Animation Software Tools: 10 Best Graphic Animation Software

In today’s digital design landscape, animation software tools are a must-have for graphic designers. Motion graphics, 2D cartoons, and 3D visual effects are now integral to branding and storytelling. In fact, a recent industry analysis shows the global animation software market will reach about $576.7 million in 2025. Trends like motion graphics and vector illustration are on the rise, with designers increasingly using animation tools and vector graphics software to create engaging content.

This guide reviews the 10 best animation software tools (free and paid) that graphic designers can use to bring their ideas to life, from 2D cartoon apps to free 3D suites.

Figure: Animation timeline in a modern editing software, illustrating how a motion graphics software tool lets designers create dynamic scenes frame by frame. Animation software ranges from specialized motion graphics suites to user-friendly mobile apps. In the sections below we cover top tools for different needs (2D vector animation, 3D modeling, stop-motion, etc.), so you can choose the right tool for your workflow.

List of Animation Software Tools:

1. Adobe After Effects (Motion Graphics & VFX)

Adobe After Effects is the industry-standard . It excels at creating animated titles, infographics, and visual effects for video. After Effects integrates seamlessly with other Adobe apps (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro) and offers powerful compositing, keyframing, and particle effects. It’s widely used by designers and video professionals – Adobe reports After Effects comprises part of their 80%+ market share in creative toolsl. Recent updates even embed 3D capabilities: Adobe notes it now lets designers import 3D models with embedded animations and blend them into 2D footage, making complex visual effects more accessible.

• Use Cases: Animated logos, kinetic typography, VFX in video, infographic animation.
• Key Features: 2D layer animation, puppet tools for character rigs, built-in effects library, 3D workspace with shadows/depth
• Platforms: Windows, macOS (Creative Cloud subscription; free trial available).
• Why It’s Great: After Effects is virtually unmatched for motion graphics and visual effects – from dynamic cartoon-like animations to cinematic VFX, it gives designers granular control. (For example, Adobe highlights new 3D compositing features that let motion designers easily blend CG models into real footage

2. Blender (Free 3D Animation Software)

Blender is a free, open-source 3D animation software that has become very popular with designers and indie studios. It’s a full 3D suite (modeling, sculpting, rigging, animation, rendering, VFX, video editing, and more) – all included at no cost. Blender’s node-based compositor and video editor let you combine 3D renders with effects and motion graphics. The Grease Pencil feature even supports hand-drawn 2D animation on 3D planes, bridging vector animation with 3D scenes. The Blender Foundation’s “Animation 2025” initiative underscores ongoing development of advanced animation/rigging tools in Blender

• Use Cases: 3D modeling and character animation, product visualization, motion graphics with 3D elements.
• Key Features: Mesh modeling, full animation rigging and keyframe system, GPU rendering (Cycles/Eevee), physics/collision simulations, and an integrated compositor animation software tools.
• Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux (completely free).
• Why It’s Great: As a free 3D animation software, Blender offers nearly the same power as expensive 3D packages. Artists can create film-quality animations without cost. Blender’s strong community and continuous improvements make it ideal for designers wanting to add 3D to their toolkit

3. Adobe Animate CC (2D Vector Animation)

Formerly known as Flash Professional, Adobe Animate CC is a leading tool for 2D vector animation and interactive media. It allows designers to draw vector animations frame-by-frame or via bone rigs. Animate is especially popular for web cartoons, banner ads, and game sprites. It supports timeline-based animation with shape/tweening, asset libraries, and rich export options (HTML5 Canvas, WebGL, animated GIF, video, etc.). Because it uses vector graphics, animations stay sharp at any resolution – ideal for web and mobile animation software tools.

• Use Cases: Cartoon-style explainer videos, web animations, interactive animations (SVG/Canvas).
• Key Features: Vector and bitmap drawing tools, symbol libraries, layer parenting (bone tool), lip-sync, and export to multiple formats animation software tools.
• Platforms: Windows, macOS (Creative Cloud subscription; free trial available).
• Why It’s Great: Animate CC is a vector animation software tool that’s well-suited for designers familiar with Adobe’s interface. It’s powerful for character and cartoon animation, and integrates with Photoshop and Illustrator. (It also underpins Adobe’s other tools; for example, After Effects can import Animate exports to add advanced effects.)

