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Do you want to create amazing animations?
Whether you want to do it as a hobby or for professional reasons, creating animations is a great way to open different opportunities in your future. They allow creators to be as creative as they can be and are among the most engaging media for marketing. This is a reason for the global animation industry to cost up to 270 billion USD in 2020.
How will you improve the quality of your animations, though? Practicing is good, but using the best animation programs will also take you to the next level. Read on to learn what the best programs for creating animations are.
1. Pencil2D Animation
If you’re looking to do basic 2D animation, consider using Pencil2D. Most people think that 2D animation has become inferior to 3D animation with its inclusion in cinema, video games, and even in marketing videos.
While this is true for the most part, 2D animation still holds a place in the hearts of some people thanks to its simplistic stylings. Pencil2D is the best software if you want to pull off this type of animation.
It’s the better option, too, if you’re more into making your animations. This is because the platform has an easy-to-understand interface. Even if you don’t get it the first time, it gives you in-depth tutorials to help you get started.
2. Animaker
Are you more into making infographics for marketing? Using Animaker will help you create whiteboard animations that fit well on different social media platforms. This cloud-based animation software even supports Facebook, one of the largest social media platforms around.
This is because the platform has a direct line of upload to this and other platforms like YouTube. What’s great is that you can access this through a handy Google Chrome extension.
What’s even better is that the software has a large collection of pre-loaded animations. This can help you create many infographics in quick succession. It even supports over 50 languages, helping you understand the features of the platform.
3. Synfig
If your goal is to help people learn more about different topics, Synfig is the software for you. This open-source animation program gives you free video training the first time you boot it up.
This makes it easy for you to access the software and its features. What’s great about it is that it features a functional bone system for your animations. It allows your animations to have realistic movements despite being a 2D animation.
What’s great about this software is that it supports Windows, Linux, and Mac. This means you need not worry about your hardware as you create animations.
4. KeyShot
Looking for a fluid 3D animation software? Keyshot allows you to create 3D animation in record time. This is because it has a great real-time rendering feature for its 3D models, improving your workflow.
This is the main selling point of the program. It’s perfect for you if you can grind out animations in breakneck speeds. This is also thanks to the preset materials that the software has.
This is also among the best animation programs for 3D because of its unrivaled accuracy with ray tracing. With its support for over 30 3D file formats, it’s no wonder why people pay its hefty price tag to use this software.
5. K-3D
If you’re looking for a less intense 3D animation software, try K-3D. This has an interface that even a newbie in animation can understand. What’s great about it is that you can use it to create both 2D and 3D animations.
This is perfect for those who dabble in creating both animation types. It’s free, too, making it even more appealing for those who have a limited budget to work with.
Despite this, though, it still creates good quality animations. They’re even good enough that you can charge for them without feeling bad about the quality. It’s the perfect software to use if you plan on creating animations for commercials.
6. Maya
Do you want animations that are worthy of being in movies? Try Maya, the oldest animation software on this list. This is the animation software that studios used in movies like Spiderman and The Lord of the Rings.
It has many features to offer like the Bifrost liquid creation feature. This helps you create simulations that mimic life-like movements. It also allows you to create deep liquid simulations for your animations.
It also allows you to manipulate light and reflections. Doing this allows for more life-like animations with a touch of real-world physics.
7. OpenToonz
Looking for a free 2D animation program? OpenToonz is the open-source animation program for you.
It’s the most customizable software in the list thanks to it being an open-source software. This means that you can manipulate your elements to move in any way you want. You can even use it to create special effects on your animation like wavy distortions and such.
It even has built-in particle effects like snow, rain, and smoke. This is useful if you like putting a lot of scenery into your animations.
8. PowToon
PowToon is the best animation software to use if you want quick uploads to YouTube and such. It has detailed walkthroughs to help you through its features. It will help you use all the control available in this software when creating an animation.
What’s great about it is that it allows you to create full HD animations. This means that you can create animations that can go up to 60fps in 1080p. It’s a great way to create beautiful animations to add to your portfolio.
9. Blender
This is among the best free animation software around. A part of this is because of its popularity with the gaming industry. The software allows you to use the exact models used in video games, TV shows, and even in movies.
Even without the preset models, you can sculpt your own models from scratch. This is thanks to its extensive toolset that allows accurate rendering and modeling.
You can even learn how to create animated GIF thanks to its built-in video editor. It even supports game creation because of the game engine the new update introduces. It’s the perfect all-purpose tool for any project that’s coming your way.
Use the Best Animation Programs Today
Create beautiful animations by using the best animation programs today. Let your imagination run wild and use these programs to show others your vision now!
Do you want to learn more about the animation industry? Learn different techniques to make the animation process easier and smoother for you. Check out our informative blogs and articles and learn all you can learn today!