9+ Easiest Animation Software for Beginners to Start Animation
The process of learning animation is a bit complicated though modern technology and advanced software counterparts have greatly simplified it making it easy as well as automated in such a way that even an amateur can start animating with some basic knowledge about the craft.
However, there are many different types of software you can find on the internet. Which one out of them fits your needs best, which one is original and which ones do work – this is what matters most.
Fact - The basics can be learned within weeks, but for further progress, it will take more than just a helpful tool.
That’s why I tested several of these software in a few days and found the best and simplest that would satisfy someone who is starting out with only basic knowledge of craft plus tech.
However, there are many different types of software you can find on the internet. Which one out of them fits your needs best, which one is original and which ones do work – this is what matters most.
Fact - The basics can be learned within weeks, but for further progress, it will take more than just a helpful tool.
That’s why I tested several of these software in a few days and found the best and simplest that would satisfy someone who is starting out with only basic knowledge of craft plus tech.
A) Types of Computer Animation
It is necessary to understand the major types of animation before deciding on software suitable for each style.
i) Traditional Animation: This classic form of animation involves drawing each frame by hand. It is very time-consuming although having its own unique charm as well as warmth. Consider Disney's early movies like Snow White or "The Lion King."
ii) 2D Animation: Often used in TV shows and video games, 2D animation creates movement in a two-dimensional space. It’s more accessible than traditional animation and can be created with software like Adobe Animate.
iii) 3D Animation: This type brings characters and environments to life in three-dimensional space. It’s the magic behind Pixar movies and video games. While it can be complex, tools like Blender and Maya make it manageable with practice.
iv) Motion Graphics: Often seen in commercials and UI animations, motion graphics combine text and graphics to create engaging visuals—software like After Effects is commonly used for this.
v) Stop Motion: This charming technique involves photographing physical objects frame by frame to create movement. Think of "Wallace and Gromit" or "The Tokri." It requires patience and attention to detail but is incredibly rewarding.
i) Traditional Animation: This classic form of animation involves drawing each frame by hand. It is very time-consuming although having its own unique charm as well as warmth. Consider Disney's early movies like Snow White or "The Lion King."
ii) 2D Animation: Often used in TV shows and video games, 2D animation creates movement in a two-dimensional space. It’s more accessible than traditional animation and can be created with software like Adobe Animate.
iii) 3D Animation: This type brings characters and environments to life in three-dimensional space. It’s the magic behind Pixar movies and video games. While it can be complex, tools like Blender and Maya make it manageable with practice.
iv) Motion Graphics: Often seen in commercials and UI animations, motion graphics combine text and graphics to create engaging visuals—software like After Effects is commonly used for this.
v) Stop Motion: This charming technique involves photographing physical objects frame by frame to create movement. Think of "Wallace and Gromit" or "The Tokri." It requires patience and attention to detail but is incredibly rewarding.
B) How To Pick The Right Software
As a professional animator, I understand the daunting task of choosing the right software when you're just starting. Here are some key factors to consider that will help you make the best choice for your needs:
Ease of Use: Look for software with a user-friendly interface and plenty of tutorials. As a beginner, you'll want something that helps you learn the basics without feeling overwhelmed. Tools like Toon Boom Harmony or Moho are excellent starting points for 2D animation.
Cost: Budget is a significant factor. There are fantastic free options available like Blender for 3D animation or Synfig for 2D. These tools offer robust features without the hefty price tag, perfect for someone just testing the waters.
Features and Flexibility: Consider what you want to achieve. If you're interested in both 2D and 3D animation, look for software that supports both. Blender is a versatile tool that handles various types of animation, making it a great all-in-one solution.
Community and Support: Having access to a supportive community can be invaluable. Check if the software has active forums, user groups, or extensive documentation. A strong community means you’ll have plenty of resources to turn to when you hit a snag.
Compatibility: Ensure the software works well with your computer’s operating system and hardware. Some powerful programs require high-end specs, which might be overkill for a beginner.
Growth Potential: Choose software that grows with you. As your skills improve, you'll want a tool that offers more advanced features. Starting with something scalable can save you from having to learn a new program from scratch later on.
Ease of Use: Look for software with a user-friendly interface and plenty of tutorials. As a beginner, you'll want something that helps you learn the basics without feeling overwhelmed. Tools like Toon Boom Harmony or Moho are excellent starting points for 2D animation.
