There is no doubt that video is a powerful marketing tool. Nowadays, instead of reading long articles, people love to watch videos. As a result, the demand for video content is high. You know that according to research, video marketers enjoy 70% more qualified leads per year.
In order to make a video attractive, you can use animation software that improves the quality of the video and makes it attractive.
It is obvious that video makers face challenges in creating attractive videos to promote their products. If engagement is your main objective, you have to promote your business through an animated video. Wondering how? Well, you can use animation software to create an interesting video.
There are many free animation software, so you don’t have to worry about the cost of creating an animated video. However, many options are available in the market, so it is obvious to determine which one is suitable for your project. Today, we will discuss top animation software. It means you can choose one as per your requirements and desire.
Table of Contents
The List of Best Animation Software
As we mentioned, there are lots of options available in the market. It isn’t easy to choose 3D animation software. If you are looking for the best software, you are at the right place. Below, we list out top animation software, so you can choose one as per your requirement.
1. Adobe Character Animator
Adobe Character Animator uses facial recognition, gesture recognition, etc., in order to animate cartoon characters. You know that the character animator is a real-time animator that is able to use your facial expressions, full-body motion capture, hand movement, and various other inputs to animate characters.
The best thing about the software is that it is smooth and fast as well as you can live stream your development procedure to share work with team members or your audience. You have to plug in your web camera, microphone and start the animation. With the help of this software, you can easily create a character in a couple of clicks.
As a result, you can count it as animation software for free use. On the other hand, this software provides a huge variety of options for animating. You are also able to utilize the software to create an attractive video. Animation options included walking, blinking, behaviors, breathing, etc. This means it is the best animation software to create a video.
However, you have to pay 54.99 USD per month to use this software. You can take a free trial for 7 days to check its performance. Once you are satisfied with its performance, you can pay annual charges and use it to create videos.
| Pros | Cons |
| Supports Motion Editor Feature | Subscription plans are expensive |
| Motion capture allows to animate characters | Programming requires for interactive animation |
| Anyone with basic knowledge can learn | Heavily relies on Adobe’s other programs |
| Easy to use, with excellent built in templates. | 3D animation capabilities require to be enhanced. |
2. Toon Boom Harmony
If you are looking for 2D animation software, you can count on Toon Boom cartoon animation software. This software allows the users fluidity, flexibility, and the smoothness of traditional animation. You know that a leading animation studio has used this software for more than 25 years.
With the help of this software, users can easily create videos. You know that the latest update’s software includes a stylus pressure responsiveness, a stabilizer for lines, and tilt and angle responsiveness. It is also easily integrable with software such as extensions such as PSD, PDF, PSB, Adobe Illustrator, and Bitmaps.
However, Toon Boom Harmony pricing options come in different packages. Harmony Essentials cost 25 USD per month. For advance, you have to pay 63 USD per month and 115 USD per month. If you don’t have enough money to use this software, you can use its 21 days free trial.
| Pros | Cons |
| High fidelity auto meshing | High cost barrier for independent |
| Advanced lip-sync tools | Unable to record or edit audio in the program |
| It has plenty of drawing and animation tools | Glitches occur if software is not updated |
| Collaborative workflow | Program is highly customizable |
3. Digicel FlipBook
Digicel FlipBook is easy-to-use animation software. With the help of this software, users can do a lot of things easily. The best thing about the software is that it lets you easily scan your artwork from paper directly onto the software. The speed of the software is amazing.
On the other hand, they are able to make changes while the animation is running, and the changes are visible the next time the loop runs! As a result, this is the best software for creating animated videos.
Four different packages of Digicel’s Flipbook are Studio, Lite and ProHD. If you use this animation software’s free version, all published exports are watermarked. For the lite version, you have to pay 98 USD. However, currently, it is available for 19 USD.
| Pros | Cons |
| Onion skinning technique is available | History version have a watermark |
| Supports XSheet layers | Limited number of frames |
| Import image directly from a scanner | History will be gone once document is deleted |
You can also build such kinds of software. To make this software, you must seek the help of professionals with good years of experience in the animation software development industry.
4. Moho Debut 13.5
Moho Debut animation software is easy to understand and allows the users to animate the video. The software’s tools are powerful and can be used to convert the strangest imagination into an animated story. You know that this software comes with multilingual support and has the capability to handle Spanish, German, English, Chinese, and Japanese.
This animation software runs on both Windows and macOS and provides advanced and sophisticated freehand tools. This software also comes with amazing features such as pen pressure support for tablets, rigging, animated effects for shapes and layers, brushes that can be used to easily edit and animate.
In order to use this software, users need to pay 59.99 USD. However, you can also take a free trial for 30 days.
| Pros | Cons |
| Compatible to run on Windows and Mac | Limited audio editing capabilities |
| Help learn at your pace | Does not automatically lip sync |
| Plenty of premade character options | Limited community support |
In order to build an app like Moho Debut, you need to seek the help of an animation software development company that has a team of skilled developers who are well-versed in building a functional app.
5. Mango Animate
This is a well-known animation software to create explainer, training, promo, character, whiteboard, and presentation videos. The best thing about the software is that it provides users with libraries of animation templates, scenes, and characters to make stunning animation videos.
Furthermore, it empowers users to upload an image to the role list as a new customize motion, body, emotion, etc., to match animation video ideas, unique animation videos, and crafting engaging. Henceforth, it is counted as a top animation software. In order to use this software, you have to pay $49 in the US for a lifetime(Professional)/ $199/lifetime (Enterprise)
| Pros | Cons |
| Intuitive scene transition effects help transfer scenes from one to another naturally | Free version has limited features |
| Powerful multi-track timeline to customize animation effects and duration with ease. |
You can also build your own animation software. But when it comes to building your own software, you may face lots of challenges. In such a case, you have to contact a software development company to help you build functional software.
