Beginner's guide to animation software

Once you have decided on the type of animation you would like to try, you can try using your digital device to create it.
In this section, we will introduce some recommended essential animation tools, and how to choose the right art program for you. Let’s find the animation app and technology that best fits your style.

Choosing the right animation software is crucial to optimize your workflow and the quality of your work.
Entry level software is often inexpensive or free and has the advantage of an intuitive interface to get you started. Professional software has the advantage of specialized functions and greater customizability. Here are some of the leading drawing apps that have been adopted in the animation industry.

What software is used for animation?

Clip Studio Paint

This app can produce illustrations, comics, and animations from start to finish, with emphasis on 2D cel animation. It is widely used by both beginners and professionals in the animation industry. In addition to customizable brushes, Clip Studio Paint offers an onion skin view, which makes it intuitive to add animations as you draw.

Adobe Animate

You can create 2D animations that can be released in a variety of media, including videos, advertising, games, and television. The software works with Adobe graphics software such as Photoshop and Illustrator, making it ideal for artists who started with illustrations but want to expand into video production.

Adobe After Effects

While Premiere Pro excels at video editing, Adobe After Effects specializes at adding motion graphics and visual effects to videos. It has plug-ins that extend its functionality, making it easy to create animations.

Toon Boom Harmony

Toon Boom Harmony can produce a wide range of animations for TV animation, film, and the web. It supports all phases of 2D animation, and can import and manipulate 3D materials.

Synfig Studio

Synfig Studio is an open source software for 2D animation. While free, it is feature-rich and is updated frequently. It can handle more than 50 layers for complex animation workflows, and advanced controllers for manipulation.

OpenToonz

OpenToonz is a free program that can handle everything from animating to camera effects. It also has Clip Studio Paint integration, so you can use Clip Studio Paint to animate lines, and OpenToonz for coloring and finishing.

Choose the animation software that best suits your style and production environment.

How to choose animation software

Price

Animation software prices vary. Some are free and may display ads within the app. Some paid apps offer monthly or yearly subscriptions or student discounts, so even if you are a hobbyist, you should still consider paid software.

Interface

Some software such as AnimeEffects specialize in animation production, while others, such as Clip Studio Paint, can be used to create illustrations and comics as well. The former has the advantage of a wealth of plug-ins and filters for intuitive editing, while the latter allows for the creation of key frames while you are making the illustrations.

Versatility

If you want to use your exported video in a wide range of media, it is important to know which formats your software can export to. Some software can also read formats of other graphics software. If you are currently using an app, consider what formats can be imported/exported before purchasing.

What are the best animation programs for beginners?

Clip Studio Paint

Clip Studio Paint is a graphics software that has been adopted by many prominent Japanese animation studios.
It provides a high degree of flexibility in brush customization, allowing adjustment of brush pressure sensitivity, stabilization, post correction, etc. It is recommended for artists that are currently drawing illustrations and animations with pen and paper.
The main features of animation include drawing support using transparency, such as light tables and onion skins, a timeline that allows intuitive control of cel order and speed, and flexible camera work.
You can easily add animations to an illustration file as well, making it accessible for both beginners and professionals.

Is free animation software good enough?

There are many free animation software programs available, including Pencil2D, Krita, and OpenToonz. Depending on the software, you can take advantage of onion skins and various brushes and effects.
As you continue to create and find that you want more freedom to customize and explore your own style, you should look into paid software.