Cost: Budget is a significant factor. There are fantastic free options available like Blender for 3D animation or Synfig for 2D. These tools offer robust features without the hefty price tag, perfect for someone just testing the waters.
Features and Flexibility: Consider what you want to achieve. If you're interested in both 2D and 3D animation, look for software that supports both. Blender is a versatile tool that handles various types of animation, making it a great all-in-one solution.
Community and Support: Having access to a supportive community can be invaluable. Check if the software has active forums, user groups, or extensive documentation. A strong community means you’ll have plenty of resources to turn to when you hit a snag.
Compatibility: Ensure the software works well with your computer’s operating system and hardware. Some powerful programs require high-end specs, which might be overkill for a beginner.
Growth Potential: Choose software that grows with you. As your skills improve, you'll want a tool that offers more advanced features. Starting with something scalable can save you from having to learn a new program from scratch later on.
C) Best and Easiest Animation Software
1. Adobe Character Animator (For Characters)
Kick-off with one of the best animation software for characters which is Adobe Character Animator. It is perfect for beginners and professionals who need to create animated characters quickly and naturally animate them.
For characters, it simply can’t be beat, especially since its interface is relatively easy to understand when compared to other applications. User-friendly tools facilitate professional-grade 2D animations without long-term training.
Moreover, it specializes in webcam and microphone real-time animation. This option allows you to make realistic cartoons with minimum effort. In addition, there are various in-built templates provided within the program as well as helpful tools that assist beginners.
The good thing about this application is that it works seamlessly with Adobe Creative Cloud apps like Photoshop or Illustrator. When you want to import and animate characters easily, this feature will streamline your workflow.
Adobe Character Animator is available through a Creative Cloud subscription and has diverse pricing options. However, don’t forget about the free trial before that period ends.
For characters, it simply can’t be beat, especially since its interface is relatively easy to understand when compared to other applications. User-friendly tools facilitate professional-grade 2D animations without long-term training.
Moreover, it specializes in webcam and microphone real-time animation. This option allows you to make realistic cartoons with minimum effort. In addition, there are various in-built templates provided within the program as well as helpful tools that assist beginners.
The good thing about this application is that it works seamlessly with Adobe Creative Cloud apps like Photoshop or Illustrator. When you want to import and animate characters easily, this feature will streamline your workflow.
Adobe Character Animator is available through a Creative Cloud subscription and has diverse pricing options. However, don’t forget about the free trial before that period ends.
2. Adobe After Effects (The Best)
If you are new to the animation world and don’t know the basics, you should start with Adobe tools like After Effects. It is user-friendly, trusted, and widely used by both beginners and professionals.
Its user-friendly interface simplifies the animation process, while a plethora of tools, including keyframe animation and motion tracking, empower users to create dynamic animations effortlessly.
After Effects supports various animation styles, from 2D and 3D animation to motion graphics, providing beginners with ample opportunities to explore and refine their skills. It also offers AI features to ease your work.
With an abundance of tutorials and a supportive community, After Effects ensures an engaging and enjoyable learning experience for beginners, making it an ideal software to kickstart their animation journey.
However, it also has its drawbacks, like a Steep learning curve, Resource-intensive, Subscription model, Complexity and Limited 3D capabilities.
Its user-friendly interface simplifies the animation process, while a plethora of tools, including keyframe animation and motion tracking, empower users to create dynamic animations effortlessly.
After Effects supports various animation styles, from 2D and 3D animation to motion graphics, providing beginners with ample opportunities to explore and refine their skills. It also offers AI features to ease your work.
With an abundance of tutorials and a supportive community, After Effects ensures an engaging and enjoyable learning experience for beginners, making it an ideal software to kickstart their animation journey.
However, it also has its drawbacks, like a Steep learning curve, Resource-intensive, Subscription model, Complexity and Limited 3D capabilities.
3. Blender (For High-End Pcs)
Blenderis one of the best and most trusted software in the market, though it is often known for being a professional and complicated tool. However, you can become easily familiar with its user interface, easy-to-use tools and with consistent effort.
With Blender, you can create high-quality and complex animations, although achieving this level of proficiency will require a lot of practice.
At first, the user interface might look very messy, but from time to time, you will get to know that every tool, and function is placed accordingly in a suitable location. Plus, their strong community will surely guide you in your animation journey.
Fun fact - It’s open source and completely free.
Moreover, Blender is a versatile tool that can create many types of animation, like 2D, 3D, Motio, Stop and so on. So, no matter what type of animation you want, it will help you.