4. OpenToonz (Free Cartoon Animation Software)

OpenToonz is a free, open-source 2D animation program originally developed by Studio Ghibli. It’s tailored for traditional cartoon animation production. OpenToonz offers digital ink-and-paint, scanning, and a timeline/x-sheet interface familiar to animators. Notably, it supports both vector and raster artwork. It includes unique tools like the GTS (a professional scanning system) and plug-ins for automatic coloring using machine learning. Since it’s free for commercial use beginners and pros alike can use it without licensing fees animation software tools.

• Use Cases: Frame-by-frame cartoon animation, anime-style videos, storyboard sequences.
• Key Features: 2D frame animator, mesh-based texture tool, effects SDK (for custom filters), and special scanning utilities developed for feature animation
• Platforms: Windows, macOS (free).
• Why It’s Great: OpenToonz is cartoon animation software free from licensing. It has been battle-tested in professional studios (e.g. Ghibli) yet is open to hobbyists. Its production-oriented feature set (x-sheet, “onion-skin” layers, plug-in effects) makes it a powerful free alternative for classic 2D animation animation software tools.

5. Synfig Studio (Free 2D Vector Animation)

Synfig Studio is another free, open-source 2D animation software aimed at creating high-quality vector animations without frame-by-frame drawing. It uses keyframes and vector tweening so you can animate complex scenes with fewer resources. Synfig’s strengths include support for bone rigs (for character animation) and advanced controls over layers and geometry. Its code repository highlights Synfig as a “powerful industrial-strength solution for creating film-quality animation using vector and bitmap artwork”. Like OpenToonz, Synfig is fully free and cross-platform animation software tools.

• Use Cases: Animated logos, character motion (via bone/tweening), SVG-like animations.
• Key Features: Bones/rigging system, automatic tweening, layer filters (shaders), Sound sync tool, and more.
• Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux (free).
• Why It’s Great: As a vector animation software tool, Synfig excels at smooth 2D animation with a smaller team. It’s ideal for designers who want traditional or cartoony animation without redrawing every frame.

6. Stop Motion Studio (Stop Motion Animation App)

For stop-motion animation, Stop Motion Studio is an accessible app available on mobile and desktop. It lets you capture frame-by-frame animation using an iPhone/Android (or webcam on Windows/macOS). The app provides onion-skin overlays, green-screen effects, titles/credits, and built-in soundtracks. Notably, Stop Motion Studio is a one-time purchase (no subscription) and runs on iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Chromebooks, etc. As the developer notes, it “makes it easy to create stunning stop-motion animations with powerful tools and intuitive controls” for beginners and pros.

• Use Cases: Claymation, toy animations (e.g. LEGO), paper cutouts, or any frame-by-frame puppet animation.
• Key Features: Overlay grid/onion-skinning, manual camera controls (including DSLR support on some devices), green-screen, built-in sounds & titles, and a user-friendly timeline editor animation software tools.
• Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS (paid; free trial available).
• Why It’s Great: Stop Motion Studio is the leading stop motion animation app for cross-platform users. Its simple interface and powerful features (like 4K capture and masking) make stop-motion filmmaking accessible on tablets and phonesanimation software tools.

7. DaVinci Resolve (Fusion VFX / Post-Production)

DaVinci Resolve is a comprehensive post-production suite from Blackmagic Design. Its Fusion page provides high-end visual effects, compositing, and motion graphics inside Resolve. In one package (with a very capable free version), you get video editing, color grading, audio, and VFX. Blackmagic touts Resolve as “the world’s only solution that combines editing, color correction, visual effects, motion graphics and audio post production all in one software tool”. The Fusion VFX module supports node-based compositing, keying, 3D particles, and more – on par with dedicated VFX apps.

• Use Cases: Feature film color/VFX, high-end motion graphics, mixed media video.
• Key Features: Fusion node compositing (masking, keying, particle systems), 3D workspace, Fairlight audio editor, multi-user collaboration, and over 100 new AI-powered tools (in latest versions).
• Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux (free version available; Studio version ~$295).
• Why It’s Great: Resolve/Fusion serves designers needing visual effects software tools without multiple apps. Its node-based workflow is highly flexible for complex effects. (For example, Resolve 20 introduced AI features like Auto Subtitles and Depth Maps, streamlining VFX tasks.) animation software tools.

8. Animaker (Online Animation Software)

Animaker is a browser-based online animation software aimed at non-designers and marketers. It offers drag-and-drop tools and templates for creating animated explainer videos, infographics, and character animations. You can animate graphics, text, and even auto-lip-sync characters. Animaker’s free tier lets you try basic features (watermarked output), and paid plans unlock HD exports and premium assets. Its strengths are ease-of-use and asset library (millions of icons, templates, and AI features).

