With most modern animations being created digitally, there is a continual growth in demand for easy-to-use software allowing anyone to make their own animation creations. If you are taking our summer animation or digital art programs, or our year-round virtual classes in digital art and animation, you may be interested in this list of the top 5 FREE animation programs.
Top 5 FREE animation software programs
1. Pixilart
This is an easy to use web-based program. With a simple layout and easy to understand functions, it is ideal for anyone of any age to use for their first attempt at animation.
2. Pencil2D
Similar to Pixilart, Pencil2D is an animation program that focuses solely on 2D animation. However, since Pencil2D is downloadable, there are fewer limitations that with Pixilart. Pencil2D’s interface is simplistic and user friendly, especially if you are a novice animator. It also works on all platforms and unlike most opensource software, Pencil2D is frequently updated. If you are new to the animation world, this is probably the software to chose, plus it’s FREE!
3. OpenToonz
Not only is OpenToonz one of the best 2D animation software available, it has also been used by famous animation studios like Studio Ghibli and Rough Draft Studios. OnlyToonz is very user friendly and great for beginner to advanced animators, however, a read-through of their manual is required to master the program.
https://opentoonz.github.io/e/
4. Krita
Different from the rest of the programs listed here, Krita can be classified as more of an illustration or digital painting program; the ability to animate is an added feature, allowing you to bring your creative works of art to life. The interface is easy to use, and the results can be compared to that of OpenToonz. As with all the other programs on our list, Krita is free.
5. Blender
This is a terrific choice for the more advanced animator. Blender allows you to create both 2D and 3D animations, work with numerous visual effects and bring to life anythign your imagination can think of! The interface is more complex than a program like OpenToonz and it may require a read-through of the manual to master. However, the end results can be phenomenal.
Aaron Alviano is a professional artist who has been an arts instructor for Centauri Arts for 20 years, specializing in Digital Art, Drawing, Painting and Photography. Be sure to check out his summer programs in Digital and Fine Art at Centauri Arts! https://www.centauriarts.com/academy/toronto/summer-day-camps/
