10 BEST FREE ANIMATION SOFTWARE PROGRAMS TO USE (2023)

It's not a secret that video is an effective marketing device. According to studies that video marketing professionals get an increase of 66% in leads annually. Yet, creating video content can be a challenge.

One of the biggest challenges you'll have is coming up with innovative video concepts. If your goal is to engage customers, then you must think of engaging them. goal, then you should consider promoting your company by creating an animated video.

Contrary to what many believe there is no need for costly software for creating animations. Actually, you could create these videos on your own for no cost. Explore the most popular animation software available to help beginners, professionals as well as everyone else.

The best 13 animation software free to help beginners as well as professionals

1. Animaker

Platforms: web-browser-based

Click Here To Launch Your Online Business on Shopify

Animaker is an animation free program for novices, featuring simple drag-and-drop capabilities and an easy-to-use interface. There are six kinds of videos you could create using Animaker:

1. 2D

2. Infographics

3. Handcraft

4. Whiteboard

5. 2.5D

6. Typography

With complete HD support both vertical and horizontal designs, and pre-made images, you can make enjoyable and animated videos in a short time.

The audio features are text-to-speech. They also have an option for adding background music as well as audio effects as well as voice-over. The user can select from an Animaker libraries of sounds, or even create your own music.

If you decide to purchase the premium version, you'll also gain advanced features such as an In-app camera, multimove the effects of transitions, curves, as well as enter/exit effects. The same as all the PowerPoint animations but it's cool and not too cheesy.

2. Blender

Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux

Utilize Blender when you're searching for the most effective video animation software designed for professional editors and designers. This free and open source 3D animation software supports "modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing and motion tracking, video editing, and 2D animation pipeline." It's an open-source project and creators from all over world are involved in its continual maintenance.

We'll talk about the features:

• rendering: Cycles, Blender's Ray-trace-based production renderer, FreeStyle can be described as an edge or line-based Non-Photorealistic (NPR) rendering system and real-time feedback speed up editing.

• modeling: Blender's modeling features include sculpting, retopology curves, modeling, and many more.

• The art of sculpting: Digital sculpting tools adapt to each step of digital manufacturing pipeline.

• Rigging and animation The tools are the ability to edit character animations using a pose editor Non-linear Animation (NLA) that allows for autonomous movements, IK forward/inverse kinematics for rapid poses and the ability to synchronize sound.

• Grease pencils: Draw directly in 3D, and blend 3D and 2D artwork.

• Visual Effects: From camera and motion tracking of objects to Compositing and masking There are a myriad of adjustments you can do after-production.

• Simulation Develop simulations that simulate fog and smoke, rain and more. It also simulates liquid, fire and much more.

• Pipeline Pick from a extensive list of options for import and export.

• Editing video: A built-in video editor permits basic actions such as video cuts and Splicing, as well as more complicated actions like video masking, or the color-grading.

It's not a small amount. Blender is an extensive tool. The best part is that it's free.

Note from the Editor: We examine Blender together with another 29 video editing tools in this article.

3. K-3D

Platforms: Windows, Linux

K-3D is a cost-free 3D animation software that is specialized in polygonal modeling. It is one method for digital art that represents the surface of objects using polygons. Created for artists, the software blends plug-ins using an architecture for visualization pipelines that adjusts itself to the appearance and feel of the software that you connect it to.

Begin by learning about the Tutorials on Wiki that will show you how to master techniques such as shadows, texturing and geometric modeling.

One of the best things about it? Easy undo/redo functionality, so you can quickly fix a mistake. Many programs provide only the possibility of undoing actions.

Utilizing both parametric and procedural workflows, it is possible to adjust the workflow and observe immediate results. The node-based pipeline for visualisation means editors are able to create connections and combination of components of the video. It is possible to work on one aspect of the model, and then project the reverse side in order for a visual representation of what it looks as when you join them.

K-3D is a powerful device for truly creative people.

4. OpenToonz

Platforms: Windows, Mac, and Linux

OpenToonz is among the most popular free software that can create videos in 2D. OpenToonz is free to commercial as well as non-commercial uses, meaning it is a great tool to make marketing videos to advertise your company.

There are also many extra features like:

• Digital drawing tools for vectors, as well as bitmap drawing tools

• Color palettes that index: fast painting and color change

• Compositing and effects: animation effects and composites--choose among blurs, lights masks, keys wrappings, lighting, as well as more than 100 other effects

• Automations through scripting with ECMA-compatible engines for scripting

• Motion tracking: Combine your animated video with footage

• Clean up and scan: Create vectors out of paper sketches

• Animation frame-by-frame: a configurable onionskin

• Linking items or utilize motion paths for complicated motions

• Bones Character Animation: With IK support, mesh deformations and mesh support

• Particle systems for dust, rain, and other similar effects

• 
  

You can create pretty sophisticated animations using this program.