With Blender, you can create high-quality and complex animations, although achieving this level of proficiency will require a lot of practice.
At first, the user interface might look very messy, but from time to time, you will get to know that every tool, and function is placed accordingly in a suitable location. Plus, their strong community will surely guide you in your animation journey.
Fun fact - It’s open source and completely free.
Moreover, Blender is a versatile tool that can create many types of animation, like 2D, 3D, Motio, Stop and so on. So, no matter what type of animation you want, it will help you.
4. Procreate (For iPad Users)
If you're considering animation on an iPad or mobile device, Procreate is a handy choice. It's supported on every device and serves as an excellent starting point for your animation endeavors.
Its intuitive interface and diverse features, including frame-by-frame animation and customizable brushes, empower users to create captivating animations effortlessly.
Supporting various animation styles, from traditional frame-by-frame to motion graphics, Procreate offers flexibility for crafting diverse animations.
However, Procreate has limitations, such as difficulty with complex 3D animations and a relatively high initial cost compared to other mobile animation apps.
Well, besides all of this, Its standout feature is - seamless integration with iPad and Apple Pencil, which enhance the drawing experience and makes the animation feel natural and responsive on the go.
Overall, Procreate provides a solid foundation for beginners to explore and refine their animation skills on mobile devices.
Its intuitive interface and diverse features, including frame-by-frame animation and customizable brushes, empower users to create captivating animations effortlessly.
Supporting various animation styles, from traditional frame-by-frame to motion graphics, Procreate offers flexibility for crafting diverse animations.
However, Procreate has limitations, such as difficulty with complex 3D animations and a relatively high initial cost compared to other mobile animation apps.
Well, besides all of this, Its standout feature is - seamless integration with iPad and Apple Pencil, which enhance the drawing experience and makes the animation feel natural and responsive on the go.
Overall, Procreate provides a solid foundation for beginners to explore and refine their animation skills on mobile devices.
5. Cinema 4d (Special Effects)
If you're exploring animation, modeling, texturing, lighting, and visual effects, Cinema 4D emerges as a compelling companion. Its human-centric approach makes it stand out for beginners and seasoned artists alike, offering intuitive tools that prioritize user experience.
Its user-friendly interface simplifies complex workflows, making it accessible for users of all skill levels, and even professionals will find it powerful enough to do some hard jobs.
However, beginners may encounter a steep learning curve with advanced features, and the software's high cost may pose a barrier for some users. Despite these drawbacks, Cinema 4D's versatility and stunning results make it a valuable asset for unleashing creativity in animation and design.
The plus point of this software is that you can learn to animate 3D objects within live-action footage or even make 3D animation look like 2D.
For more information, you can take a free trial and then if you feel satisfied consider a monthly plan.
Its user-friendly interface simplifies complex workflows, making it accessible for users of all skill levels, and even professionals will find it powerful enough to do some hard jobs.
However, beginners may encounter a steep learning curve with advanced features, and the software's high cost may pose a barrier for some users. Despite these drawbacks, Cinema 4D's versatility and stunning results make it a valuable asset for unleashing creativity in animation and design.
The plus point of this software is that you can learn to animate 3D objects within live-action footage or even make 3D animation look like 2D.
For more information, you can take a free trial and then if you feel satisfied consider a monthly plan.
6. Animaker
Animaker is ideal for beginners seeking to create animations easily. Its user-friendly interface makes it accessible, setting it apart from complex tools. It's perfect for animated videos for presentations, marketing, and education.
Animaker offers 2D animations, infographics, whiteboard animations, and typography. With a wide range of templates and assets, its drag-and-drop interface simplifies animation creation.
The cloud-based platform is affordable and accessible from any device. Multiple pricing plans, including a free version, make it budget-friendly for beginners.
The intuitive interface ensures a quick start without a steep learning curve. Reviews praise its simplicity and effectiveness in producing high-quality animations.
Animaker offers various pricing plans and a free version. It’s a user-friendly, affordable solution for beginners to create engaging animations.
Animaker offers 2D animations, infographics, whiteboard animations, and typography. With a wide range of templates and assets, its drag-and-drop interface simplifies animation creation.
The cloud-based platform is affordable and accessible from any device. Multiple pricing plans, including a free version, make it budget-friendly for beginners.
The intuitive interface ensures a quick start without a steep learning curve. Reviews praise its simplicity and effectiveness in producing high-quality animations.
