Nowadays, creating animation videos has vastly improved thanks to digital advancement. It goes without a doubt that it becomes a lot easier to create animation thanks to the availability of a variety of software.
The best animation software for beginners and professionals ensures fast, efficient, and powerful production outcomes. Evidently, they provide you with advanced tools and features that help you create compelling and unmatched animated videos.
Nevertheless, as a beginner with basic design level skills, it is important to choose software that is easy to use, affordable (if not free) and has exactly what you need to start your journey.
Without further ado, we have researched and reviewed the top 15 best animation software for beginners hoping that you improve your crafts.
1. Vyond
Vyond is for everyone. And if you just got your hand on animation and video creation, then you should try it out. Whether you are a marketer, trainer, or business owner, you can easily use this software to design creative and easy to understand animation video for your audience.
For instance, Vyond allows its users to create visually attractive and engaging videos like no other. In addition, it offers you a library full of pre-built templates, sounds, props, and more. It also provides beginners different tips and tricks on branding, presentation, animation and more. Forget about the old static approach in storytelling, and embrace new and exceptional tools to deliver your story, all at an affordable price.
How much does it cost?
Vyond offers 4 pricing plans:
- Essential plan costs $49 per month for a single-user. The Vyond logo will be marked in all your videos.you can save 49% if you pay annually.
- Premium Plan costs $89 per month for single use. Ideal for small businesses. You can save 40% if you pay annually.
- Professional plan costs $159 per month per seat. An ideal option for medium to large businesses. you can save 48% if you pay annually.
- Enterprise plan: Contact in house sales specialist for custom Enterprise pricing
Pros
- Prebuilt and attractive templates
- Library of resources
- Individual control to each asset
- Data security and privacy
Cons
A customized and personalized character can be a great addition
2. Animoto
Animoto enables you to design different types of videos for different industries including business, Real estate, Photography, E-commerce, Education, and Non-profit.
Trusted by millions of people around the world, Animoto offers an easy and hassle-free animation software for everyone out there, especially for those who have no experience in this field.
In particular, it gives them the right tools to get started. For instance, the drag and drop editor enables you to customize and create powerful videos easily. You can use the pre-made templates to design videos in minutes.
The templates provide you with unmatched flexibility, allowing you effortlessly personalize your videos. This can help you reflect your brand image and vision the best way possible. Moreover, you can also use the stock and music library to choose from the different images, videos, and sounds that fit with your video’s story.
How much does it cost?
Animoto offers 4 pricing plans:
- Free plan
- Professional plan costs $33 per month($396 per year if paid annually)
- Team plan costs $49 per month ($588 every year if paid annually)
Pros
- User friendly
- Access to Getty image and Videos
- licensed music tracks
- Flexible controls allowing for great customization and brand personalization
- Video trimming
Cons
- Watermark pattern if you are using the free version
3. K-3D
If you are looking for free and easy to use software to design videos, then K-3D is the best animation software for beginners. To start with, you can easily download it on macOS, Windows, and Source code.
Just like its name entails, the software is designed for 3D modeling, animation and rendering systems. The best thing about this software is its storing features.
That means, as a procedural modeler, the software is capable of storing all the changes and modifications you have made on any model. So, it allows you to go back and research your changes at any editing point.
Moreover, K-3D is created to make motion animation characters by applying RenderMan render engines. Therefore, it enables you to design and update records in various real-time OpenGL fixed and texture-mapped prospects. It also helps you design copies without adding geometry to the picture.
Besides its free cost, the software is powerful and flexible. The software allows you to instantly visualize desired results, and it also helps you adjust attributes to your needs and preferences.
The effective visualization pipeline, which is found on nodes, provides extra feasibilities than conventional modifier pipes or records.
How much does it cost?
K-3D is free animation software.
Pros
- Node-based visualization
- Free
- Powerful and flexible
- Limitless redos
- Reporting
- Image Library
- Customization
Cons
No live support
4. Adobe Character Animator
If you are looking to deliver jaw-dropping visuals faster, easier, and exceptional, then you should assuredly check out the adobe Character animator. This software is a distinguished tool that helps you design real-time animation using interactive vectors.
