Aurora 3D animation maker is the other best animation software on the list. It is free software that provides several great features to create animated videos. The software is beneficial for both professionals and ordinary people, it provides unique templates to create animations. Create animated videos using blocks, items and the lovable characters from Minecraft. Download Mine-imator To install and start using Mine-imator, download the automatic installer (.exe) or archive (.zip) from below. EXPORT AND SHARE THE EASIEST WAY. Online convert animation to MOV, MP4, FLV, WMV, RMVB, 3GP (in-app purchase). Export your animation to GIF and MP4. Share your masterpieces on a wide range of social media of your choice. Join AniZone to discover what other animators are working on SYNC & ACCESS YOUR ANIMATION ANYTIME, ANYWHERE. MCreator Minecraft Mod Maker Using MCreator mod generator, you can make Minecraft mods, Bedrock Edition Add-Ons, and datapacks without a single line of code. Although MCreator is a complete IDE, anyone can use it without prior programming knowledge.
Traditionally, animation software costs a lot, both in money and time. Fortunately, these tools are so user-friendly these days that even a newbie can get up to speed with the features in a few hours. Better yet, not all animation software should cost an arm and a leg. This is why in this article, we will feature the 8 best free animation software available today—and how they can benefit your organization.
What are the best animation software solutions?
Animation is most popularly linked to big studios like Disney, Pixar, Dreamworks, and Studio Ghibli. With animated films being enjoyed by kids, teens, and adults alike, the industry is progressively booming. In fact, it got so big that in 2019, the global animation market value was estimated at $265 billion and further expected to haul in another five billion dollars in 2020.
However, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this ended up less accurate than it could have been. In 2020, the global animation, VFX, and video games industry was valued at $261 billion. This is $9 billion short of the original estimate. Nevertheless, it is still a respectable figure. And, it is still $2 billion higher than its 2018 value.
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Also, most of the segments in the animation industry are still growing at a healthy rate of 2–3% YoY. Even though the animated genre is even becoming more popular, it’s not just the big cinemas that are enjoying the latest tech in this industry; animation is popular in online communities as well. So much so that “animation and film” is the 5th most popular category on Youtube. It’s tied with gaming and beats other major categories like sports and news.
On the other hand, while animation is mostly known as a tool of entertainment, its use goes well beyond that. From education to manufacturing, marketing, and even medicine, animation has plenty of uses.
Thus, the animation tools we have listed here aren’t only available for big production studios or professionals animators. There is a good selection of animation and video editing software that even common folks can get their hands on. These are competitive but free animation tools you can immediately give a try. Here’s a list of them:
1. Blender
Blender includes object tracking features as well. You can pan, tilt, track and rotate the camera around your objects in 360 degrees. Also, it comes with a Python API so advanced users can customize its user interface.
Another nice thing about Blender is that it integrates well with Pipeline Tools. A powerful software, Blender is the go-to animation software of professionals. It has been instrumental in creating award-winning animations. The Netflix animation ‘Next Gen,’ for example, was created with the help of Blender.
Blender easily caters to the needs of advanced users. It is not that friendly to novices although many tutorials are up online. You can download Blender here for free and learn as you go if interested. If you are looking for simpler tools, then please read on.
Key Features of Blender:
- High-end production path tracer for realistic rendering
- Designed for powerful animation
- Industry-standard realistic simulation
- Customizable user interface
2. PowToon
If you are here looking for free animation software to use for simpler but eye-catching presentations or videos, PowToon may just be the best free software for you. You will find it is basically an online presentation and animation video maker. Thus, it is perfect for idea pitches, product introduction, company profiles, how-to videos, infographics, and online advertising.
As a user-friendly animation platform, it empowers anyone to make professional-looking presentations for free (with its free plan). Of course, it is not as feature-rich as others.
With PowToon, you can create, post, and share your creations online. You can share them through emails or on your virtual workspaces like project management software. PowToon integrates well with Facebook, Vimeo, YouTube, and Slideshare. With a touch of well-directed creativity, you can take your corporate presentations to another level.
The only downside with it is that video exports will contain PowToon branding. Also, the maximum length of your HD-quality videos will be set at 3 minutes. Free accounts only get 100 MB of storage. The Starter plan costs $16 per month billed annually.
