Animation is the process of photographing a series of images and consecutive models to make an incredible illusion of movements in succession. It has come a long way since its invention in the late 1800s. Today, it is used extensively for various purposes, including education, advertising, marketing, and entertainment.

In this blog post, we will discuss the trend of animation and its most popular types. We will also look at some best animation software you can use to create your own animations. So, let’s get started!

Types of Animation

If you are looking for the best possible way to create an animation video, first you need to have a profound idea about the best animation software, be it paid or free. For free and paid video editing softwares check it out once. Before discussing some most popular and useful paid and free animation software, first, let’s get to know the common types of animation.

Types of Animation

1. 2D Animation

2D animation process involves the creation of animated graphics and images using 2-dimensional designs. There are both paid and free versions of 2D animation software available. They allow users to create and edit 2D animations, which can then be exported as video or GIF files. You can use this animation for a variety of purposes, including creating explainer videos, advertisements, and cartoons.

2. 3D Animation

3D animation process involves the creation of animated images and videos using three-dimensional computer graphics. The animators first create a three-dimensional model of the object or character they want to animate. Then they add bones and joints to the model so it can move. Finally, they create an animation by moving the bones and joints in the model frame by frame.

If you have been playing PUBG, Minecraft, Fortnite, well, all that is animation. The gaming industry’s use of animation is tremendous compared to other industries.

3. Stop Motion

Stop motion is a technique used with various materials, including clay, paper, and even people, to create animated films. The animator takes a series of static photos of a particular subject, then slightly changes the position of the subject before taking another photo.

When the photos are played in sequence, it creates the illusion of movement. This process is repeated until the desired animation is complete.

4. Celluloid Animation

Celluloid animation uses drawings on transparent sheets of cellulose acetate to create the illusion of movement. When placed over a light source, the drawings appear to come to life.

Best Animation Software

Using good animation software can make your final work simply outstanding. Whether you are a beginner or pro in animation, knowing about the best animation software will help you set your work apart from the crowd.

So, here’s a list of the best animation software. Check this out:

1. Autodesk Maya

Autodesk Maya is a leading 3D animation software that offers a comprehensive set of tools for animators, modelers, and renders.

Its key features include:

  • A powerful node-based shader network
  • Advanced character animation tools
  • A robust particle system
  • An extensive set of rendering options, including Mental Ray and Arnold.

Pricing:

You can just pay $225/month to use all the features of Autodesk Maya. You can also try the free trial version first and then opt for paid subscription.

Read Also: Powtoon Review – Software to Create Animated Videos

2. Blender – Profesional Choice

Blender

Blender is a powerful, open-source 3D animation software that has gained popularity in recent years. With its user-friendly interface and flexible tools, Blender is a great choice for both beginner and experienced animators.

Its useful features include:

  • It is capable of creating rigged characters. With this, creating complex animations becomes easy.
  • Its particle system can be used to create believable simulations of fire, smoke, and water.
  • This is an open-source and free 3D animation software, also considered as one of the best animation software for YouTube videos.

Pricing

Blender is one of the best free animation software for PC. However, for those looking for more professional-grade animation software, Blender also has a paid part, named Blender Studio that anyone can join by paying just €9.90/month.

3. Unity – Best Animation Tool for Gamers

Unity - Best Animation Tool for Gamers

Unity animation software is a great tool for anyone looking to create animated content.

It offers a wide range of features, including:

  • The ability to create 3D animations, import and export files, and add sound effects.
  • It offers a comprehensive set of tutorials and support resources.
  • The rate is reasonable

Pricing

The yearly subscription starts at just $399. It also has a free version for users.

4. 3Ds Max Design – Most Popular Animation Software

Most Popular Animation Software

3Ds Max Design Animation Software has a lot of features that are really helpful for animators.

Its useful features include:

  • One of the best features of this software is it can be used to create both 2D and 3D animations, which gives you a lot of flexibility.
  • It is compatible with a lot of different file formats, so you should be able to use it with most of the software that you are already using.
  • It is very easy to use, so you will be up and animating in no time at all!

Pricing

The subscription starts from just $225/month. You can also download its free trial version.

5. Maxon One – All in One Animation Software

Maxon One - All in One Animation Software

Maxon One is an all-in-one 3D animation software that offers users a wide range of features. Unlike other animation software, Maxon One does not require users to purchase separate modules for each type of animation. Instead, it includes everything users need to create high-quality 3D animations in one package.