By that, we mean you can use your facial and body expressions and movements to create the animation desired in seconds. Consequently, you can use these animations in games, applications, or any kind of movable cartoons based purposes.
Tutorials and learning online programs become more lively, attractive, and engaging by using this software. You can also share your final composition of different platforms ensuring higher engagement and converting rates.
How much does it cost?
Adobe software for animation offer 3 pricing plans, including:
- Individuals plan costs $52.99 per month
- Students and Teachers plan costs $19.99 per month
- Teams plan starts at $33.99 per month.
Pros
- Cross functionality
- Intuitive interface
- Easy integration with other Adobe applications
- Live animation
- Audio track volume control
- timeline search filter
- Live Streaming
Cons
Crashes sometimes
5. Wideo
Artists and video creators are quite familiar with Wideo. In fact, thousands of people and business owners around the world trust and use this software for their work for many reasons.
For instance, Wideo can help you boost reach, sell your video, and increase your ROI. Wideo offers a library full of different professionally made templates. Whether you are looking to create educational, promotional, webinars, or Instagram stories, you ‘ll find something that will meet your needs.
You can also choose if you want to create and customize the video from scratch, or choose an already pre-built template or simply upload a video from your gallery and edit it. In brief, Wideo gives you a load of possibilities when it comes to video creation.
How much does it cost?
Wideo offer 5 pricing plans:
Free plan
- FREE plan: you can create 1 minute branded videos. you can choose from the 10 pre-built templates.
- Basic plan costs $59 per month. Wideo offers you 10 downloads per month and you can create 1.5 minutes videos. Also, you have 20 video templates from which you can choose.
- Pro plan costs $99 per month. You have unlimited downloads and you can design 10 minutes videos. The gallery is full of a variety of templates from which you can choose.
- Pro+ plan costs $199 per month. Wideo offers unlimited downloads. You can create 30 minutes videos and you have two accounts.
- Business plans: You can directly contact an in-house sales representative for a quote.
Pros
- Soundtrack library
- Full HD downloads
- Embed codes
- Excellent videos organization
- Premium support
Cons
Glitches
6. Moovly
With no experience in video animation, Moovly can be a great starting point. This software gives a chance for beginners to easily learn more on how to create the best-animated video, hassle-free.
From explainer videos to promo and tutorials, to training videos, Moovly offers you a great set of features that can help you create your online video in minutes. For this purpose, it has an online video editor and customizable templates to get you started.
However, you can also build your videos from scratch, the way you want it. You will find plenty of royalty-free illustrations, pictures, footage, melodies and sounds to make the video you need in any way you wish. Thus, you can customize each particular aspect with ample versatility.
How much does it cost?
Wideo offer 4 pricing plans:
- Free plan
- Pro plan costs $49 per month
- Max plan costs $99 per month
- Enterprise: contact them for a quote.
Pros
- No installation is required.
- Plenty of professionally built templates
- Very simple and intuitive interface
- A handy mobile application
- Ideal for beginners
Cons
- Lacking more in-depth editing options
7. PowToon
“Captivate, engage, and explain” are 3 main elements when it comes to growing your audience base and increasing your ROI.
Powtoon is working hard on making that happen by offering your the best animation software for beginners.
Trusted by big brands like eBay, Coca-Cola, Starbucks, and more, Powtoon is a leading industry in video creation and animation. By targeting different industries including HR, marketing, IT, training, and reports, this software is pretty much an ideal option for different video purposes.
To this end, Powtoon offers its users already built-in templates for an easy and effortless kick in. All you have to do is choose one of the drag and drop templates that work best for you and modify it to meet your needs.
How much does it cost?
Powtoon offers 3 pricing plans:
- PRO plan costs $ 89 per month.
- PRO+ plan costs $ 197 per month.
- AGENCY plan costs $ 99 per month ($1188 if it is Billed Yearly). This plan is for Annual only.
Pros
- Drag and drop templates
- Trusted by big brands
- Easy, fast and effective tools
- Results achieved within minutes
Cons
- The web version can be heavy sometimes
- Limited character creation feature
8. Toon Boom
Been in the industry for over 25 years now, Toon Boom Harmony is another great option that you should consider. To start with, this software brings about the best 2D animation and extensive making capacities to learners, freelancers, designers, and skillful animators alike.
