6 Best 2D Animation Software for Free
May 03, 2023. 8 min read
Animation has been an integral part of the entertainment industry for decades. 2D animation has increased significantly due to its versatility and cost-effectiveness. It is widely used in creating cartoons, explainer videos, marketing videos, and advertisements. However, creating 2D animations requires a specialized set of tools and software. Fortunately, here are several 2D animation software for free that can help you to create stunning animations without breaking the bank.
Choosing the Best 2D Animation Software for Free
Choosing the right animation software can be overwhelming, especially if you are a beginner. To help you make an informed decision, we have listed the following criteria that you should consider when choosing the best 2D animation software for free:
- User Interface: The software should have an intuitive user interface that is easy to navigate.
- Features: The software should have many features to help you create high-quality animations.
- Compatibility: The software should be able to work with various operating systems.
- Export Options: The software should support various file formats and export options.
- Support and Documentation: The software should have excellent support and documentation.
Free 2D Animation Software
Here are the 6 best 2D animations software for free that you can use to create stunning animations:
1. Pencil2D
Pencil2D is the best software for creating 2D animations. It’s a free and open-source tool that provides animators with a simple and intuitive interface to bring their ideas to life.
Pencil2D allows you to draw directly onto the canvas using various brushes and pencil tools. Using this tool you can easily create keyframes to animate your drawings. The timeline makes it easy to manage and edit your animation frames, and you can preview your work in real-time to see how it will look when it’s complete.
Overall, Pencil2D is a best free software for animation for beginners and professionals who want powerful, versatile animation software without breaking the bank.
2. Synfig Studio
If you are looking 2d animation software for free, then Synfig Studio is a great choice. It is a free and open-source 2D animation program that is compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X. It offers a wide range of features, such as vector-based drawing tools, the bone system for character rigging, advanced layers and compositing options, and a variety of effects and filters to enhance your animations.
One of the key advantages of Synfig Studio is its ability to create high-quality animations without requiring extensive drawing skills. It allows you to create complex animations by manipulating vectors and bones instead of manually drawing each frame. Its powerful compositing features make combining multiple layers and effects easy to create stunning visuals.
Overall, Synfig Studio is an excellent choice for animators looking for a versatile and powerful tool that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced professional, it has everything you need to bring your ideas to life dynamically and engagingly.
3. Krita
Krita is a great software for creating animations. It is a free and open-source program for Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
Krita offers a variety of tools and features that make it ideal for creating 2D animations. These include frame-by-frame animation, onion skinning, keyframe animation, and the ability to work with multiple layers.
One of the benefits of using Krita for animation is that it integrates well with other programs in the production pipeline. For example, Krita can import and export files in various formats, making working with other software programs easy.
Overall, Krita is a powerful and flexible software well-suited for creating animations, particularly for those who are just starting out or working with limited resources.
4. OpenToonz
OpenToonz is a popular open-source software used for creating 2D animation. It offers various features and tools for animators to create high-quality animations.
One of the key advantages of OpenToonz is its flexibility and customizability. Animators can create tools and scripts to enhance workflow and automate repetitive tasks. Additionally, the software supports various file formats, making it easy to import and export artwork from other programs.
Another advantage of OpenToonz is its ability to handle complex animation projects. It includes features for multiplane camera setups, motion tracking, and compositing, allowing animators to create dynamic and visually stunning animations.
However, if you are searching 2d animation software for free then look no more than OpenToonz.
5. Animaker
Animaker is a popular animation software that allows users to create a wide range of animated videos. It provides a user-friendly interface, various customizable templates, and an extensive library of assets such as characters, props, and backgrounds.
Animaker offers various animation styles, including 2D, whiteboard, and infographic, allowing users to import images, videos, and audio. It also features a multi-language voiceover tool, which enables users to add voiceovers in different languages to their videos.
Overall, Animaker is one of the best animation software for beginners and professionals.
6. Blender
Blender is a well-known software used for 3D modelling and animation, but it can also be used for 2D animation. However, other software programs specifically designed for 2D animation may be a better option as they may have more specialized tools and features. Despite its power, Blender may not be the most suitable software for 2D animation.
But here are some features in Blender that can be used for 2D animation:
- Grease Pencil: This is a powerful tool for drawing and animating in 2D within Blender. It allows you to draw directly on the screen and create keyframe animations.
- Layers: Blender’s layer system can be used for 2D animation and 3D. It allows you to organize your 2D elements and animate them separately.
- Timeline: Blender’s timeline can be used to create animations in both 2D and 3D, allowing you to set keyframes, adjust timing, and create complex animations.
- Motion Graphics: Blender has a powerful motion graphics toolset that can be used for 2D animation. It includes text animations, shape animations, and particle effects.
- Camera Control: Blender’s camera control allows for smooth camera movements and zooms, which is important for creating dynamic 2D animations.
Conclusion
Creating 2D animations can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it requires the right tools and software. In this article, we have discussed the best 2D animation software for free to help you to create stunning animations. Remember to consider the criteria we mentioned before choosing the software that is right for you.
FAQs
Q: Can I use free 2D animation software for commercial purposes?
Yes, most of these free 2D animation software is open-source and can be used for commercial purposes.
Q: Which software is best for creating character animations?
Pencil2D and Synfig Studio are excellent choices for creating character animations.
Q: Which software is best for creating character animations?
Yes, Blender has a powerful animation toolset that can be used to create 2D animations.