Animaker offers various pricing plans and a free version. It’s a user-friendly, affordable solution for beginners to create engaging animations.
7. Toon Boom Harmony (For 2d Animation)
Toon Boom Harmony is perfect for beginners and professionals seeking high-quality 2D animation. Its intuitive interface and comprehensive toolset make it stand out from other software. With support for traditional hand-drawn animation and advanced digital features, it offers versatility and precision.
Toon Boom Harmony caters to various animation styles, including hand-drawn, digital cut-out, and hybrid animation. Its powerful drawing tools, rigging systems, and compositing capabilities ensure professional-grade results. The software's seamless integration with industry-standard tools further enhances its appeal.
One unique aspect of Toon Boom Harmony is its blend of traditional animation techniques with digital efficiency. This makes it a preferred choice for animators aiming for high-quality, frame-by-frame animation. The user-friendly interface and comprehensive tutorials from Toon Boom Academy help beginners get started quickly.
While Toon Boom Harmony may be more expensive, its powerful features and support for high-quality animation make it a worthwhile investment for serious animators. Available in various pricing plans, including a free trial, it remains a top choice for excelling in 2D animation.
Toon Boom Harmony caters to various animation styles, including hand-drawn, digital cut-out, and hybrid animation. Its powerful drawing tools, rigging systems, and compositing capabilities ensure professional-grade results. The software's seamless integration with industry-standard tools further enhances its appeal.
One unique aspect of Toon Boom Harmony is its blend of traditional animation techniques with digital efficiency. This makes it a preferred choice for animators aiming for high-quality, frame-by-frame animation. The user-friendly interface and comprehensive tutorials from Toon Boom Academy help beginners get started quickly.
While Toon Boom Harmony may be more expensive, its powerful features and support for high-quality animation make it a worthwhile investment for serious animators. Available in various pricing plans, including a free trial, it remains a top choice for excelling in 2D animation.
8. Vyond (Open Source)
Vyond is perfect for beginners and professionals looking to create animations quickly and efficiently. Its user-friendly interface and wide range of templates make it accessible to users of all skill levels. The software is ideal for marketing, training, and presentations.
Offering various animation styles like 2D character animations and whiteboard animations, Vyond simplifies the animation process with its drag-and-drop interface. Its library of pre-built characters and props speeds up creation.
Vyond stands out for its affordability and flexibility, with pricing plans suitable for individuals and businesses. Being cloud-based users can access projects from anywhere, facilitating remote work and collaboration.
The intuitive user interface, along with comprehensive tutorials, helps users get started quickly. Reviews often praise its simplicity and effectiveness in producing high-quality animations.
Overall, Vyond provides a user-friendly, affordable solution for creating engaging animated videos, making it a top choice for beginners.
Offering various animation styles like 2D character animations and whiteboard animations, Vyond simplifies the animation process with its drag-and-drop interface. Its library of pre-built characters and props speeds up creation.
Vyond stands out for its affordability and flexibility, with pricing plans suitable for individuals and businesses. Being cloud-based users can access projects from anywhere, facilitating remote work and collaboration.
The intuitive user interface, along with comprehensive tutorials, helps users get started quickly. Reviews often praise its simplicity and effectiveness in producing high-quality animations.
Overall, Vyond provides a user-friendly, affordable solution for creating engaging animated videos, making it a top choice for beginners.
9. Krita
Krita is a versatile choice for both beginners and professionals seeking powerful drawing and painting tools. Its intuitive interface and extensive features make it accessible to users of all levels. The software is perfect for digital art, illustration, and animation.
Offering a wide range of brushes, customizable tools, and advanced layering options, Krita empowers users to create stunning artwork with ease. Its intuitive user interface and comprehensive tutorials make it easy for newcomers to get started quickly.
Krita is free and open-source, making it accessible to everyone. Despite being free, it rivals paid software with its professional-grade capabilities. It's compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring accessibility across different platforms.
The software's active community support and regular updates further enhance its appeal. Reviews often highlight its performance and versatility in producing high-quality artwork.
Overall, Krita offers a user-friendly, feature-rich solution for digital artists and animators, making it a top choice for beginners.
Offering a wide range of brushes, customizable tools, and advanced layering options, Krita empowers users to create stunning artwork with ease. Its intuitive user interface and comprehensive tutorials make it easy for newcomers to get started quickly.
