The most excellent animation software will boost your productivity and make your work stand out. We’ve put together this handy guide to help you identify that program and determine which one is ideal for you. Whether you seasoned animator looking to experiment with fresh ideas or a beginner taking your first steps, we got you covered.

When selecting the best animation software for you and your projects, there are numerous factors to consider. Consider your personal preferences, the features and tools you require, the export options available, interoperability, compatibility, the convenience of use, and the tiny matter of pricing. We’ve prepared a list of the finest paid and free animation software accessible right now in this guide. We go through each program’s benefits and drawbacks, who it designed for, and what hardware it operates on.

If you’re seeking new tools to add to your arsenal rather than a full-fledged program, check out our list of top animation tools for digital artists. Additionally, peruse our guide on the best 3D modeling software if you interested in creating assets for your animations.

Best Animation Software Buying Guide

System Specifications

The specification of your system is a critical component in determining what kind of software would be appropriate for you. Your graphics card, RAM, processor, and hard disk space all play a role.
We recommend 16GB of RAM and a 4GB graphics card for most users for seamless operation. Apart from that, it’s critical to get one that wor     ks with your operating system.

Features

When it comes to features, it all relies on the style of animation you choose. 3D animation is primarily dependent on sculpting, lighting, texturing, and the type of material used. In contrast to 3D animation, 2D animation involves less effort and can utilize a skeleton or bone rig. In certain cases, the traditional method of frame-by-frame animation still utilized. Over time, you’ll likely discover your own area of specialization. When searching for software, a component library is a valuable feature to consider.

Budget

If you’re looking for 2D animation software, the amount you’re willing to spend is a major factor. High-end software used in the film industry may cost over $500 annually, but educational versions are often available for free or at a reduced cost for students.

However, if you not prepared to make a significant investment, there are still plenty of affordable options available for both 2D and 3D animation tools.

12 Best Animation Software of 2023

1. Adobe Animate.

Adobe Animate is a vector and 2d animation software designed for web and mobile app development. You can animate vector graphics, create interactive content, add effects, etc. This software also has built-in templates that you can customize to your liking.

Adobe Animate designed for people who want to alter vector graphics, create interactive content, add effects, and more. This software also built-in templates that customized to your liking. Adobe Animate is best for people who want to create animations or interactive web pages.

Key Features:

• Animate vector graphics with Adobe Animate.
• Use Adobe Animate’s tools to create interactive content.
• Simple drag-and-drop actions used to create content.
• Use Adobe Animate’s built-in templates to add effects to your animations, such as color and tone effects, temporal video effects, etc.

Pros:

• Vector graphics animation has a lot of support.
• Templates built-in for easy modification and interactive content
• Color and tone effects, video’s temporal effect, and more

Pricing:

The following is a simple pricing breakdown for Adobe Animate:
The personal version of Adobe Animate costs $20.99 per month.
If you wish to have full access to all Adobe products, you can pay $79.99 every month.
In any case, Adobe Animate provides a free trial that you can use without risk.

2. Maya

Maya is an Academy Award-winning (2003) 3D computer graphics and animation software first released in 1998. It notably beneficial for constructing interactive 3D applications such as motion movies, video games, TV programs, special effects, and more and  currently owned by Autodesk.

It  without a doubt one of the top 3D animation software tools on the market, and it  praised for its use in films such as “Lord of the Rings,” “Spiderman,” “Star Wars,” and “Ice Age.”
The best aspect is that it runs on all operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux.

Maya is one of the most used animation software programs to generate animations and video games and add 3D effects to movies. Maya has you covered if you need high-quality visual products.

Key Features:

• Matching clip feature
• The Bifrost liquid generation function provides photorealistic movie simulations.
• Adobe character animator extraordinaire
• Deep adaptive liquid simulations are possible.
• Workflows for accelerated modeling are built-in.
• Using freehand drawing tools and software, you may create 3D shapes using the paint effect.
• DX11 and enhanced viewport 2.0
• Engine for rendering shaders (blur reflections, shader effects, imparting translucency)
• 3D modeling with a free-form approach that allows you to add as many layers as you want
• Arnold integration — this RenderView tool allows you to see real-time scene modifications.
• Make your scripts and plugins for more flexibility (in Maya-embedded Language or python scripting)
• Lip-syncing technologies, motion capture, and walk cycles are available with Voice-o-Matic.