6. Cinema 4D
If you are looking for the best animation software, Cinema 4D is an ideal choice. This software is perfect for 3D computer animation, rendering, simulation, and modeling. As a good software, you will find amazing features for motion graphics, VFX, design, AR/MR/VR, game development, as well as all kinds of visualization.
The best thing about the software is that it is available in 12 different languages and supports advanced features such as gradient-filled shapes and symbols. With the help of this software, it is easy to import vector art from SVG, PDF, and Illustrator into 3D scenes. It means it is an ideal choice for creating animated vidoes. In order to use this software, you have to pay € 103.32 per month.
| Pros | Cons |
| Easiest 3D packages to learn and use | Tool is expensive for starters |
| Robust knowledge base and other support options | The interface can be overwhelming without proper guidance |
| Lots of amazing animation and modelling-friendly features |
7. Animaker
Animaker is a 2D animation software that offers numerous animated characters, properties, icons, maps, BGs, and charts. So, this is the best 2D animation software that assists you in creating an attractive video for presentation, organization, freelancing projects, and personal projects.
Using this software, you can create animated videos in 6 unique styles: handcraft, 2D, infographics, whiteboard and typography. Henceforth, this is the best choice for making a unique animation video. The best part about the software is that it is free of cost. It means you don’t have to pay any amount to create a video.
| Pros | Cons |
| Wide range of characters | Videos have watermark on free plan |
| Affordable pricing options | |
| User-friendly interface |
8. Movavi
This is the best software for novice editors and enthusiastic video content creators. This software supports drag and drop, perfect for instantly blending multiple vidoes clips into a comprehensive work. Through the help of this software, users are able to create everything from gaming videos for YouTube to video tutorials and slideshows.
With this software’s help, users can benefit from advanced tools such as zooming and panning, applying slow motion, animating an object, creating stop motion, and tracking moving objects. The software offers plenty of creative transitions and animated titles, which can be used to create eye-catching videos.
In order to use this software, you have to pay 54.95 USD per year or 79.95 USD for a one-time payment. However, it is suggested to take its 7-day free trial to ensure the software is useful to you. Even you can build your own software. But you have to seek the help of dedicated developers.
| Pros | Cons |
| Cool effects and transitions | Not good for professional animator |
| User-friendly interface | Limited selection of templates |
| Plenty of video and audio editing tools |
9. Flipsnack
This is a web-based animation software that gives permission to users to create and share publications with a realistic page flip effect. With this software’s help, you can transform static documents into all sorts of animated publications, including catalogs, magazines, portfolios, presentations, and brochures; you name it, without any effort whatsoever.
The software comes with an intuitive drag-and-drop editor and a plethora of fully customizable templates, which is why it is suitable for every type of user, whether you are tech-savvy or not. As a result, it is the best animation software to create unique videos.
To use this software, you have to pay $14 per month for a Starter plan; for a professional plan, you have to invest $35; or for a business plan, you have to pay $79. If you don’t know about its performance, you can use its free trial that allows you to create up to 3 catalogs of 30 pages each.
| Pros | Cons |
| Collaboration and sharing | 3D flip-page effect |
| Multi-platform compatibility | Don’t function well with shared links |
| Easy to share and add to an email | Text box formatting has a bug |
10. Cartoon Animator 5
This is a 2D animation software suitable for both beginners as well as professionals. With this software’s help, the user can design characters and digitally animate them through expressions and lip-sync capabilities. The software lets you integrate your work with Adobe Photoshop and allows you to use PSD templates for designing.
To use this software, it is required to pay 149 USD. In order to make sure the software is suitable for you or not, you can take a free trial for 30 days. If you want to build your own app, you have to search for mobile app developers.
| Pros | Cons |
| Predefined animations and packs | Customer service could be improved |
| Photoshop integration is possible | Rigging the face is difficult to do |
| Animate with the help of pins | Note easy to create multiple scenes |
The Final Note
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned animator, having access to the right animation software can dramatically impact the quality of your work. There are many paid and free software to use for animation. So, you can choose an option as per your requirements.
However, choosing animation software comes down to your specific needs, budget, and preferences. Each software mentioned in this article has its strengths and weaknesses, so trying out the free or demo version of the paid software is essential to find the software that best suits your style and requirements. You can also hire iPhone app developers to create your own app.
FAQs
1. What is animation software?
Animation software is a computer program used to create, edit, and manipulate visual content to produce animation. It allows users to design characters, objects, and scenes and then animate them by creating a sequence of frames or frames.
2. What are the best animation software options out there?
Some of the best animation software options are:
- Toon Boom Harmony
- Adobe Animate
- Paint TV
- Cinema 4D
3. Which animation software is best for beginners?
For starters, user-friendly software with accessible learning resources is important. Some good options are Toon Boom Harmony Essentials, Adobe Animate, and Synfig Studio.
4. What animation software do professionals use?
Professional animators often use a combination of software tools depending on their specific needs. Popular choices by professionals include Adobe After Effects, Autodesk Maya, Toon Boom Harmony, and Blender.
Is animation software expensive?
The cost of animation software varies. Some software may have a one-time purchase or subscription-based pricing model. Professional-grade animation software can be relatively expensive, but free and more affordable options exist.