Hence, making it an ideal option for everyone out there, with or without designing and animation skills, to create professional and captivating videos.
With this purpose in mind, Toon Boom Harmony offers its users the best digital solution to showcase their creativity. Offering such efficient and flexible tools, the users will surely enjoy creating high-quality traditional animation, effortlessly, and in no time.
Recently, the software has incorporated some new features including smooth lines stabilizer, Stylus pressure, and Tilt and angle responsiveness, drawing ruler, curvilinear, color keyer, Elevated master controller, and more.
How much does it cost?
Toon Boom Harmony offers 3 pricing plans:
- Essentials plan costs $24 per month
- Advanced plan costs $60 per month
- Premium plan costs $112 per month
Pros
- Plenty of advanced features
- Enhanced performance and efficiency
- 2D and 3D integrations
- Compatible with game engines
Cons
No Audio recording
9. Pencil2D
The 9th best animation software for beginners on this list is Pencil2D. It’s open-source software and free for everyone. Not to forget to mention it is one of the most potent 2D animation software you can come across.
Thanks to its minimalist design, Pencil2D allows you to focus more on animation and avoid any potential distractions.
Moreover, it makes an ideal option for those who are keen on traditional frame-by-frame animation. Likewise, all frames are built from scratch. It alters between raster and vector easily, enabling you to draw and paint instantly.
Furthermore, you can find a good number of tutorials, specially made for beginners. These tutorials can help you understand and learn more about the software, how to use it efficiently, and how to start creating your animation videos easily.
How much does it cost?
Pencil2D is a free animation software.
Pros
- Multi-platform; operates on Windows, macOS, Linux, and FreeBSD.
- Open-source software
- Free to use
- Lightweight on the Ram
Cons
- Crashes
- Miscellaneous undo/redo problems
10. Blender
Another open-source and free animation software on our list is Blender. Taking a bottom-up approach, this software is made by artists, experts, students, modders, and more, making it super easy to understand and grasp how it operates.
Moreover, the software supports everything including modeling, rendering, and animation, and everything in between. Thus, it makes it a full 3D pipeline package software that helps you create the best professional videos you want.
Likewise, Blender features Cycles Render Engine which helps you get a maximized and realistic rendering. The modeling, sculpt, and UV, on the other hand, ensures that you have the right tools to create and transform your creations in minutes.
The software also features VFX where you can track your modelings automatically or manually. It has a compelling camera reconstruction. Many famous brands and TV shows trust and use the advanced animation and rigging features of Blender. Not forget to mention that you can draw 2D in 3D in the viewport.
How much does it cost?
Blender is for Free.
Pros
- Planar tracking and Tripod solvers
- Compliant Python controlled interface
- CPU and GPU rendering
- Digital sculpting tools
- Grease pencil
Cons
Can be overwhelming with its outstanding tools
11. Animaker
Surely, the best animation software for beginners list cannot be complete without Animaker. Designed primarily for beginner artists and non-designers, this software allows you to design Animation and streamline your process simultaneously.
Nevertheless, we should also mention that Animaker is also for professionals who are looking for a full package tool to create awesome videos. Animaker features a drag and drop builder that is easy to use. It also features a compelling character builder.
There are plenty of unique and diverse characters from which you can choose. Besides, it has a stock of pictures and videos that you can freely use. The stock reaches up to 100M files.
When it comes to templates, you can choose from over 1000 pre-built templates designed just for you. Some other features of Animaker include 4K video editing, instant resizing for you social media platforms,
How much does it cost?
Animaker has 4 pricing plans:
- Personal plan costs $12 per month per user billed yearly.
- Startup plan: $35 per month per user billed yearly.
- Business plan: $59 per month per user billed yearly.
- Enterprise plan: $99 per month per user billed yearly.
Pros
- Over 100M assets in the library
- Over 1000 pre-built templates
- 4k editing
- Live-action
- User-friendly interface
Cons
Slow responsiveness sometimes.
12. Synfig Studio
Synfig Studio is an Open-source 2D Animation Software designed for Windows, Linux, and OSX. Importantly, Synfig offers two kinds of binary builds that you can download.
