Are you on plans to make 2D animation movies and looking for a suitable software for that? There is no dearth of animation software programs for animators but the thing is that not all such programs would be suitable for you. But not to worry as here we have come up with an extensive list of best 2D animation software programs and you can safely settle with any one of them.

Pencil2D

You are getting an open-source 2D animation software here which uses vector/bitmap drawing interface for producing convenient 2D graphics, drawings & animation. It caters to all major operating systems including Linux, Mac & Windows. The good news is that such an amazing software program is available complete free of charge.

Tupi

Open-source 2D Animation Software. For Windows, Linux and OSX. We providing two flavors of binary builds of Synfig for all supported operating. Download TupiTube Desk for free. 2D Animation Tool for Children and Teenagers. TupiTube Desk is a 2D animation tool for desktop environments focused on usability for children and amateur artists. It is available for Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems.

Tupi is a great 2D animation software which would be especially good for the beginner & young artists who are new to the animation world. The new version of the software has come up with some boosted improvements and these include- preference dialog, light/dark theme support, redo/undo of object transformation, refactoring of color palette etc.

The Tab

This is another most recommended name when it comes to reliable 2D animation software programs. The Tab is equipped to alter & manipulate lines as well as shapes easily & then the convert the drawings into vector images. It is compatible with PC & Mac and works on tablets too.

DrawPlus

The new version of DrawPlus has come up with improved features like B-Splines that enables the user to draw lines & manipulate curves on his digital canvas easier than ever. The software assures higher line accuracy as well and the latest hairline option of the software ensures all precision that you need while dealing with intricate lines & designs.

CrazyTalk Animator

CrazyTalk Animator offers a novel approach to conventional 2D animation drawing with its innovative tools that enable one to apply the cutting edge 3D motions in 2D characters. You will have latest editing tools here that freely edit the 2D motions & can view them from just any angle in one single click.

DigiCel FlipBook

If you are looking for an easy software for 2D animation, DigiCel FlipBook is the name for you. It will do just everything to let you come up with amazing animated movies. In fact, the software was designed by the animators themselves for the animators & the program is a favorite of major professional animators.

2D Animation Software for Various Platforms

Today you have a versatile gallery of 2D animation software applications for various platforms. The one you take to should suit your system’s OS as otherwise it won’t work for you. Not every such software applications would work for all operating systems and there are some software applications that only work for specific OS.

Free Windows 2D Animation Software – Animation Paper

If you are looking for a highly efficient 2D animation software for professional and experienced animators, Animation Paper is the software for you. It’s powerful & fast as well as comes with a very simple & intuitive interface. In fact, it’s always fun to work with this highly rated 2D animation software.

When you are looking for free Windows 2D animation software, Plastic Animation Paper can be the name for you. It’s one of the best in the market and comes with several useful features like- color insert in drawing, frame rate setting, zooming feature, drawing area etc. It supports various image & video formats.

Free Android 2D Animation Software – Visviva Animation Player

If you are asking for Free Android 2D Animation software, Visviva Animation Player would be a good option for you. The software is able to create 2D & 3D graphic animations for the multimedia presentations, screensavers, games & many other forms of entertainment & instructional applications. It’s simple and very convenient to use.

Free Mac 2D Animation Software – Synfig

What about a good Free Mac 2D Animation software? Well, you can opt for Synfig here which is an open-source vector-based animation software and would be great if you are looking for Flash-animation. It comes with a standard interface so it won’t take much time for you to deploy Synfig for your animated fantasies.

Most Popular 2D Animation Software for 2016 – PowToon

This is one of the best 2D animation software programs in the market today as it has been duly perfected for fluid storytelling & creating Flash movies & presentations. If you have not created motion in your presentation ever, don’t worry, PowToon always assures a convenient use for its users.

If you want to know about most popular 2D animation software for 2016, PowToon is the name. It will create awesome animated presentations which you can easily combine with music, embedded videos or narration. It comes with a wide range of templates and is available in both free and paid versions to choose from.

What is 2D Animation Software?

The 2D animation software programs help to create animation presentations and movies with few clicks of a mouse. These software programs allow the aspiring animators to draw, color as well as animate the desired creations for amazing interactive presentations.

The best ones in the market will even help you with Flash animation. The other features that you will find in the animation software are scene transition facility, ability to put text & word balloons in the project, add sound effects or your own voice narration, sound editing and so on.

Besides, the best ones can help with lip-syncing that will make your characters mouth the dialogues easily as we find in great animation movies.

How to Install 2D Animation Software?

To install 2D animation software, first, you will need to download the chosen software. Every software comes with an executable file. However, make sure to check the software’s compatibility with system’s operating system before you download. As the download completes, you will get the installation link followed by the needed installation instructions.

Benefits of 2D Animation Software

Those who have grown up watching animated movies, secretly have this wish to make their own animated presentations one day. But all cannot attend art schools and not everybody gets a chance to assist at famous animation studios.