Pros:

• Complex handcrafted animation challenges made simple
• Color management that works (functional Boolean operations on polygon geometry)
• Realistic effects such as explosions and fabric simulations created.
• Even for the most complex tasks, excellent rendering technology is available.
• It comes with a 30-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee, ideal for giving it a try.

Pricing:

Maya is easily the best 3D animation software on the market, and it costs $1,700 per year (or $215 per month). They also provide a 30-day free trial, so you may evaluate the product before purchasing it.

Maya is one of the best on the market, and she’s my second choice this year. Maya is available for a 30-day free trial, or you may save 34% by purchasing a yearly package.

3. Renderforest

Renderforest is a one-stop-shop for creating videos, animations, logos, and websites. This program is ideal for web designers, business owners, and individuals who do not require extensive 3D modeling. Renderforest is the obvious choice if you aren’t a design expert and need to make a logo, animated film, music visualization, or professional intro.

Renderforest can help business owners who don’t want to hire an animator but can follow simple internet instructions. This software is for you if you don’t know how to code but want excellent animations for a monthly fee.

Key Features:

• With just a few clicks, machine learning and AI provide the best logo design possibilities.
• There are over 50,000 different artwork files to choose from.
• Professional mockups and brand guidelines that uploaded
• 100+ mobile-friendly website design templates already created
• Slideshows, intros, explainer films, the brand reveals, corporate presentations, and animated infographics are among the hundreds of animated video templates available.
• Prepared animated blocks
• Web page animations with one click

Pros:

• A simple user interface makes generating animated videos in a few clicks a breeze.
• Their powerful AI knows how to create high-quality logos and visuals for you.
• Simple monthly cost based on the number of videos you require.

Pricing:

Depending on how many animated films you require, plans range from free to $49.99 per month. I suggest their popular $19.99/month plan, designed for companies that produce many videos.

4. Pencil2D

Pencil2D is a straightforward tool for creating 2D hand-drawn animations. It is open-source and completely free to use, including for commercial purposes. Furthermore, it is incredibly user-friendly, making it an excellent choice for beginners who want to create hand-drawn character designs.

This program  designed specifically for traditional artists who want to learn and master digital art. Pencil2D is also a simple-to-use tool for digital artists with only basic needs.

Key Features:

• Lightweight and simple to use
• Switch between raster and vector workflows with ease, allowing you to streamline and speed up your work.
• Cross-platform applications (runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux)
• You can control the speed at which the animation moves with the unique ‘Timeline’ feature.

Pros:

• One of the most affordable tools available
• The user interface is simple and intuitive.
• It includes comprehensive instructions to assist you in getting started.
• Paper sketches and minimal design allow you to focus on the task (animation).
• The website keeps you up to speed with the newest software news and information.
• Free access to a user community where you may talk about problems and developments and brainstorm ideas.

Cons:

• Each image must have its layer (similar to PhotoShop, Anime Studio, Adobe Animate, Adobe After Effects, Disney products, and Toon Boom Harmony)
• 3D animation is not yet available.
• Importing and exporting capabilities could be improved.

Pricing:

Because it is an open-source software program, Pencil2D is entirely free. You may easily access and download it from the internet. Pencil 2D is the most excellent free animation software for those just getting started with animation.

5. Animaker

Animaker is a 2D animation software and video editor released in 2014. It provides various services, such as assisting customers in creating animated videos with built-in videos and infographics.
It was the first animation firm to develop a vertical video maker tool (animated) in 2017.
The built-in templates are extremely self-sufficient for basic animation tasks, such as instructional tutorials and classroom lectures.