Krita is free and open-source, making it accessible to everyone. Despite being free, it rivals paid software with its professional-grade capabilities. It's compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring accessibility across different platforms.
The software's active community support and regular updates further enhance its appeal. Reviews often highlight its performance and versatility in producing high-quality artwork.
Overall, Krita offers a user-friendly, feature-rich solution for digital artists and animators, making it a top choice for beginners.
10. Opentoonz (2D Animation)
Last but not least, Opentoonz is also an excellent option for beginners and professionals seeking powerful 2D animation software. Its robust features and open-source nature make it accessible to users of all levels and for traditional hand-drawn animation and digital animation.
Opentoonz offers a wide range of tools for creating frame-by-frame animation, cut-out animation, and rigging. Its advanced features include vector-based drawing tools, automatic in-betweening, and effects compositing. Users can also import 3D models and backgrounds for added versatility.
One of Opentoonz's unique aspects is its open-source nature, allowing for community contributions and regular updates. This creates a supportive environment for users to learn and grow their animation skills. The software is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring accessibility across different platforms.
The user interface of Opentoonz is designed to be intuitive, with comprehensive tutorials available to help users get started quickly. Reviews often highlight its performance and flexibility in producing high-quality animations.
Overall, Opentoonz offers a feature-rich, open-source solution for animators, making it a top choice for beginners.
Opentoonz offers a wide range of tools for creating frame-by-frame animation, cut-out animation, and rigging. Its advanced features include vector-based drawing tools, automatic in-betweening, and effects compositing. Users can also import 3D models and backgrounds for added versatility.
One of Opentoonz's unique aspects is its open-source nature, allowing for community contributions and regular updates. This creates a supportive environment for users to learn and grow their animation skills. The software is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring accessibility across different platforms.
The user interface of Opentoonz is designed to be intuitive, with comprehensive tutorials available to help users get started quickly. Reviews often highlight its performance and flexibility in producing high-quality animations.
Overall, Opentoonz offers a feature-rich, open-source solution for animators, making it a top choice for beginners.
FAQ
1. Which animation is best for beginners?
Ans - As a beginner, consider 2D animation. It is easy, simple and a great starting point in your animation journey.
2. What is the easiest type of animation?
Ans - If you're looking for an easy type of animation, stop motion is the way to go. It's fun, simple to create, and teaches you the basics of animation. Stop motion allows for mistakes and lets you work at your own pace.
3. Can I learn animation in 1 month?
Ans - Well, it depends on the skill level you want to achieve. If you aim to become a professional, it’s almost impossible to master quickly. However, if you want to get familiar with animation tools and the basics of animation, you can achieve that in just a few weeks.
Ans - As a beginner, consider 2D animation. It is easy, simple and a great starting point in your animation journey.
2. What is the easiest type of animation?
Ans - If you're looking for an easy type of animation, stop motion is the way to go. It's fun, simple to create, and teaches you the basics of animation. Stop motion allows for mistakes and lets you work at your own pace.
3. Can I learn animation in 1 month?
Ans - Well, it depends on the skill level you want to achieve. If you aim to become a professional, it’s almost impossible to master quickly. However, if you want to get familiar with animation tools and the basics of animation, you can achieve that in just a few weeks.
Wrap Up
Choosing the right animation software for a beginner can be daunting, but understanding the basic types of animation—like traditional, 2D, 3D, motion graphics, and stop motion—helps simplify the decision.
Consider ease of use, cost, features, community support, compatibility, and growth potential when selecting your tool.
For instance, Blender is great for 3D animation, Pencil2D is ideal for 2D animation, and Adobe After Effects excels in motion graphics. The best software is the one that feels right and helps you achieve your creative goals. Good luck with your future animation and Happy animation!
Consider ease of use, cost, features, community support, compatibility, and growth potential when selecting your tool.
For instance, Blender is great for 3D animation, Pencil2D is ideal for 2D animation, and Adobe After Effects excels in motion graphics. The best software is the one that feels right and helps you achieve your creative goals. Good luck with your future animation and Happy animation!
About Author
Established in 2019, Amazdraw is a pioneering animation studio in Delhi NCR. We offer top-quality animations, visual effects, motion designs, and more. Our specialties include various techniques such as traditional, 2D animation, whiteboard animation, and illustrations. We have a team of industry experts and focus on providing high-quality services. Amazdraw is now recognized as one of the best animation companies in North India.
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