The 2D animation software applications come up as a blessing here since these are modeled to help you in creating animation presentations easily just from the comfort of your home. These software applications will do everything to turn your animation project into a reality and the best ones in the market are even used by pro designers & elite animation studios.

The leading 2D animation software programs allow the users to import several files & save the project in various file formats. Your chosen software must support various image and video versions. These software applications are quite easy to use and not always you would have to be a tech geek to operate them.

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Sep 11,2019• Proven solutions

When you are trying to make funny cartoons, explainer videos, or informative shorts to post online, 2D animation software can come in handy. With access to a 2D animation maker, you can create intricate and interesting stories that will help you connect with your audience.

Whether you are teaching a group of kids, showing employees how to do their job, introducing a new product, or trying to elicit an emotional reaction from your audience, 2D cartoon animation can be very useful.

If you are new to the world of 2D animation as a beginner and want to be a professional animation maker, you will be interested in our review of the top 10 free download 2D animation software options that may prove useful to you.

Recommend free download animation maker FilmoraPro

If you want to create an animation video, we recommend using 2D animation software FilmoraPro. Why do you need to use FilmoraPro to make 2D animation?

• Keyframing helps you quickly make animation
• Auto color correction to make animation video perfect
• You can make smooth 2D animation

FilmoraPro is a powerful and straightforward animation video editor to make a 2D animation video. You can customize the workplace to make it comfortable while editing.

Best 2d Animation Software Free

From start to finish, you can make animation within 7 steps, so don't worry about it is too difficult to start. Just free download it to have a try!

Here are 10 best free download 2D animation software for you to have a look.

• Synfig
• Opentoonz
• Maefloresta
• Pencil 2D
• Toon Boom Harmony
• CelAction2D
• Moho (Anime Studio) Pro
• Stop Motion Studio
• FlipBook
• Reallusion CrazyTalk Animator

Part 1: Best Free 2D Animation Software for Beginners

1.Synfig

Price: Free

Compatibility: Windows, Linux and OSX

Pro: It offers more than 50 layers to make simple or advanced animation, so you don't need to worry about its limitation though it is free to use.

Con: Few tutorials are available in the market to start making animation for beginners.

Synfig Studio is an open-source free 2D animation software that is the perfect place for beginners to learn about 2D animation. There are two versions available for free download - stable and testing.

The testing version has some experimental features if users want to try those ahead of their introduction into the stable release.

Features:

• Supports multiple layers of content
• The bone system allows for the creation of cutout animations from bitmap images
• Has sound support to allow for the addition and syncing of narration and/or music to the video

2.Opentoonz

Price: Free

Compatibility: Windows and OSX

Pro: You can use a plug in to make beautiful animation effects automatically without further editing.

Con: The UI design it outdated compared with other animation software, but it won't affect user experience.

Based on the Toonz software, Opentoonz is the best free alternative that will help you create 2D animated content. Anyone can use the software, free of charge and download.

And users can modify the source code to add specific features to this simple animation software.

Features:

• GTS scanning tool
• Ability to change picture styles
• Add distortion and light effects
• Compatible with black and white and colored scans

3.Maefloresta

Price: Free

Compatibility: iPhone and Android

Pro: It is free to use with easy to start the introduction, even for kids.

Con: You need to email its staff to get the installer online, which is inconvenient sometimes.

The beauty of the Maefloresta app is that you can use your Android or iOS tablet and smartphone to create free 2D animated videos.

There is no need to pay for expensive software if you just want to create some fun videos to show your friends. It also offers school solutions for teachers and students.

Features:

• The free downloadable app that works on smartphones and tablets
• Easy animation software with tutorials
• Intuitive interface that beginners can use with ease

4.Pencil 2D

Price: Free

Compatibility: Windows, Linux and OSX

Pro: It offers English, Spanish and Portuguese language tutorials to use.

Con: It doesn't support shapes tool. If you like to make shapes and draw something, you'd be disappointed.

Want an open source and free 2D animation design software to help you create videos? Pencil2D animation is the type of program that can help beginners.

You can get to grips with how 2D animation works, and you can create some very fun and interesting videos along the way.

Features:

• Minimalist design to let you make animation easily
• Raster and vector workflow switching
• Cross-platform compatibility to free download

Part 2: Best Professional 2D Animation Software

5.Toon Boom Harmony

Price: The first 21 days of using the product are free. After the 21 days are up, you will need to pay $109 per month.

Compatibility: Windows, Linux and OSX

Pro: You can make 2D and 3D animation both with models.

Con: It may take some time to learn how to make 2D animation for beginners.

Whether you are trying to create an art piece, showcase a story through 2D images, or craft a unique message for your audience, Toon Boom Harmony will help you immensely.

This professional 2D animation software may take time to learn, but it is worth using. It has bitmap and vector tools for creating art, 3D imported models for hybrid productions, and the option to create multiplane scenes with Z-depth.

For more information in the top 10 review.

Features:

• Revolutionary vector and bitmap drawing technology - Brush Engine
• Advanced color palettes and painting options
• 2D and 3D integration to make professional animation
• Cut-out animation tools
• Traditional paperless animation.