Key Features:

• GIF, short video, and live video editing are all possible with this cloud-based animation and video maker.
• HTML and Adobe Flash are used.
• Can upload animated videos directly to sites like Facebook and YouTube (videos can also be downloaded as an mp4 extension)
• Extension for Google Chrome is available.
• Has one of the most extensive collections of animated characters, properties, icons, charts, and maps on the internet.
• Offers six different video types and layouts to choose from.
• Video infographics are available.
• Allows you to customize and edit explainer videos (text-to-speech, background music tracks, more than 100 sound effects)

Pros:

• Professional features (record, multi-movie, camera, curve, transition effects, enter, and exit effects)
• Deck of Animaker (pools all the features of animated videos and convenience of PowerPoint on the same platform)
• Voice over and auto lip-sync for characters are among the audio options.
• More than 50 languages have text support (custom font support)
• Full HD video can be exported (1080 p)

Cons:

• Previewing can cause the video to lag at times.
• When uploading videos, there are occasionally issues.
• HD animation is not available in the free version.

Pricing:

To begin, it provides a freemium edition with basic and limited features.
Following that, Animaker provides three paid plans:

• Previewing can cause the video to lag at times.
• When uploading videos, there are occasionally issues.
• HD animation is not available in the free version.

6. OpenTooz

OpenToonz is a free animation software tool that was first launched in 2016. Because it is an open-source software tool, developers can change and modify the code to improve it and tailor it to their own needs.

Its main goal is to connect academic research with animation to facilitate research and ideas. OpenToonz is ideal for developers and animation artists who require a high level of customization. It can also create educational lessons and small and medium companies.

Key Features:

• You can use the GTS scanning tool for sequence scanning (only available for Windows)
• TWAIN compatibility (and an animation program interface)
• A wide range of animation effects are included, including shifting picture styles, influenced incident light, and more.
• Provides a variety of keyboard shortcuts, so you don’t have to rely on the mouse.
• It works with four different scanning methods (black and white, colored and with or without binarization)
• Cutout animation that is both efficient and flawless
• FX schematic feature is available.
• It can cause wavy distortions and modify the look of a picture.
• Features a built-in particle effect (create rain, snow, sparkles, smoke, and much more)

Pros:

• It works on various platforms, including Windows, Mac, and Linux.
• Open-source applications (can be edited at the source for high customizability)
• No cost to use
• Major animation studios recommend and trust it (Studio Ghibli)
• For first-time users, a user manual is included (it comes in English and Japanese)
• An easy-to-use, intuitive interface

Cons:

• To work smoothly, it requires a large amount of RAM (otherwise, it may crash)
• Drawing is required for new frame by frame animation and frame creation (it is not an automatic feature)
• Only 2D animation is available, although onion skinning is included.

Pricing:

OpenToonz is an utterly free animation program. It is available for commercial and non-commercial use and can be accessed online.

7. Synfig.

Synfig, often known as Synfig Studio, is a new animation tool on the market. It’s a free 2D animation and character animation program. Furthermore, it focuses on vector graphics solutions.
Synfig helps generate television cartoons, publicity campaigns, or marketing initiatives. It can also be used for educational purposes.

Key Features:

• Mac, Windows, and Linux are all supported.
• For a distinct group of people, provides two versions with different qualities (stable version and development version)
• Removes the need for manual tweening by providing vector tweening.
• Choose from a wide range of layers and filters (over 50 layers to create artwork and animation)
• Its files are stored in XML format.
• GIF and MNG animated graphic formats are supported.
• Advanced controls are available (link parameters of various layers either directly or mathematically)
• HDRI is included (High Dynamic Range Imaging)

Pros:

• Free and open-source software
• Free video training in English, French, and Dutch is available for an in-depth understanding of the software.
• The animation capabilities include a bone system for cut-out animation using bitmap pictures or control vector artwork and a Skeleton Distortion Layer for bitmap artwork.