Key Features of PowToon:
- Easy-to-use interface
- Access to PowToon video library
- Royalty-free content
- Export straight to sharing platforms (Facebook, Vimeo and others)
3. Animaker
Animaker may be the most user-friendly of our list of the top 8 free animation software solutions. If you are looking for a platform that has a predominantly drag-and-drop interface, Animaker is the best free animation software for you. It is as easy as operating PowerPoint but only for animation. In fact, it looks a bit like PowerPoint or Google Slides. There are many types of videos that Animaker is designed to help you create. It has different specialized modules ranging from explainer videos to advertisements.
If you want to level up your content marketing quick, Animaker will help you achieve this for close to nothing. With a large library of animated characters and templates, you can put cartoon faces and let them move around to add human elements to your videos. You can also make whiteboards, 2D cartoons, and infographics using Animaker.
There are also Animaker paid plans should you wish to add more features. The Free plan only affords you two minutes of videos while the popular Business account will let you create 30-minute long of videos.
Key Features of Animaker
- Whiteboard video maker
- Infographic maker
- Massive library of characters and templates
- Drag-and-drop user interface
4. Pencil2D
Pencil2D is an animation software that stays true to its name. It allows you to create traditional hand-drawn animations. The application lets your turn traditional 2D hand-drawn animations digital. It is also offered in macOS, Windows, and Linux. It stays completely free and open source. There are no paid plans and you can use it commercially.
Because it is a digital version of traditional animation workflow, the best way to leverage it for business is to have someone with traditional art skills to handle it. If you have that yourself, the animation will be easy. The interface is straightforward and user-friendly.
Key Features of Pencil2D
- Functional for popular OS
- Easy user interface
- Lightweight program
- Switch between vector and raster files easily
5. Synfig Studio
Synfig Studio is open-sourced and free animation software. Its user interface is timeline-based. Just like Pencil2D, how it works is predicated on traditional animation workflow. It is not as user-friendly as others but video courses are available online to get you on your way to use Synfig. You will most likely need an artistic mentality to make the program work for intended commercial use. If you are familiar PowerPoint, then the application looks like it in many ways.
For those of you who are not animation novices, it is relatively easy to work with. It is a little time consuming as there are no templates or huge content libraries to work with. If you can afford to invest significant man-hours mixed with good technical skills, then this might be easy for you.
If you are a budding advertising company or a lean-and-mean content department, this may be the perfect free animation software to level up your work.
Key Features for Synfig Studio
- Animate bitmap images with bone system
- Filtering features
- Layering features
- Vector tweening and advanced capabilities for advanced users
6. OpenToonz
OpenToonz is a 2D animation software. It is open-source and free of charge, which means anyone in the world can use it for commercial purposes or for personal use. Advanced users can modify the software to fit their uses. The user interface is pretty much straightforward but there are advanced tools and capabilities that allow you to make more technically complex animations.
It is a mid-level animation software where both experts and novices can use it for their particular projects. If you are an individual business professional with no leisure time to put up customized animations, maybe this is not for you. But for professionals in content departments, this is a free animation software worth considering. You can exercise your creativity without being bounded by a cumbersome user interface or workflow. It also has a paid version called Toonz.
Key Features of OpenToonz
- Change picture styles easily
- Create wavy distortions
- Affected incident lighting available
7. Plastic Animation Paper
Plastic Animation Paper (PAP) is widely considered to be one of the go-to free animation software for animators. It is a 2D animation tool that enables you to intuitively switch from analog animation into its digital cousin. This is intuitive if you already are an animator or have the necessary art skills and understanding of such tools. If you are new at animation yet are reading this list to boost the visuals of your corporate presentations, this may not be for you. This is unless you really have the passion to learn and be good at animation.
PAP is actually the old version of Animation Paper, the paid version. While many digital artists consider PAP to be outdated, it still works well if you can get used to it. The creator is not sold on the old version’s user interface yet it is highly functional and free. The paid version is definitely an update. It has a newer UI and packs more features. It will set you back for $79. Both versions, though, are fit for hand-drawn animation artists.
Again, PAP still works well when you get the hang of it. You can always take it for a spin.
Key Features of Plastic Animation Paper
- Layering ability
- Basic drawing tools
- Light table
- Walk cycle and clone timing
8. K-3D
K-3D is a totally free animation and 3D modeling platform. It offers artists a digital platform with a comprehensive set of tools complete with plugins. K-3D uses a pipeline architecture that enhances its usability and flexibility. The platform allows you to create different combinations. The user interface is quite straightforward. It allows you to make 3D models easily.
