The Top 10 Animation Tools for Designers 

Animation tools for designers

COVID-19 impacted nearly every industry, except for food delivery and hand sanitiser manufacturing, which faced significant challenges. However, most industries are now stabilizing and focusing on the future, especially the period after the pandemic. Initially, the pandemic caused skyrocketing unemployment rates due to shutdowns and stay-at-home orders. But now, these rates are decreasing, leading to an increase in job opportunities. If you’re a veteran of the workplace structure, or a freelancer eager to attract more clients as the economy recovers, you need certain animation tools. These tools are essential for animators in today’s world. Here, we list our top 10 favourites.

1. Adobe Character Animator

Adobe Character Animator stands as a crucial tool for anyone serious about digital creative work. This tool is a testament to Adobe’s commitment to versatility and quality. It’s user-friendly, making it accessible for beginners, yet its capabilities are as robust as other Adobe products, ensuring professionals also find it invaluable. Character Animator transforms your digital art into animated characters with ease, demonstrating Adobe’s continued innovation in the digital art space.

2. Synfig Studio

Synfig Studio is a stellar option for 2D animators, balancing cost and professional-grade features. While the base package is free, additional upgrades enhance its capabilities significantly. The software provides an impressive array of 50 layers, along with quick-hit options. These features enable animators to bring their artwork to life with just a few clicks, demonstrating its efficiency and power in 2D animation.

3. Blender

Blender has earned its reputation as the best free tool for both beginners and experts in 3D modelling and animation. It rivals paid programs in functionality, offering high-quality 3D modelling capabilities. This versatile tool works seamlessly across PC, Mac, and Linux, making it a universal choice for animators looking for a no-cost yet powerful solution.

4. Animaker

Animaker, primarily a 2D animation tool, offers a vast array of template-style options for animation creation. Despite its low cost, many professionals utilize it for projects requiring simple but impactful animations and transitions. This tool demonstrates that affordability doesn’t compromise quality, particularly in creating engaging and professional animations.

5. Tupi

Tupi is an excellent free tool for 2D animation, but it’s exclusive to the Mac operating system only,  It’s a favourite among Mac users for creating animations intended for social media sharing. Tupi’s platform-specific design ensures it’s optimized for Mac’s capabilities, making it a go-to choice for those in the Apple ecosystem looking for a reliable and user-friendly animation tool.

6. DigiCel FlipBook

DigiCel FlipBook revives the classic charm of flipbook animation. It allows users to easily create traditional flipbook-style animations and stop-motion projects. Compatible with both PC and Mac, it offers versatility and a touch of nostalgia, making it ideal for animated advertising or personal projects that benefit from a whimsical, retro feel.

7. Stop Motion Studio

For enthusiasts excited about stop motion, Stop Motion Studio is a top pick. It enables the creation of smooth, 4K stop-motion videos, even for beginners. This tool is particularly appealing for those with a decent smartphone camera, illustrating that high-quality animation tool isn’t exclusive to high-end equipment. It’s also a great tool for aspiring TikTok influencers looking to create unique content.

8. Cartoon Animator 4

Cartoon Animator 4 is an all-encompassing solution for 2D animators seeking a range of options for character animations. The program offers professional-quality templates and is an excellent learning tool. Its versatility and depth make it a preferred choice for creatives who want expansive control over their animation projects.

9. Moho Pro

Moho Pro is a dream tool for anime creators, offering numerous layers and the ability to animate both created and uploaded characters. Available for Windows and Mac, it caters to freehand artists transitioning to digital art, highlighting its strong freehand capabilities. Moho Pro stands out for those who value precision and detail in their anime creations.

10. Pencil 2D

Pencil 2D, ideal for artists moving from freehand to digital, offers a straightforward yet powerful platform. Its name belies its potency; it’s as capable as its more expensive counterparts in bringing freehand art to life in the digital realm. Pencil 2D’s user-friendliness doesn’t sacrifice quality, making it an excellent choice for artists seeking an accessible yet robust animation tool.

Stay Current

As does every part of the tech world, these programs will be upgraded regularly, new competitors will emerge, and the industry favourites will also change. Keep an eye on a current trends blog you can trust, and stay ahead of the rapid curve that is digital animation.