Cons:

• Difficult to grasp at first
• Takes a lot of time to wrap your head around its functioning
• The user interface is not very intuitive
• There have been complaints regarding the bugs in the software in the past

Pricing:

Synfig Studio is free and open-source software that anyone can use. It primarily relies on patron donations to provide high-quality services.

8. KeyShot

KeyShot is a standalone animation tool with ray tracing and global illumination. It’s designed to produce high-quality 2D and 3D animations. KeyShot eliminates the need for a second graphics card on your computer.

It also includes interactive labelling, texture mapping, and physical lighting and supports over 30 file types for generating 3D animation. This software is particularly beneficial for idea modelling, which requires 3D. It can also be used for jewelry, toy, and vehicle designs.

Key Features:

• Real-time 3D picture rendering workflow is provided.
• Over 30 different 3D file formats are supported natively.
• More than 750 preset assets are included to help you style your videos in various ways.
• Its quickness and flexibility are its core strengths.
• VR and animation are both available.
• HDRI lighting allows you to alter and light your scene according to your needs.
• We can build interactive, touch-enabled visualizations for mobile and web with KeyShot XR.
• Ray tracing in real-time (progressive global illumination with dynamic lightning)
• Scattering media capability allows for still picture animations, interactive online content, and mobile content (adds particle scattering)

Pros:

• Visualization with unrivalled detail, precision, and realism
• Both Windows and Mac are supported.
• An easy-to-use, intuitive interface (for those with experience)
• Several model formats can be imported and exported.

Cons:

• It has a hefty price tag.
• For a beginner, 3D animation can be brutal to grasp.
• It can sometimes be difficult to frame, size, and resize the window.

Pricing:

KeyShot offers three pricing plans:

• The ‘KeyShot HD’ will set you back $995.
• $1995 for the ‘KeyShot Pro.’
• The price of the ‘KeyShot Pro Floating’ is $2995.
• $3995 gets you the ‘Keyshot Enterprise.’

All the pricing plans come with a 15-day free trial period.

9. K-3D

K-3D is another fantastic 3D animation and modelling program. Its configurable plugins make it a powerful tool for designers and artists. Furthermore, it has been described as intuitive, simple to use, and simple to understand.

Compared to standard modifier stacks for visualization, it is compatible with Mac and Windows and gives a wide range of additional possibilities. It also includes 2D animation for the most basic user needs. It is not, however, a free software program.

Professional artists, web designers, and animation professionals are the ideal candidates. It’s also suitable for making videos and documentaries and producing jewellery and toys.

Key Features:

• It’s highly adaptable and has the capabilities of a node-based visualization pipeline.
• Creates a variety of combinations based on your preferences.
• System of advanced undo/redo
• Can combine versatile plugins to offer a variety of options (object-oriented, robust plugin architecture)
• Designed from the ground up to deliver motion-picture-grade animation (render engines)
• Workflows that are procedural and parametric
• A change at the start of a workflow affects the end (intuitive)

Pros:

• An intuitive and user-friendly interface
• It is open-source software that can be used for commercial and non-commercial purposes.
• Users can choose between 2D and 3D animation.
• Low-budget animation artists may find it handy.
• Complex procedures are simple to design, comprehend, and decipher.

Cons:

• There aren’t any good tutorials on animating and using the product.
• Beginners may find it challenging to use without proper supervision.

Pricing:

It is entirely free to use and is available to everybody. All you need is access to the internet.

10. Blender

Blender is a popular free animation tool for creating 3D animation. It was first released in 1998 and is now widely utilized in various industries. Most films, 3D printed objects, motion graphics, and cinematographic visual effects can be animated with it.

Blender is ideal for a beginning animator. Although it is not commonly utilized in a professional setting, it can be helpful for educational movies in VFX and 3D-enabled smart classrooms. Thanks to its ‘ game engine ‘ capability, you may also use it to make games.

It is best suited to individuals, small studios, and agencies with simple requirements. It also works nicely with Apple iPhone and Android smartphones, OSX users, and those using Cinema 4D, Moho, Stop Motion Studio, Flipbook, or Crazytalk Animator integrations.