First, we have the Stable version with its well-tested set of features. This version is ideal for everyday use.
Second, we have the Development version which includes the recent adjusted features and bug corrections.
As a beginner, the first version is a good option to start with.
Synfig’s features include vector tweening, over 50 layers, filters, advanced controls, and bones. When it comes to layers you can choose from various types of geometric, angles, filters, twists, changes, fractals, and other types.
If you found yourself having a hard time understanding with this software and not sure how to get started, some documentation and video courses can guide you. They are available in four different languages on their website.
How much does it cost?
Synfig is free Animation software.
Pros
- Ideal for beginners
- Plethora of features
- Free
- Perfect for different purposes-videos
Cons
The learning curve might take some time.
13. Animation Paper
Animation paper software is for everyone. First, it is easy to use, fast and efficient. Second, it works perfectly for PC, Mac, and Linux. It is important to highlight that the Animation Paper is designed for Hand-Drawn Animation.
Many artists use it because it’s a powerful and robust tool to use for video animation. It’s also fast thanks to its quite responsive and uncluttered interface.
Consequently, it offers you smooth and real-time work progress. Moreover, Animation Paper is smartly designed, ensuring high efficiency in everything you do. It also allows you to design high-quality lines, format frames resizing, and more.
On the other hand, the blog section on their official website includes more detail and the newest news.
How much does it cost?
Animation paper has a Starter plan that costs $79, a one-time full license.
Pros
- Customized toolbar
- Export mp4 or frame-stacks like png, SVG, and more.
- Hand-drawn animation
Cons
- No available support
- No mobile application
14. OpenToonz
Opentoonz is open-source and free animation software. Therefore, anyone can use it for commercial and non-commercial 2D animation production. Currently, Opentoonz seeks to promote a novel program for combining academic research with cutting edge animation creation.
Features wise, the software has some great tools such as “GTS” specializing in animation. Moreover, it also features the Effects development kit (SDK). That means, by applying SDK, you can automatically adjust picture styles by using the deep learning Tech.
You can also implement the affected incident light to achieve a classical touch to your video or pictures. Wavy distortion is also another feature you can apply to transform your model.
How much does it cost?
OpenToonz is free animation software.
Pros
- Developed by Studio Ghibli
- Powerful, fast, and effective
- Different layer options
- Guiding tutorials
Cons
The interface can be a little bit enhanced
15. KeyShot
Finally, if you are looking to create outstanding visuals, then Keyshot is the place to start. Keyshot is one of the leading 3D animation, modeling, and rendering software applications supported by outstanding tools.
Trusted by many brands worldwide, this software is an ideal option for those who are seeking exceptional, instant, and realistic visual results.
Both beginners and professionals can use Keyshot to effortlessly design and create animation and 3D rendering. The software offers its users accurate tools, advanced editing, and modeling capabilities. You can also observe real-time changes instantly.
How much does it cost?
Keyshot offer 4 pricing plans:
- HD plan 9-1000-HDNL costs $995.00.
- Pro plan 9-1010-PNL costs $1,995.00
- Pro Floating plan 9-1011-PFL costs $2,995.00
- Enterprise plan 9-1020-ENT costs $3,995.00
Pros
- Simple and intuitive interface making it easy to learn and use
- Capability to accord license across various PCs
- Innovative Volumetric qualities
- High rendering speed and powerful animation
Cons
- Very expensive
- Not ideal for 3D veteran
Buying Guide
Selecting the best animation software for beginners might be a daunting task, especially for those who have no prior knowledge neither on the way these programs function nor on the fundamental elements that should be included.
Some software variety may not be suitable for beginners as they include highly advanced features that only expert artists can use. Yet, surely, these software are supplied with abundant arrays of purposes and tools that will enable you to produce powerful and unmatched animation projects.
Moreover, while some of them are open source and free, others come with different pricing plans. And as a beginner, the right choice is to always choose the plan with the basic and necessary tools only for you to get started. Not until you feel you have acquired enough skills and knowledge in the animation realm, only then you can upgrade.