If you want to animate logos or texts, K-3D may be the perfect free application for you. It is easy to use and will always be free from the looks of it. It makes use of ‘undo trees’ so you don’t have to be afraid of making mistakes. Also, because of the pipeline architecture, you can modify your workflow from the beginning portion and witness as changes come about automatically to your work’s end.
Key Features of K-3D
- Node-based visualization pipeline for flexibility
- Intuitive user interface
- Powerful with procedural and parametric workflows
The Choice: Take your Intent and Skills into Consideration
Which of the eight above is the best for you depends on the needs of your company or your long-term strategy. They all have different functionalities. We suggest that you pick several that you think fit your current requirements and skill level and then try them. The good thing is that they are all free so you can have a real go if you have the time.
For example, for digital, hand-drawn animation software, you can try Pencil2D and Plastic Animation Paper. If you need quick and easy animated graphics for presentations, PowToon or Animaker can be great choices. As for powerful simulations and realistic graphics, Blender may be better for you.
Note that you can use animation software in tandem with other graphic design tools like Adobe Photoshop CC. There are also free ones such as GIMP. Also, there are other also web-based graphic design tools such as Pixlr and Inkscape.
Animation software is required by beginners as well as professionals to create 2D and 3D animations. But the thing is that you must select the best animation software among all the software present in the market. The animation software is available for free as well as paid versions but if you think that the free version doesn’t provide you effective tools and features then you are wrong, free versions are equally effective as paid software. Animation software can be used by professionals to create videos for promoting their brands and ordinary ones to have fun.
There are many animation software like Powtoon, Blender, Animaker, Daz studio, etc. If you are looking for the best animation software then you are at the right place here we have listed the top 10 animation software.
In this article, we will discuss some of the best Animation software for Windows 10 that is helpful for beginners, experts, and freelancers.
10 Best Animation Software For Windows 10
1. Animaker
Animaker is one of the best animation software basically designed for enterprise, individuals, medium business and small business. It has a user-friendly interface and easy to use for beginners. You can create different types of videos through Animaker like infographics, Typography, 2.5D, Whiteboard, Handcraft, and 2D. It is the free animation software where you can create animated videos quickly. With its pro version, some of the advanced features come like multimove, curves, in-app camera, transition effects, and enter/exit effects.
Features of Animaker
- Professionally crafted templates
- It allows you to export video in full HD quality 1080p
- Live video editing and 4K video quality
- It provides 100+ charts, 1000+ icons, and 3000+ maps to create video animations that highlight data
2. Daz Studio
Daz Studio is an animation software for Windows 10 that is extremely good for creating 3D animations. It has a user-friendly interface that comprises unique features and functionalities. Animation software is prominent for both professionals and beginners. You can download it for Mac and Windows for free. It has 3 million users worldwide. The animation software has designed for animators, illustrators, and designers to create 3D animations, figure posing, and rendering.
Features of Daz Studio
- Daz studio 3D creation software tool
- More natural bends and articulation
- Built-in flexing of muscle groups
- Hexagon pivot point manipulator
3. Blender
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Blender is one of the best animation software which can run on different platforms like Windows, Mac, and Linux. This animation software is considerable software for professional editors and creators. Some of its significant and unique features are rendering, modeling, sculpting, animation and rigging, video editing, pipeline, simulation, VFX, and a Grease pencil. Despite that, it is the free software it provides such advanced features.
Features of Blender
- Camera and object motion tracking
- Integrate with Pipeline tools
- The high-end production path tracer
- High-quality Video editing
4. Pencil 2D
Pencil 2D is one of the best animation software where users can create 2D animation. It has a user-friendly interface and easy to use and users can use it for free. The animation software is compatible with Linux, Mac OS, and Windows. It is an open-source animation software where you can do your personal and commercial work like you can create videos either for fun or for promoting your product. Some of the best features of Pencil 2D include it allows you to multiple export formats, adjust frame rate, image and audio import, and many more.
