Best Free 2D Animation Software for Beginners!

(Last Updated On: July 2, 2019)

Are you searching for the Best 2D animation software, that too a free one? Yes, then you are already at the right place. If you are a beginner, you’ll surely get to know some exclusive details on various 2D animation software. We have handpicked some of the Best Free 2D Animation Software for Beginners. Be ready to enter the animation world.

Animation Software: Need & Importance

Animation is a powerful and effective mode of presenting your data to the audience. So, are you willing to grab a long lasting impression? Do you wish to communicate your message in the best possible manner? Animation is the perfect answer to it. Right!

A beginner or an expert, you shall need a good combination of animation software along with other programs and software for PC .

But, animation creations can prove to be a really expensive task. Saving on cost is crucial if you are a newbie and have just entered the learning stage.

However, there’s no need to worry, when you can get a whole lot of 2D Animation Software. The ones which you can download easily without spending anything out of your pocket. As a beginner, you will probably love to use these free animation tools to complete your animation projects. Try them and see the dynamic results for each of these free animation software.

But, choosing the right and best free 2D animation software can be a bit tricky. So, here we have saved you from the hassle of hunting for different Free Animation Software. We have shortlisted the Best Free 2D Animation Software for Beginners.

Best Free 2D Animation Software for Beginners:

Through this blog, we have emphasised on 2D animation Software that are available free of cost. Hence, this shall leave your budget untouched.

1. Pencil:

Pencil is a free and open source animation/drawing software for Mac OS, Windows and Linux. This is based on traditionally hand drawn animation techniques. Simple tools and features with a set frame rate, timeline feature, import image and sound, insert colours etc. These make it quite handy software for creating colourful 2D animations.

If you are looking to learn basic cartoon animation principles, Pencil might be a great choice. Moreover, you can easily produce good quality drawings and animations with this free 2D animation software.

2. TupiTube:

TupiTube is an ideal 2D animation software for amateurs. This can be easily run on Windows, Mac OS X or Linux. It comprises of basic illustration tools that are easy to understand for beginner animators. Pencil, color, tweening tools, exposure sheet, import SVG image file and export animations are the key features.

So, this software is perfect combo of traditional frame-by-frame animation plus tweening to produce animation.

3. Plastic Animation Paper:

Plastic Animation Paper or PAP is another good choice for animators. This suits the ones who wish to convert their ideas into beautiful cartoons and animations free of cost. The sketching space, the colours and frame speed add variety to your work. Adding music, real time smooth rotation, zooming features and a customizable toolbar further add to its advantages.

This is available for Mac OS, Windows PC and as an I-pad app. It is a quick and responsive solution to your different animation needs.

You may also like to go through: Canva Alternatives: 5 Similar Graphic Design Software

4. Synfig Studio:

Synfig studio is a multi-platform segregated into four separate windows.  These comprise of the tools window, navigator window, the editing window and the parameters window. Master the skills of using this free software! You can create superior quality cartoon, videos and even movies.

Not only this, you can sync your animation with soundtrack.  Create cut out animations with bitmap images or vector graphics. This is an open source software and can run on Windows, Mac and Linux.

5. Stykz:

Stykz is a user friendly software that enables the budding animators to create compelling animations. This free 2D animation software comes loaded with powerful tools. This helps you edit and preview your animations. It supports all major operating systems like Windows, Mac and Linux.

You can draft your animation before switching to animation in full bloom. In addition to it, this stick figure animation freeware is pivot compatible. Its customizable frames further add to its usability and features.

6. Powtoon:

Are you looking to create You Tube videos, explainer videos or animation clips? Powtoon is one of the best web based animation software to help you do that. It has a free option, although premium versions are available supporting advanced features. It has a simple user interface. You can make animated presentations and videos by using pre-created objects, images and music.

The wide range of features offered by the free version of this software can’t be ignored. In fact, this is a one stop solution for all your animation needs.

7. OpenToonz:

OpenToonz is an open source animation production software.  Another popular addition to the list of Best Free 2D Animation Software. It has been equipped with unique functions. GTS, a scanning tool that supports sequence number scanning in between animation numbers.

SDK, an effective plugin for image processing has been developed. This includes changing picture styles, affected incident light, wavy distortion, digital painting,compatibility with raster and vector etc. As an animator, you can freely add any specialised effects to OpenToonz, thereby creating stunning animations.

Hope you enjoyed scrolling through these trending free 2D Animation Software. However, the list of Free 2D Animation Software goes on…You can add Creatoon, Moovly, Crazy Talk Animator and so on.

2D Animation Software: A Final Take

Are you enlightened by the types of free animation software available? If you dream of building your own mesmerising creations, these Free 2D Animation Software shall prove to be very useful.

A good 2D Animation Software should mainly consist of:

• Impressive motion & animation features
• Production environment
• Character creation

What better you can get? If you get all these essentials that too free of cost. Won’t that become a wonderful combination? Also, don’t miss to have a look at some of the best animation books.

Now, if you are just starting out as an animator, relax and learn! It’s really fruitful to familiarise yourself with these best free 2D animation software. Working initially with 2D Software can lay down a strong foundation if you want to work in 3D Software in future. Moreover, you can also try hands and create GIFs through popular GIF maker apps.

You may also like: Best Free Graphic Design Software for Beginners!

So, which one have you selected out of this comprehensive list of the Best Free 2D Animation Software for Beginners? Are you still confused? You can anyways try different 2D Animation Software simultaneously. Checkout which one is the perfect fit for your animation creation needs. Feel free to share your opinions.