it a try for free with its free trial.

Stop Motion Studio

2D animation without actual animation, that’s Stop Motion Studio. The fourth of the programs on our list allows you to create beautiful stop-motion animations easily and quickly, without complicated software or previous knowledge. You can plug your DSLR and take the pictures with the program, taking full control of all the settings in the camera. Also, you can add text, themes, colors, and drawings to your stop motion animation. The Stop Motion Studio is available for Mac and Windows.

Synfig

Synfig is an open source, free 2D animation software with the power of a professional one. Available for Windows, Linux, and Mac, this program can make beautiful animations in an easy and fast way. The community behind this animation program is one of the best, with hundreds of tutorials and videos to learn from.

It was designed to look like and work similar to Flash, so if you had to use it in the past, you will quickly learn the workspace. Remember, this program is totally free, so it’s one of the best animation programs, to begin with. If you have years of experience or you are just starting out, Synfig may be the perfect tool that you are looking for. Give it a try.

Opentoonz

IOpentoonz is another open source, free 2D animation software. This one was used by Studio Ghibli to make the world famous Princess Mononoke, and it’s quite powerful. The “open source” part means that you can download it for free to try it and, if you like it, you can use it as long as you want. The toolset has a lot of features that you can find in the more professional software on the market.

Opentoonz combines traditional drawing with 2D animation. You can scan your drawings to start animating it.The Opentoonz launch day was a bit messy, but the recent updates from some of the community developers and some changes made by the community itself achieved great results in the stability of the program.

Tupi

Tupi is a free 2D animation software created in 2002 by two animators to incentive the animation in Latin America. It’s free and open source, so you can download it at any moment to try it and see if you like it. The interface is one of the simplest existents in this kind of software and it's quite easy to learn, so you won't face any trouble using it. Tupi allows you to create an animation frame by frame and cut-out flash style with tweening. The community is growing every day, so you can find a lot of video tutorials to learn the basics of the software. Is available to download in Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Pencil2D

Pencil2D, another open source and free to use animation software, is one of the most powerful 2D animation software existent. This program uses a minimalist-style workspace, created to avoid distractions from the main animating window. Is focused on traditional frame-by-frame animation so every frame is made from scratch. It comes with a manual to learn how to use the program adequately. If you still think it’s a bit difficult, there are a few tutorials on its official website.

It’s a good alternative for those who like the traditional frame by frame animation, and the growing community is completely supportive, so if you find any bug or problem with your program, you can consult the community. It’s completely multi-platform, so you can download it for Windows, Linux, and Mac. The program is lightweight and doesn’t use large amounts of ram, so almost any computer can handle it.

FlipBook

FlipBook is an animation software for actual artists. If you enjoy drawing and you’ve always wanted to create your own Disney-like cartoon, this software will suit you well. FlipBook allows you to import pictures from your scanner. On the other hand, this program is not built around bones animation technology, that’s why you’ll have to animate everything manually. But this is not a problem for someone who’s great at drawing.

Spriter Pro by BrashMonkey

Unlike the previous mention, Sprinter Pro uses bones technology. You just upload the pieces of the character’s image, place them in the right positions, and animate it piece by piece. The program allows you to do animation really fast, which is useful if you want to keep up with the trends. The software has video guides for you to get a better understanding of how it works, and it’s also available on Steam! However, the program may seem quite pricy.

That’s the end of the list. We hope that you give a try at least to one of the 2D animation software listed here because each one has something valuable to offer. It doesn’t matter if you are starting today, in the learning process, or a professional with years of experience, this list gives you a software that will most likely satisfy your needs.

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