2D Best Free Animation Software

Choosing the right animation software to suit your project needs can
be a tricky process. It’s important to note that there are two distinctive
types of animation softwares in the market, 2D and 3D. The type of
software you choose will often depend on your animation skill level,
whether you are beginner or advanced user as well as your specific
animation needs.

If you’re just starting out, it may be best to familiarise yourself with 2D

animation as it can be an easier software to run. Working in 2D will
also help you learn concepts such as storyboarding, which can be a
great foundation for 3D animation. Listed below are some of the best
free animation software programs we could find, available now to use.

1. Pencil

Source: Pencil
Pencil is a free and open-source vector drawing program for Mac OS
X, Windows, and Linux that allows you to produce your own digital
comics. The program is based on traditionally hand-drawn animation
techniques that anyone can experiment with. Pencil is perfect for
beginners who are looking to learn basic cartoon animation principles.

The key function provided in Pencil is the timeline feature, which

allows you to add four different types of layers: sound, bitmap images,
camera and vector images. The layers are arranged on top of the
other by setting keyframes. For example, your characters can be
sketched using your pencil tool in bitmap format and then inked out by
adding a vector layer and using the pen and fill tool.

The interface is much more straightforward than that of Adobe Flash

and provides a clean and clear platform. Good quality drawings can
be produced using a graphics tablet. The program also exports to a
.FLV file - a great bonus!

2. Tupi

Source: Tupi - Maefloresta

Tupi is a free 2D animation software that is developed by an open
community. This open-source program combines the traditional frame-
by-frame animation technique with tweening to produce animation.
This software is ideal for amateurs looking to create 2D animation and
can even be used by children aged 8 and over.

Tupi’s features include basic illustration tools (such as Pencil, Ellipse

and Polyline), an exposure sheet, tweening tools (such as scale,
position, rotation, opacity and color), a preview player and a video
exportation module (AVI, MOV and MPEG). The software also
features an objects library (JPG, PNG, SVG, GIF) and a Stopmotion
Module.

This program is easy to use for amateur or beginner animators and

can be run on Linux, Mac OS X and Windows operating systems.

3. Synfig Studio

Source: Synfig

Synfig studios is a 2D animation software that supports a multitude of

layers, allowing you to apply gradients, filters, geometric, distortions,
fractal and transformation to your animations. The program includes a
full - featured bone system that allows you to produce cut out
animations with bitmap images or vector artwork.

A great included feature is the Synfig Studio’s sounds support that

allows you to sync your animations with soundtrack using a Sound
layer. If you’re a Linux user, you will also receive full - featured audio
editors via JACK integration.

The software is also open-source and cross platform, so that it can run
on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

4. Plastic Animation Paper

Source: Animation Paper

Plastic Animation Paper is a 2D animation software characterised by

fast responsiveness for drawing, flipping and doing just about anything
you need to! The software is built on high speed and high resolution
input of your tablet so that you can draw quality lines.
The program features small to large format frames, a light table,
realtime smooth rotation and zooming, cutouts (co you can easily
reposition, scale and rotate), paint, play scenes in sequences and
import videos or frame stacks. Plastic Animation Paper also features a
customizable tool bar and a quick select marking menu so that you
can easily apply your favourite functions.

The software is currently available to Windows PC and MAC OS X

users and has plans to be available for Linux, Android and IPad Pro
(with pencil).

5. PowToon

Source: Powtoon

Creating animated videos and presentations has never been easier

with PowToon. With over three million registered users, Powtoon has
been used by companies worldwide such as Coca Cola, Costco,
Ebay, Pfizer and Starbucks.

Powtoon is a web based animation software, that allows you to create

presentations by using pre-created objects, imported images, voice
overs and music. Powtoon is the tool to use when you can’t afford to
be ignored, by engaging your audience with animated explanatory
videos.

Anyone can use Powtoon, even if you don’t know the difference
between a pixel and a proxy server! This user friendly animation
software is ideal for creating short videos and provides them with a
professional look and feel. The program is also available on the
Google Chrome store and as an application on Edmodo.com.

Best Free Animation Software - 3D

Creating 3D animations can be a great way to bring your ideas to life
and create quality and customizable animations. In comparison to 2D
or traditional animation, 3D animation has much more depth and
appears more realistic.

Are you interested in 3D animation? We’ve aimed to help! Below are a

few of the best free animation programs if you’re looking for a user
friendly and free 3D software to get you started!

1. Blender
Source: Blender

Blender is an open source and free 3D creation suite that supports the
3D pipeline for functions such as modeling, simulation, rendering,
rigging, compositing, animation and motion tracking. The program also
allows you to edit your videos and even create games.

For animators who want complete and total control of what they are
making, Blender is the software for you. The program features a built-
in, unbiased path tracer engine, offering ultra realistic rendering,
modeling tools to create, transform and edit your models, VFX,
animation and rigging.

The software has come a long way since first launching and the
makers are still updating it regularly. The program can be run on
Windows, OS X and Linux.

2. Autodesk Maya
Source: Autodesk

Used in most large studios, Autodesk Maya is the industry standard

3D software made specifically for animators. With Autodesk Maya,
you can learn to animate with the industry leader in visual effects and
animation with no experience needed.

Navigating Maya is easy with a step by step animation course, helping

you learn the basics. Maya is used to create interactive 3D
applications such as animated film, video games, TV series and visual
effects.

Maya is free for students and educators, but don’t worry, if you don’t
fall into these categories Maya also offers a free trial. The program
can be run on Windows, OS X, RHEL and Fedora.

3. K-3D
Source: K-3D

K-3D is a free 3D animation and modelling software, featuring a plugin

oriented procedural engine for its content. The program supports
polygonal modelling and features basic tools for patches, animation,
NURVS and curves.

K-3D also features procedures and parametric work flows and

properties can be altered interactively. The animation software can be
run on Windows, OS X, Linux and FreeBSD.

Cinema 4D
Blender

Are you looking to create an animation?

Creating animations can be a great way to bring your ideas and
designs to life, whether it be an animated advertisement for Facebook
or twitter, character animation, animated infographics, 2D or 3D
animation.

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So what are you waiting for? Simply post a project on Freelancer and
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