Here are some awesome animated examples we came across on Twitter:

• https://twitter.com/tonygaddisart/status/1087045058417684480

• https://twitter.com/DarrenTAnims/status/1176928091811254272

• https://twitter.com/Ghostiesfm/status/1176645497240588288

If you encounter problems with the animation program, you are able to go to the user community or forum for developers.

5. Pencil2D Animation

Platforms: Windows, Mac, and Linux

Pencil2D is an easy animation tool that allows you to draw hand-drawn video. This open-source program is available to both commercial and private usage, which means you are able to play around with it or to create videos that market your product.

The interface is straightforward and user-friendly. There are a lot of instructional videos on the Pencil2D site to get you up and running.

Other characteristics:

• Import of audio and image

• You can switch between raster and vector workflows to sketch or ink and then paint

• Change frame rate

• Incorporate lighting effects, distortions and distortions.

• Onionskinning

• Customizations to the Toolbar

• Sensitivity to pressure

• Multiple export formats

• 
  

6. Plastic Animation Paper

Platforms: Windows, Mac, and Linux

Although its interface may be outdated, Plastic Animation Paper (PAP) is available for download and to use.

With PAP, you are able to make hand-drawn 2D animations and view the changes you make in real-time. Editing isn't always smooth, however it's simple for novices to master and get comfortable with. It's adequate for simple animated videos.

Highlights from the features include basic sketching tools, zoom cuts, rotations as well as layers.

In the near future, PAP's creator is expected to unveil a better-equipped program, priced at the price of $79 named Animation Paper.

Ideal for animators with a lot of experience, Animation Paper will help animators to create 2D images made from drawings that are hand drawn, with many attributes:

• Large and small format frames

• Real-time updates, smooth zoom and rotation with a variety of options to flip

• Innovative and custom onion-skinning

• Laso and layers

• Lines of high-quality and stability

• Color and paint

• Full-frame real-time reference on a secondary screen for rapid editing

Once you've finished creating your animation, you can export it. Export options are .mp4, .mov, and .png or .svg frames stacks.

7. Powtoon

Platforms: web-browser-based

The next video animation program is Powtoon which is designed to create animated video demonstrations. Although there are premium options that come with more advanced functions, Powtoon also has a basic free program with videos that are up to three minutes in length.

Apart from the features previously mentioned, Powtoon's no-cost software comes with:

• Custom styles

• Aspect ratios, sizes and dimensions that are adjustable.

• YouTube, Facebook, Wistia, Vimeo, PowerPoint, and Exporting PDF

• Full video, animation GIF and image files implementation

It's an excellent instrument for novices, offering numerous professional-looking templates that you can pick from. They include animated explainer or infographic style videos, and templates designed specifically to be used for promotional purposes for products. The user can create a new theme or use a theme you downloaded from PowerPoint.

8. Stykz

Platforms: Windows, Mac, and Linux

Stykz is among the most simple animation programs to utilize. It lets you create basic 2D stick-figure animated videos.

Stykz is frame-based. This means that you are working on a single frame in parallel. It makes use of onionskins to ensure that it is possible to see preceding frame, and see how they flow.

Edits are made within the "stage"--in terms of, you can edit and can view the results in the same screen. There is no switching between views required.

Edit one or several stick figures, add fills as well as upload your own stick characters. All of your work will be saved while you work, which means you won't have to worry about losing your entire efforts.

9. Synfig Studio

Platforms: Windows, Mac, and Linux

The latest free animation video available online will be Synfig Studio, an open-source platform that allows you to create two-dimensional animated videos. It makes use of vector graphics to make motion pictures that are based on a timeline.

Similar to OpenToonz like OpenToonz, it provides an animation system using bones control, allowing you to create natural motions. Cutout animations can be created with bitmap images as well as the Skeleton Distortion layer for more complex transformations to your bitmap art.

Advanced features allow linking parameters to layers that allow you to create character puppets as well as other sophisticated dynamic designs. The program was not created for novices, so switch to a simpler alternative to begin before stepping up to Synfig's premium features. There are plenty of video tutorials available to assist you in getting acquainted with the program.

Below is an instance of a great animated short made with Synfig Studio:

10. Toontastic 3D

Platforms: Android, iOS

Google's animated software free that runs on Android, Toontastic 3D, is designed for children However, companies can employ it for creating animated 3D films. It's perfect to use for story telling It's easy to get started using Toontastic through the creation of your own characters out of scratch or from the uploaded image. After that, you can insert your characters in a story.

