Turn your ideas into animated reality! Check out the top 5 2D animation software for creating breathtaking animations
Do you remember watching the first ever Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs? It was a revolutionary movie in the industry. Why, you ask? It was revolutionary because it was 2D Animated.
If you’re looking for everything you need to know about 2D animation, the best 2D Animation Software, and how to choose the right one, you’ve come to the right place!
What Is 2D Animation?
In 2D animation, a combination of artistic technique and media design is used to create the appearance of movement in a two-dimensional space. Characters, backgrounds, objects, and effects appear to be moving by squeezing individual drawings together over time.
In addition to video games, websites, mobile apps, and advertisements, this is a common practice for animated films and television shows.
Using 2D Animation Software can make your skills and designs exceptionally creative and artistic. It is important to understand what Software is best for which purpose, and how we can effectively choose the best one for our personal use.
How To Choose The Best 2D Animation Software?
Choosing the best 2D Animation software is not an easy task, as there are many excellent options out there. Here are some criteria you should keep in mind while choosing one:
- User Interface – How the software looks and feels to the user is very important. The software needs to work very smoothly and have multiple tools for you to use.
- Drawing Tools – As drawing free hand before animating is an essential step in the animation process, considering and evaluating the drawing tools is a must.
- Animation Tools – What are the different Animation tools? Are they in line with the type of animation you want to do? For example, video editing and still image editing tools are very different.
- Special Effects – Special Effects in 2D animation are very important. Does the software have the latest effects?
- Export Options – There must be multiple options to export the file, and it should be an easy and accessible way.
The Best 2D Animation Software
Among the most widely used computer programs for 2D animation are Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Animate, and Toon Boom Harmony. Therefore, pursuing higher education can be advantageous to acquire the necessary technical skills.
Here is a list of the best 2D animation software and tools, complete with links to their official websites and popular features. The list includes both commercial (requiring payment) and open-source (free) vector animation software.
1. Toon Boom Harmony
Toon Boom Harmony is acknowledged as the industry standard for 2D animation. These days most effective marketing campaigns and promotions for all kinds of businesses use it, as do independent studios and giants in the animation industry like Disney and Amazon.
One of the main characteristics that made this brand the top software because it can save animators time and money while providing original and high-quality animation.
Efficiency is another advantage of Toon Boom Harmony. Toonboom Harmony is the best option for contemporary 2D Animation on all levels because it makes adding the most stunning video effects to 2D Animation seem almost effortless.
This software, priced from $25/month to $117.50/month, serves as a great option for professionals.
2. Stop Motion Studio
A collection of images and audio can be combined to create videos using the Stop Motion Studio app, which is available for iOS and Android. It is incredibly easy to use, making it perfect for younger students with some help.
Because the app runs on a smartphone, it is simple to use the camera to upload new pictures, giving students a lot of room to express their creativity.
The app itself is a helpful way to improve student’s skills and teach them how basic video editing works. However, it’s also a good way to let students turn in assignments where they’ll take their time and concentrate on creatively telling the story, gaining a deeper understanding of whatever it is they’re working on.
Although it’s very simple to use once you get the hang of it, there are more advanced features that enable users to develop their video editing skills and expand their creative expression.
3. Moho Pro
You’re right if you assumed it is an animation-focused tool. The newest version of Moho Pro from Smith Micro is version 12. Think of it as a dynamic substitute for old-fashioned animation software.
Formerly known as Anime Studio Pro, this comprehensive 2D animation program provides one of the most potent 2D rigging systems on the market. In addition, compared to conventional animation methods, it offers the traditional animation tools you need to produce 2D animations quickly.
Moho Pro has an intuitive interface that is made to make 2D animation simple. Many innovative features can help you create exceptional animations quickly.
Utilize Moho’s timeline to control animation timing through keyframes. Now that FBX support is available for Unity, game developers can design the look and feel they want. No longer is it necessary to produce rigid graphics.
4. Adobe Animate
An Adobe program called Adobe Animate is used to produce interactive vector graphics and 2D animation. It enables animators to create content for a variety of media, such as television, video games, and apps.
Animation can quickly convey ideas, capture an audience’s attention, and tell stories while also demystifying complex material. Animated content is utilized in a variety of industries due to its adaptability and universal appeal. Hand-drawn content was common in early animation.
Adobe Animate costs $20.99/month & great for both beginners & professionals.
5. TupiTube
TupiTube is a free and open-source 2D animation software for kids, teenagers, and amateur artists. It works on Android, Mac OS X, Windows, and Unix-like operating systems.
The software aims to serve as a motivational tool for young people who are considering a career in the growing animation industry. TupiTube was founded to foster a community of digital artists, which served as motivation.
When you have access to the proper software, making a 2D animation video is much simpler. You already have all the recipes you only have to start learning. Apart from that now you also have more creative freedom to execute your vision in complex and original ways.
Article By Guest Author – Rahul Bojalwar
Rahul Bojalwar started his career in sales in 2003, later moving into interior designing and real estate. He has established Interior designing studios and has developed more than 600 residential and commercial spaces. Rahul has gained enormous experience in various fields and believes in leading change with innovation. With the same intention, Rahul is now leading the Chairmanship at Tron School of Animation, focusing on creating future leaders in the AVGC sector of India.
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