Most Popular 2D Animation Softwares in 2023
by NOVAfx
The domain of 2D animation has seen enormous growth in the past few years, with new tools and software being developed to make the creation process easier, faster, and more efficient. These softwares cater to different users from beginners who want to dip their toes into animation to professionals who create animations for big studios. Some of the top 2D animation software include Toon Boom Harmony, Synfig Studio, Pencil 2D, OpenToonz, Moho Pro, TupiTube, and Adobe Animate.
Here is a comparative table summarizing these 2D animation softwares and when to use them:
Software | When to use | Features & Benefits |
Toon Boom Harmony | For professional animations for films, web or TV | Advanced features, vector drawing and painting tools, advanced rigging, powerful compositing tools. |
Synfig Studio | For solo artists or small teams, for quick animation creation | Free cross-platform software, features digital tweening and sprites, has integrated soundtrack. |
Pencil 2D | For users who prefer traditional animation and sketching | Supports raster and vector workflows, minimalistic UI, supports TIFF. |
OpenToonz | For beginners looking for a free software | Compatible with TWAIN standards, allows for 4 types of scanning, works with both vector and raster images. |
Moho Pro | For professional 2D and 3D animations | Vector-based, features freehand drawing, includes smart bone technology, inbuilt bitmap brush. |
TupiTube | For creating fun 2D videos to share with friends | User-friendly interface, free app for Android and iOS devices, plenty of tutorials available. |
Adobe Animate | For creating interactive animations for web elements | Supports audio and video embedding, features vector brushes, has modern timeline, allows for audio syncing. |
It’s crucial to remember that the “best” 2D animation software is subjective and depends heavily on your specific needs, project requirements, and expertise level. If you’re just starting out, you might want to experiment with the free tools to get a feel for the animation process. However, if you’re looking to make a career in animation, it’s advisable to familiarize yourself with the software commonly used in the industry.