Toontastic inspires storytellers of all levels to think outside the box with their storylines Brands can also take the same approach. Create your storyline, then animate with narration, music and narration before exporting your story for sharing with all the world.

Your storyline will be based off Toontastic templates. Each comes with the number of scenes that are different. Toontastic has also pre-made scenes that you can choose from. So the one "drawing" you need to complete is related to your characters.

If this sounds like a lot of processes, Google says you can make a video of one minute with as many as six scenes within just one minute. That isn't including the time required to design your characters in advance. The app also works offline, which means you can make videos during your commute or even when Wi-Fi isn't available.

If you're looking to have more control and flexibility in your creativity then Toontastic isn't the ideal choice. It's a great choice for people who are quite novice to animation videos. You'll soon be moving on to the next one that are on the list!

11. TubiTube

Platforms:Windows, Mac and Linux

TubiTube is one of the top video animation software tools that are suitable for beginner users. It is ideal for amateurs, hobbyists as well as children the simple software can make animation available to all. An easy and clear user interface will mean you don't require a great deal of time learning how to use it before you are able to begin bringing your ideas to reality.

Utilizing TubiTube it is possible to access an amazing selection of 2D animation options, which include drawing and painting tools, image importing and vector importing, as well as manual scaling, rotating, and transparency.

Under The "GPL" license, TubiTube is perfect for those with budgets as well as for those who want to be flexible. The software can render animations with SWF, MPEG, and AVI formats. It even has a Facebook-like group where you can interact with fellow animators to get some short suggestions.

12. Cinema 4D

Platforms:Windows and Mac

Ideal for novices and advanced animators, Cinema 4D is a flexible software that lets users to go beyond simply animate. It can be used with Cinema 4D for modeling, textures visual effects, lighting. It all comes with the user-friendly interface.

The flexible layout in Cinema 4D is ideal for making the best user experience for all animators. It also has the option of Mograph that allows creators to design more complicated sequences with no confusion that are typical of software.

If you're in search of simple to use but capable of scaling to allow develop more advanced animations, this might be your tool. Additional options include automatic retopology using ZBrush to create optimized meshes as well as advanced simulation of cloth.

13. Clara.io

Platforms:Web browsers, Mac, Windows, and Linux

An online application designed specifically designed for professionals who are creative, Clara.io lets you use your web browser for making, animating and rendering 3D-based content. Its user-friendly interface is equipped with an array of tools that are powerful such as sub-object editing VRay cloud rendering, as well as fluid workflows.

While you are working to create your animated videos using the latest interface it is possible to invite colleagues to become involved. Its easy sharing and embedding capabilities enable you to collaborate easily. Clara will also save everything you do and your activity to the cloud.

There are more than 30 popular 3D file formats that are supported for exporting and importing. Furthermore, you can modify and enhance the capabilities of your program using extensions and plug-ins for REST API access.

If you're struggling to figure the best way to use Clara.io it has an amazing 3D models library to use as ideas.

Make your path to success more animated

This is a comprehensive collection of the most effective 13 animation programs for free to novices and professionals. What you select is dependent on the level of your expertise the hardware you have, as well as the kind of video you'd like to create. So, let's look at what you will get from the application that's featured in this post:

1. Animaker is a basic web-based animation software designed intended for novices, with cost-free upgrade options available

2. Blender is an the most advanced, open-source software for 3D animation designed for those who have video expertise

3. K-3D Software for 3D animation that includes polygonal modeling

4. The OpenToonz 2-D animated software that comes with an extensive list of options for skilled or experienced video professionals

5. Pencil2D: hand-drawn, 2D animated videos using a simple interface for beginners but packed with options

6. Plastic Paper for Animation useful for the incorporation of hand-drawn characters in 2D animated videos.

7. Powtoon is ideal for making easy, three-minute explanation videos or infographics in a presentation format.

8. Stykz 2D stick-figured, beginner-friendly animation software

9. Synfig Studio is a powerful software designed for making animated video clips based on vectors using advanced control of characters

10. Toontastic 3D intended for those who are new in creating animated video; intended for children, but is able to develop simple, narrativecharacters-based video to be used by brands too.

11. TubiTube ideal for those who are hobbyists or enthusiasts, and even kids This software is an excellent choice to begin your adventure in animation

12. Cinema 4D permits users to make complicated sequences, without having to deal with the components of traditional animation software.

13. Clara.io: offers an array of tools to make it simple to create animations for your videos