The features include:

  • Its user-friendly and intuitive interface makes it easy to get started.
  • This is an all-in-one solution for those who want to have breathtaking animation results in a fast and hassle-free manner.
  • It provides motion designers, animation filmmakers, editors, and visual effect artists with cutting-edge technology and workflows to design something awesome in all dimensions.

Pricing

You get all Maxon products in one bundle just at INR 9220.01/month.

6. Vyond – Best for Animated Video Creation

Vyond - Best for Animated Video Creation

If you are searching for the best cloud-based, animated video creation platform, Vyond should be your ultimate choice. With this, you can create professional-quality videos in minutes, without any prior experience or design skills.

Some of its useful features are:

  • Its easy-to-use interface makes it the best animation software for beginners.
  • The software has pre-designed templates, characters, props, and backgrounds.
  • With Vyond, you can customize your videos by adding your own images, audio, and text. Once you’re finished, you can share your video online or download it for offline viewing.

Pricing

Vyond offers a free 14-day trial, after which you can choose from its paid plans. Prices start just at $49 per month.

7. Adobe Character Animator – Famous Character Tool

Adobe Character Animator - Famous Character Tool

Adobe Character Animator is a powerful 2D character animation software that allows you to create animations from scratch or use pre-existing assets.

It’s packed with features, which are:

  • With this software, you can fine-tune lip-syncing, facial expressions, body movements, and much more in your animation video.
  • You can use your own voice and expression to the animated character in real-time.
  • You can even let your created animated characters move like you do and livestream.

Pricing

You can use its starter mode for free or buy the subscription just at $54.99/month.

8. Adobe Animate – Best Animation Tool

Adobe Animate - Best Animation Tool

Adobe Animate is useful for business professionals to create interactive animated content for web and mobile-friendly platforms.

It has a wide range of features:

  • It offers a timeline-based interface that allows you to easily create frame-by-frame animations and keyframe animations.
  • You can create looping animations and add sound effects.
  • It offers a wide range of export options, so you can easily share your creations with others.

Pricing

Adobe Animate has a free trial version. The paid subscription starts from just $20.99/month.

9. Cartoon Animator 4

Cartoon Animator 4

Cartoon Animator 4 (formerly known as CrazyTalk Animator) is a 2D animation software that allows users to create animations from templates or scratch.

The most useful features of this software are:

  • It includes a library of pre-made assets such as characters, props, and backgrounds, or users can import their own.
  • The software features a range of tools for creating animations, including keyframing, motion capture, and lip-syncing.

Pricing

Pricing for Cartoon Animator 4 starts from just $79 and reaches upto $159. A free trial for 30 days is also available.

10. Visme – Professional Animation Video Creator Tool

Visme - Professional Animation Video Creator Tool

Visme.co is loaded with features that make it perfect for businesses and individuals to create animated videos easily.

Its useful features include:

  • It includes a wide range of templates, useful for creating professional-looking animations.
  • It offers a broad array of tools for creating custom animations.
  • It allows users to share their creations with others via social media and email.

Pricing

The starting price of the paid subscriptions of Visme.co is just $29.

11. SideFX: Houdini – 3D Animation

SideFX: Houdini - 3D Animation

SideFX: Houdini, a 3D animation software, has been used by major film studios and VFX artists around the world.

Its awesome features include:

  • The software has powerful simulations, fluids, cloth, hair, and realistic event-based visual effects.
  • It has a built-in node-based compositing system that allows users to create complex effects.
  • The software is available in two editions: Indie and FX. The Indie edition is designed for independent artists and small teams, while the FX edition is for larger studios and productions.

Pricing

SideFX: Houdini has a free version named Houdini Apprentice, which is suitable for non-professional work. The professional pack starts from $1995 per year. There are also rental options available starting at $269 per year.

12. Krita – Free Best Animation Software

Krita - Free Best Animation Software

Krita is a free and open-source animation software that offers a wide range of features for both amateur and professional animators.

Its key features include:

  • Frame-by-frame animation
  • Bitmap and vector drawing tools
  • Layer-based editing
  • Video exporting facility
  • It is available for free on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Open Source

Krita is a powerful and versatile animation software that is available for free.

Final thoughts

The popularity of animation software is growing. Its uses span from informing to entertaining, and the best animation software can create high-quality graphics that are both realistic and engaging. Creating something incredible with the right animation software can give you an edge in your industry and help you set yourself apart. We’ve discussed some best animation software in this post. Hope you find this post useful and get encouragement to create beautiful animations with ease. So what are you waiting for? Start exploring these top animation software programs today and see how they can benefit your business!

If you have tried any of this software and or if you would like us to add any other animation software to the list, let’s know in the comments below. We truly appreciate your feedback.

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