• Use Cases: Quick animated presentations, social media videos, simple cartoon explainer clips.
• Key Features: Pre-made templates (e.g. marketing, education, holiday videos), character builder, auto-voice and lip-sync, cloud collaboration.
• Platforms: Web app (runs on any modern browser).
• Why It’s Great: As an online animation software free tool, Animaker lets teams create polished animations without installing software. It’s especially popular for animated marketing content. (Alternatives include Powtoon and Vyond, but Animaker is known for its AI-powered ease of use.) animation software tools.

9. FlipaClip (Mobile 2D Animation App)

FlipaClip is a top mobile app for hand-drawn animation on smartphones and tablets. It’s geared toward beginners and hobbyists (even kids), with a simple interface and intuitive tools. FlipaClip provides brushes, layers, onion-skinning, frame manager, and an option to add audio. Its tagline is “for pros & beginners” – it’s free with in-app purchases for extra tools. FlipaClip boasts over 80 million installs worldwide.

• Use Cases: Sketch animation on the go, doodle cartoons, flip-book style animation.
• Key Features: Up to 10 animation layers, onion skin overlay, frame manager (copy/erase/loop frames), onion skin toggle, and export to video/GIF animation software tools.
• Platforms: iOS, Android (free with ads; in-app paid upgrades).
• Why It’s Great: FlipaClip is one of the best mobile animation software apps for drawing 2D animations by hand. Its intuitive workflow lets anyone animate on a phone or tablet. It’s great for quick storyboarding or learning animation fundamentals.

10. Pencil2D (Free Frame-by-Frame Animation)

Pencil2D is a lightweight, open-source tool for traditional hand-drawn animation. It’s extremely simple: just draw each frame on a timeline (no complicated rigging). This makes it ideal for beginners or for quick experiments. Pencil2D supports both bitmap and vector drawing. While not as feature-rich as some others, it’s completely free and very easy to pick up.

• Use Cases: Basic 2D cartoon flips, storyboarding, animatics.
• Key Features: Pixel and vector layers, onion-skin preview, simple timeline scrubber, and export to standard video or image sequence.
• Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux (free).
• Why It’s Great: For designers who want pure frame-by-frame animation without a learning curve, Pencil2D works out of the box. It covers the essentials of 2D animation with no cost animation software tools.

FAQs about Animation Software

Q: What is the best free animation software for beginners?
A: For beginners, free options like Blender (3D animation), OpenToonz (2D cartoon), Synfig Studio (2D vector), or Pencil2D (simple frame-by-frame) are excellent starting points. Each is free/open-source and has tutorials online.

Q: Which animation tool is best for graphic designers?
A: It depends on your needs. Graphic designers often use Adobe tools: After Effects for motion graphics/VFX and Animate CC for 2D vector animation. These integrate well with Photoshop/Illustrator. Blender is great if you need 3D, and online tools (like Animaker) are easier if you prefer templates animation software tools.

Q: Can I do 2D and 3D animation with one program?
A: Blender is one program that handles both 2D (via Grease Pencil) and 3D workflows. DaVinci Resolve also includes 3D compositing in Fusion. However, most software specializes in either 2D or 3D. For example, After Effects and Animate focus on 2D and motion graphics, while Blender and Autodesk Maya target 3D animation software tools.

Q: What mobile app is good for simple animations?
A: FlipaClip and RoughAnimator are popular mobile animation apps. FlipaClip offers frame-by-frame cartoon animation with layers. RoughAnimator (iOS/Android) provides more advanced drawing tools. For stop-motion, Stop Motion Studio is excellent on mobile.

Q: Do I need to pay for animation software to use it?
A: Many quality options are free. Blender, OpenToonz, Synfig, and Pencil2D are free to download. Stop Motion Studio requires a one-time purchase but no subscription. Adobe and Blackmagic offer free trials and limited free versions (e.g. DaVinci Resolve’s free tier). Choose based on your budget and features needed.

These animation software tools will help graphic designers create dynamic visuals in 2D, 3D, and beyond. Whether you need motion graphics, VFX, or hand-drawn cartoons, there’s a tool suited to your style and budget. By combining the right software with your design skills, you can deliver eye-catching animated content that engages audiences

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