Without further ado, let’s have a brief look at the different things you should take into consideration when purchasing the best animation software for beginners.
1. Types of Animation:
There is a sheer number of distinct types of animation. While you might be familiar with some of them, other types may sound like an alien language to you. To illustrate, here are the 5 types of animation you may come across:
1. 3D Animation
This is one of the most popular and used models of animation in the entertainment industry, especially when talking about feature films, comics, and more.
The literal meaning of 3D animation is when objects appear in three-dimensional space using digitally generated animated imagery. The animator has full control of the objects as if they were real. Therefore, they can easily rotate and move them as desired just like real items.
Yet, we can also find them in presentation graphics to add instinctive aptitude to the visuals. Those who use 3D animation usually utilize digitally drawn figures also referred to as a character rig.
To place and position these animated figures, they apply a motion path program to determine the action flow of the character between those stances and acts. Then, within the keyframes, the program continues to insert and refine the animation’s frames until they achieve the desired results.
2. Hand-Drawn Animation
The hand-drawn animation is also referred to as traditional animation or classical animation. This was one of the popular types of animation before anything got digitally advanced.
The process of this type of animation includes numerous steps but they are simple and easily achieved.
For instance, the process includes Voice recording, Animatic, or story reel where pictures of the storyboard are synchronized with voice recording. Then, we have Design and timing where the appearance, gestures, poses, and lip movements of the character models are standardized and adjusted accordingly.
After that, Layout (consisting of camera angles, lighting, and more) and Animation take place. In this case, the animation is one of the important steps as it requires some focus and dedication.
Finally, Pencil test, Backgrounds, Traditional ink-and-paint and camera, Digital ink and paint, and Computers and digital video cameras come right after.
It is important to note that artists nowadays rarely draw on paper for every single animation frame. Instead, they use the computer to draw and color digitally using Wacom tablets or more advanced devices.
3. Vector Animation
In order to understand vector animation, it is important to highlight the differences between bitmap and vector graphics. To simply explain this to you, bitmap consists of a fixed number of pixels in the grid. Each pixel carries details of the picture type color display. A bitmap’s resolution defines and restricts the image size. That means any alternation of its original size can affect the quality resolution of the image.
Whereas, Vector graphics is formed of trails marked by a beginning and ending points. These trails can take any kind of shape. They are used to produce notably complicated diagrams. Each trail object has its individual mathematical record that determines how the object should be presented.
With that said, in vector animation, the motion of the object is measured and guided by vectors instead of bitmaps. It often provides polished and more flowing animation. This is because pictures are revealed and resized by applying mathematical statements rather than pixels conditions.
4. Stop Motion Animation
This type of animation is time and effort consuming. For this reason, it’s considered as one of the labor-consuming types in the animation industry.
To simply explain this term, Stop Motion animation is about bringing life to objects on the screen. For this reason, it involves some manipulative techniques. Back then, this form of animation was used a lot in live-action movies.
Not until the 1990s it became quite popular in Comics effects production.
The reason behind its time and intensive labor consumption is because of the continuous and repetitive sequence of shots one has to take in order to get the desired results. In brief, this is how it works:
First, using your camera, you take a snap of the object. Then, you have to slightly move the object and take another snape of it. You have to repeat this process again and again to get the sequence.
Once you get enough shots, you can play the sequence rapidly and observe the way the objects are moving fluidly across the screen. This is what we call the illusion of movement. In short, this type of animation requires lots of focus, dedication, and most importantly patience.
5. Motion Graphics Animation
The last type of animation is motion graphics. To start with, Motion Graphics concentrates on creating dynamic and compelling displays of rolling text logos and essential illustrations without serving a particular narrative. Second, it allows you to give more visual flair to objects by simply featuring forms, objects, or text lines that are being arranged in motion. You probably come across this type of animation in commercials, tutorial videos, and other TV productions.
Thus, if you are looking to learn more about the different types of animation, check out this article, here.
2. Ease of Use
As a beginner, it is important to learn the basics of animation in order to have more compelling animated videos. For this reason, an easy to use software is always the best place to start with. And for this reason, we have reviewed 15 best animation software for beginners just to ensure you have an idea about the different software on the market.