6.CelAction2D

Best 2d Animation Program

Price: If you go with the Studio Edition, it costs $1,300 to obtain a single license to use the product for a lifetime. Studio Edition is $1300 for one single license

Compatibility: Windows, Linux and OSX

Pro: It is fast to use with low system requirements.

Con: You can draw animation in itself, so you need to import all words from third party software.

Want to create unique and complex 2D animations for your upcoming projects? CelAction2D is the type of product that is going to help you create wonderful and professional animations.

While getting a full license is a financial commitment, you are getting a product that has all the features that you could need.

You can create a palette using up to 16 million colors, and you will have a very easy time getting to grips with the way the software works.

It is designed for beginners and intermediate users, but still has all the advanced features that a pro would want.

Features:

• Easy and fast to use for professional users
• Features ergonomic controls
• Easily handles complex projects with thousands of layers
• Works with all modern Windows machines - 32 and 64-bit Also work with Macs through Boot Camp
• The multiplane camera features to let you have more controls

7.Moho (Anime Studio) Pro

Price: $399.99 for the full package.

Compatibility: Windows and OSX

Pro: Its update is regular with advanced and newest features to use.

Con: It is not user friendly for beginners as the functions are too advanced a little bit.

Anime Studio Pro is a fantastic option for anyone who is looking to get into professional 2D animation creation. It is affordable and designed for Flash-style animations.

While you cannot create frame-by-frame animations using this program, you will be able to create some fantastic videos nonetheless.

There is an Anime Studio Debut - simple animation software, which is targeted towards the beginner user and free download. But if you want all the features of a high-end 2D animation software, you will want to go with the Pro version.

Features:

• Enhanced freehand drawing tools
• Beizer handles to make it easier for you to design your videos the way that you want
• Smart warp feature helps create custom meshes to bend and twist your animations
• Realistic motion blur
• Animation for multiple layers at the same time

8.Stop Motion Studio

Price: $59.99 to download the software onto your PC.

Compatibility: Windows, OSX, Android and iOS

Pro: You can use build-in sound to make your animation unique. You can also record voice and use it on the video.

Con: You can only use it to make 2D stop motion animation.

Want to create fun, 2D animated videos? Hoping to impress your bosses with a 2D animated presentation to highlight a product’s features?

Using Stop Motion Studio will help you achieve all that you want in the world of 2D animation.

2d Animation Software No Download

You can capture content with ease, whether you change up the focus, exposure or white balance. There is DSLR support, so you can use your high end camera in conjunction with this professional software.

And with a unique, frame-by-frame editor, you will be able to get the result that you want for your 2D stop animation movie.

Features:

• Onionskin allows you to view previous frames through a transparent overlay, which helps you create your next frame
• Comes with Chroma key and audio recording to better narrate and add voice effects to your videos
• Easy one-click uploading to YouTube and Facebook
• DSLR camera support for creating perfect 1080p recordings

9.FlipBook

Price: $19.99 for FlipBook Lite, $49.99 for FlipBook Studio, $149.99 for FlipBook Pro, $199.99 for FlipBook ProHD

Compatibility: Windows and OSX

Pro: From drawing, scanning to sound, this 2D animation software can make you powerful video.

Download Tupi 2d Magic Animation Software

Con: You can't use it to make subtle changing as bone rigging is not available.

FlipBook is easy to use for beginners and pros who want to improve the editing experience. It is a powerful video editor that you can make 2D animation with various functions like syncing sound with animation, scanning cells and more.

Download Tupi 2d Animation Software

If you like to make a cartoon videos like a pro, this 2D animation maker is best for you. It is free to download.

Features:

• Changes will be made while you change the animation, so FlipBook is fast to use
• You can use the shift key to make speed painting once you select one color
• 10 layers in animation for adding extra touches
• You can use a scanner to import images

10.Reallusion CrazyTalk Animator

Price: USD199 for the pipeline, USD99 for pro.

Compatibility: Windows and OSX

Pro: You can always find the feature you like for beginners and professionals. You can control characters even in expression level.

Con: It integrates with PhotoShop to import and export video.

CrazyTalk is a 2D animation maker for professional users, so you can use this one if you don't know which one to use. It supports controlling characters with your expression and lip-syncing. It is popular among YouTubers, educators and marketers.

Features:

• Capture real time facial expression with precise changing
• Black magic to turn the image to a moving cartoon
• For advanced users, you can make 2D visual effects

Free Download 2d Animation Software For Windows 7

Price: USD199 for pipeline, USD99 for pro.

Conclusion

Creating a 2D animation video is a lot easier when you have the right software available to you. You already have a script and storyboard in mind, but now you can realize your vision in intricate and unique ways.

If you want to make 3D animation, there are also various 3D animation software options for you. If any one of the products above will serve you well, you could use FilmoraPro.

Easy-to-use and powerful video editor for all creators.

Bring up your video to a professional level with straightforward tools.

Download 2d Cartoon Animation Software

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• Video Editing Tips