Key Features:

• Uses high-end production path tracers to render and build renderings.
• Models; provide a comprehensive toolkit for activities such as sculpting, retopology, and modelling.
• Industry-standard libraries like Bullet and MantaFlow are used to create robust simulations.
• Has a powerful built-in video editor.
• Its new ‘game engine’ function facilitates game development.
• Offers modifiers for using the ‘Grease Pencil’ tool for 2D idea creation and 3D modelling with a non-destructive impact.
• Metaballs, ecospheres, and Bezier curves are among the geometric primitives supported.

Pros:

• The interface is very user-friendly and intuitive.
• It is highly customizable.
• Features award-winning animation and bone rigging
• Integration with various pipeline tools, such as Collada, Alembic, etc.
• Windows, Linux, and macOS are all supported.
• In-depth lessons to assist you in learning how to use the software.

Cons:

• Beginners may find it challenging to utilize.
• The learning curve is steep.

Pricing:

It is a free animation software tool.

11. PowToon

PowToon is a cloud-based animation software company that was founded in 2012. It is a web-based animation software specializing in 2D animation and provides a wide range of services. PowToon is helpful for everything related to energy, from developing educational courses to personal engagement. PowToon has several royalty-free pictures and designs. It’s also ideal for professionals who deal with a lot of presentations.

Key Features:

• Watermarks are absent.
• Full HD video in mp4 format for download (1080 p)
• Your account’s privacy is entirely under your control.
• Export directly to social media platforms like YouTube.
• You can get started with detailed video walkthroughs and tutorials.
• There are a variety of character animations and cartoons to choose from.

Pros:

• Customer service is available 24 hours, seven days a week.
• There is a free plan. However, it has limited features.

Cons:

• Occasionally becomes sluggish (while editing)
• There aren’t any offline editing options.
• A little pricey
• There is no 3D animation available.

Pricing:

PowToon comes with four pricing plans:

• The ‘Pro’ plan is $19 per month.
• The ‘Pro+’ plan also costs $19 per month.
• The ‘Agency’ plan is priced at $29 per month and is offered only on an annual subscription.

12. Animation Paper

Animation Paper is one of the best animation programs available, with a wide range of 2D animations for various purposes. This software is suitable for professional animators, filmmakers, students, and game developers and is available for Windows, Linux, and Mac.

Furthermore, its ease of use and speed of operation are significant differentiators in attracting customers. It’s famous for creating hand-drawn animations and characters. The most incredible thing is that it is available as a freemium service.

Big studios, web designers, and individual animators will benefit from Animation Paper. It can, however, be used in the case of small and medium businesses. It can also be used in smart classrooms as an educational tool.

Key Features:

• Exceptional lines (You don’t have to be concerned about resolution degradation during transformation)
• Feature: ‘Light table.’
• Toolbar that customized
• Layering in animation that color-coded
• Color coordination and post-paint alterations efficiency
• A free version called ‘Plastic Animation Paper’ available (used for commercial and non-commercial purposes)
• There are several different ways to flip, including keys, wheel, and return flip.
• Allows for seamless rotation and zooming in real-time.
• Can verify for continuity by playing video scenes in order.

Pros:

• User-friendly and intuitive interface
• Lasso is responsive while drawing and flipping (ease of rotation, repositioning, and scaling drawings)
• Importing video animations or frame stacks is simple.
• On the second display, there is a real-time full-frame reference.
• Lightweight, straightforward, and effective

Cons:

• There is no 3D animation available.
• The free version has several limitations.s

Pricing:

‘Plastic Animation Paper,’ a free version, is available.

Conclusion

There are numerous types of animation software available on the market. On the other hand, every business is unique, as are the needs of each individual. When selecting software, you must first determine the nature and goal of your task. You must first decide what you want to accomplish with your animation.

For example, if you want to make complicated, high-quality animations for your professional reel, you might want to use Maya or Animation Paper. Any free software solutions would suffice if you only need some basic animations for your website or online business.