Are you looking for an Animation software for yourself? We have accumulated a selection of best animation software for beginners with great features. So, if you are starting out in animation or just looking to change your daily software for something new and more useful, we have got you covered. The list contains both premium and free animation software to meet everybody’s needs.
Table of Content:
Best Paid Animation Software for Beginners
Best Free Animation Software for Beginners
Best Paid Animation Software for Beginners
1. Adobe Character Animator: (Premium Real Time Animation)
Adobe Character Animator is one of the premium animation makers for beginners. It holds a wide array of features and functionalities. The Software is available for both Windows and MacOS.
It features advanced painting tools to provide the required texture and color to the character. One of the most highlighted features of Adobe Character Animator is automatic lip-syncing and facial expression animation in real-time with the help of just a webcam. Users can import a puppet made for Adobe Character Animator and can continue to control its facial expression in real-time like mouth, eyebrows, etc.
Adobe Character Animator features predefined basic rules such as walking, holding things, making various hand gestures, breathing, etc. Adobe also offers live chat support for its customers.
Because it is said to be a premium animation maker, it comes at a price. Though, it has a 7-day free trial, it has three different plans for individuals, business, and students. However, users can’t buy Adobe Character Animator alone, they must opt for the whole pool of apps consisting of 20 different creative desktop applications.
Features in Brief:
- Real-Time Animation
- Pre-loaded Puppets
- Pre-loaded behavioral movements, walking, breathing, blinking, etc.
- Live-Streaming
Pricing:
- For Individuals: $52.99/month Billed Annually
- 7-Day Free Trial
- For Business: $79.99/month Billed Annually
- Students and Teachers: $19.99/month Billed Annually
Visit for more info: Adobe Character Animator
Also Read: How To Install Adobe Flash Player on Android Phone or Tablet
2. Autodesk 3Ds Max (For to be Professional Creators)
Another premium software for animation Autodesk 3Ds Max. Autodesk 3Ds Max is known for cell-shaded 3D animations. These animations have changed the trend for making hundreds of sketches for every single movement in all angles.
This animation software is for people who are not complete beginners and pretty much have the idea of what they are doing. For people trying to refine their skills, Autodesk 3Ds Max can be a great option.
3D Animation tools simplify this process because once the character is ready for use, you can use it in pretty much real time. Autodesk 3Ds Max animation maker is being used by video game creators, 3D films, etc. Like Adobe Character Animator, Autodesk 3Ds Max excels in color palettes and textures for hair and fur.
Pricing:
- Monthly Plan: $205/month for 1 user.
- Yearly Plan: $1620/month for 1 user.
- 3 Year Plan: $4,375/month for 1 user.
Features in Brief:
- 3D Rendering for Real Time Animation
- VR Support
- Refined Shape modeling
- Excels in color palettes and textures for hair.
Visit for more info: Autodesk 3Ds Max
3. Moho (Anime Studio) (2D Animation made easy)
Moho (Anime Studio) is another premium animation software available for both Windows and MacOS. It is a powerful animation maker packed with features and perks. It’s easy to use interface is aimed for kids and beginners. There are two different versions available for Moho, Moho Debut and Moho Pro.
It offers advanced bone rigging for seamless skeletal animation and smooth character movement. Pen pressure support for tablets comes in handy while designing the anime characters for use. If you are looking to create 2D animation to bring your brand anime and logos to life, Moho is the Animation Software for you.
Features in Brief:
- Different Keyframe options: Addictive cycle, stagger, bounce, etc.
- Premium Freehand tools
- 4K Video Capability
- Tablet and Pen pressure support
- Advanced masking options
Visit for more info: Moho Anime Studio
Best Free Animation Software for Beginners:
1. Blender Open-Source 3D Creation
Blender, though a free animation maker, has a pool of very powerful and useful tools to help you in bringing your favorite anime to life. With Blender you can create lively animations for video games, anime films, etc.
Blender features auto and manual tracking, real time preview, and more. To turn your imagination into a 3D model, it offers advanced modeling, sculpting, and UV tools. If you are looking for a free open-source anime creation tool, Blender is one the best animation software available in the market.
Features in Brief
- Available for Windows, MacOS, and Linux
- Intuitive UI
- Onion Skinning and layer support
- Premium modeling and sculpting tools
- Path-tracer built-in
Visit for more info: Blender
2. Pencil2D (Quick hack for amazing YouTube Video and Tutorials)
If you have been to YouTube for Tutorial or informational videos, you must have seen those 2D pencil drawn graphics to better explain the concept. If you are looking forward to creating such animations, Pencil2D can be your go to tool. Pencil2D is available for Windows, MacOS, and Linux. Pencil2D comes pre-equipped with various lighting effects. Various handy animation tools make using Pencil2D a charm.
Features in Brief:
- Supports Windows, MacOS, Linux
- Various Lightning effects
- GIF export
- Multiple useful animation tools
Visit for more info: Pencil2D
3. Synfig Studio (Breeze to work with)
Synfig Studio is a 2D animation software to help you bring your imaginations to life. The most highlighted feature of Synfig is it’s easy to use controls. Instead of creating frame by frame animation, you can create almost real time animations with Synfig Studio.
It offers extraordinary control on different animations and artwork and hence, a great tool to create 2D animations.
Features in Brief:
- Exclusive control over Vector Editing
- Variety of filters and effects
- Intuitive control to create puppets.
For more info: Synfig Studio
So, these were 6 most popular paid and free animation software available in the market. Premium/paid animation software excel in tools and editing options they offer. However, free animation software aren’t bad either, especially if you are a beginner in animations. Do let us know how you liked our list of best paid and free animation software in the market.
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Quick Reaction:
9 replies on “6 Best Animation Software for Beginners (2024)”
Akanksha
This will help my brother a lot. Thanks.