In order to guarantee that you get the best software that fits with your level and needs, it is better to first try out the software before purchasing it. For example, some software includes some advanced features that may not be suitable for your level of expertise.
For this reason, make sure that you take advantage of the FREE trial that almost all animation software offers. This helps assess the different features and try them out before you make the purchase. Thus, we highly recommend software that offers drag and drop tools, no advanced editing and animations abilities, no coding.
3. Templates
The best animation software for beginners offers a plethora of pre-built templates and stock of assets that you can use freely to create your videos. Whether it is for personal use or business use, you will find something that meets with your needs and that can easily apply.
4. Voice Recording and Soundtracks
Undoubtedly, no video is complete without sounds. Whether recording voice or using the free soundtracks assets, you should be able to add the sound without major difficulties.
5. Effects
Effects play a major role in animation. For instance, they make the videos more compelling and attractive to the viewers. w=With that said, make sure to choose the best animation software for beginners that includes a good number of built-in animation effects choices.
6. Output Possibilities
Different animation software may have a different range of output choices. Therefore, whether you want to have your final version of the video in .mp4, .mov, .avi, .flv. or more formats, make sure that the software you are purchasing supports various output formats.
Frequently Asked Questions
The answer to this question depends, in a first position, on your needs and preferences. Second, it also depends on your skills in designing and composing videos. However, Vyond is our first choice in the best animation software for beginners, followed by Animoto and Pencil2D. They offer you the best and most essential features you need to start your animation production video journey. They have a simple and intuitive interface, drag and drop feature, prebuilt templates, and access to a stock of videos and images that you can use for your videos.
Nevertheless, the list of the best animation software for beginners above are all excellent choices for those who want to test and start experiencing animation creation. It is your call for the final choice.
In this list, we have included open-source and free animation software that you can try. To illustrate, Blender, K-3D, pencil2D, and more are some of the options.
When creating an animated video, the first thing you should start thinking of is a good story narrative. It is important that the story is interesting enough for your viewers in order for them to enjoy it and the video as well.
After you have decided on the story and the script, it is time for you to explore and build a visual style or concept art of the storyline. The next step is one of the important ones in animation videos which is the storyboard.
Certainly, the storyboard will set the pace for the following steps since it will conclude other people’s feedback on your story. Consequently, the storyboard should be converted to an animatic version. This step ensures the adjustment of timing, soundtracks, effects, and more. Moreover, it helps you to grasp the first glance on the outcome of the video.
Nevertheless, depending on the type of animation you are working on, you will need to create assets including the sets, background, characters, and props when needed. It’s important to note that each type of animation comes with different assets.
Next comes the animation phase where you bring life to the objects included in the video this induces, motion flow, character movements, and more. The animation phase also includes different elements including texturing, lighting and rendering, color correction, and more. The last step is adjusting all the sounds effects of the video and conquering the final audio track.
Whether you have just started your journey in designing and creating animation videos, or you professional artists, there is always a room for you to learn more about video animation production.
And the best way to do this is by practice. Now, learning about animation videos will depend on what kind of software you will be using. Nevertheless, as a beginner, you may want to invest some of your time by studying and watching different tutorials.
Indeed, almost all animation software includes tutorials, documentations, and guiding videos that help you learn more about their software, the way it operates, and how to best use their features and tools. These tutorials can be a great starting point in your learning curve.
Animation videos are designed for different purposes and for different industries. Nevertheless, lots of people tend to think that animation videos are either business-related or cartoons related. Thus, the purposes of using these types of videos are varied.
Recently, many marketers, HR managers, trainers, and those in the E-learning industry are using animation for either promoting or how-to video or as explainer or informative videos. Respectively, they can be quite effective in explaining complex topics or intricate processes. Moreover, they can be fun and engaging.
Conclusion
In Brief, deciding on your needs and preferences is the first step before purchasing the best animation software for beginners. That’s why you have to learn about your products’ needs to effectively achieve your purpose.
Whether you are looking to educate your viewers, promote your products and services or anything in between, the features of the software should enable you to reach your goals. Once decided on that, picking the best animation software becomes a lot easier.
Hopefully, our list has helped you narrow down your choices to the one that fits with your needs!