Features of Pencil 2D
- High fidelity auto-meshing
- Video resolution options
- Advanced animation curves
- Customizable templates
5. Open Toonz
Open Toonz is one the best animation software that is compatible with different platforms like Windows, Mac, and Linux. It is free software for generating 2D videos. Open Toonz is an open-source animation software that is equally good for commercial as well as non-commercial work. Through this software, you generate marketing videos for your brand. It has equipped with lots of interesting features like scripting, digital drawing tools, motion tweening, particle systems, scan, and cleanup, etc.
Features of Open Toonz
- Upload custom fonts
- Advanced animation curves
- Support audio/images/video
- 3D video editing
6. Powtoon
Powtoon is one of the best animation software which has a user-friendly interface and easy to use. It is specially designed for creating dynamic video presentations. The animation software is free to use but it also offers paid plans with advanced features. Basically, it is a great software for beginners that consists of several unique templates that look professional. It also comprises custom styles, full video, animation, GIF and image file implementation, YouTube, Facebook, Wistia, PowerPoint, PDF export, and Vimeo.
Features of Powtoon
- Third-party resell rights
- Downloads as MP4
- Royalty-free libraries
- Commercial use rights
7. Victorian Giotto
Victorian Giotto is one of the best animation software where users can create animated videos. It comprises several great features and 50 great animated effects. It has a powerful and user-friendly interface that allows users to create professional flash animations for websites instantly. Some of its great features are powerful drawing tools, shape morphing, built-in effects, sound and scripting support. Beginner users can create professional-looking movies. If you don’t have any knowledge about it then also you can use it as it is easy to use.
Features of Victorian Giotto
- Vector drawing tools – powerful scalable graphics drawing
- Animation – full power of flash at your fingertips
- Move organization – reuse and customize existing elements
- 50+ great effects
8. Synfig Studio
Synfig Studio is one of the animation software for Windows 10 mostly using by SMEs, startups and agencies. It is an open-source platform for making 2D animated videos for free. It is compatible with platforms like Windows, Mac, and Linux. It provides a bone system for controlling animations that allow you to design natural movements. The animation software is not good for beginners as it requires certain knowledge to access it but it provides video tutorials to use this software. Synfig Studio is the free animation software that provides controls for creating character puppets and other dynamic structures.
Features of Synfig Studio
- High dynamic-range imaging (HDRI)
- Temporal resolution independence
- Offers 50+ layers to create complex artwork and animation
- Built-in CVS support
9. Aurora 3D animation maker
Aurora 3D animation maker is the other best animation software on the list. It is free software that provides several great features to create animated videos. The software is beneficial for both professionals and ordinary people, it provides unique templates to create animations. It consists of various effects and tools to create complex as well as simple presentation. It also allows the users to add a watermark and logo to the images. The animation software is best to create 3D video titles and texts. Apart from this Aurora supports different types of file formats.
Features of Aurora animation maker
- Animation templates
- SVG and picture import
- 3D graphic mode
- Internal animation style
10. Clara.io
Clara.io is one of the most popular animation software for Windows 10. It is cloud-based modeling, animation, and rendering software tool that operates in your web browser. Through Clara.io you can easily create complex 3D models and design beautiful photorealistic renderings. You can also share them even without installing any software programs. The software is available in multiple browsers like Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari.
Features of clara.io
- Constructive solid geometry
- Photorealistic rendering (streaming cloud rendering using V-ray cloud)
- Scene publishing via HTML iframe embedding
- Export and import files from other formats such as Blender, Babylons, STL, FBX and many others.
FAQs
What is the best free animation software for beginners?
The best free animation software for beginners is Pencil 2D, Plastic animation paper, Synfig studio, Creation, Stykz, Toon Boom animate pro 3, Bryce, Blender, Aurora 3D animation maker, Clara.io, Daz Studio, Ketyshot, and K-3D.
What is animation software, free download for beginners?
Some of the animation software which is absolutely free to download for beginners are Animaker, K-3D, Blender, Pencil 2D, Synfig Studio, plastic animation software, and PowToon.
Best animation software for Windows 10
There is a number of animation software for Windows 10 but some of the best are Animaker, Powtoon, Stykz, K-3D, Blender, Open Toonz, Pencil2D animation, and Plastic Animation Paper.
Conclusion- Animation software for Windows 10
The animation software is compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS. The software comprises great effects, editing tools, etc to create the image or video realistic. Basically, the animation software is required by animators that are working on films, TV shows, and commercials advertisements. It is also used by graphic designers to create promotional materials for websites.
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