10 Best Animation Software for Beginners

There are tons of animation programs available for beginners. But not all of them are worth using. Many of them are just plain wrong.

Some animation programs are great for beginners because they make it easy to create simple animations. Others are great because they offer lots of features and customization options.

But most of these programs are just plain wrong. They either cost way too much, or they lack essential features. So what is the best program for beginners?

This article will be looking at the best animation software for beginners. (Note: These animation software will work on both the Windows and macOS operating systems)

Best Animation Software for Beginners

Saola Animate

Best Animation Software For Beginners (Saola Animate)

It is a free online animation software that allows you to create 2D animations efficiently. It’s super simple to use and has some cool features like automatic music sync and sound effects.

It doesn’t have as many features as other tools on our list, but Saola is probably the best place to start if you’re new to animation.

What Is It?

A web-based animation tool that makes creating animated GIFs easy.

Why You Should Use It?

If you want to learn how to animate without spending any money, this is the perfect app. It’s straightforward to use so that anyone can get started with it.

How Much Does It Cost?

Free to try, but if you want to continue using it will cost you $79/per License

Adobe Character Animator

best animation software for beginners
best animation software for beginners (Adobe Character Animate)

Adobe character animator is an amazing animation software if you’re more interested in making 3D characters than 2D ones.

You can import models from various sources (like Maya) and then customize them. Once you’ve created an animation, you can export it as a video file.

You can also add text and shapes to your character. And there are plenty of other customization options, including facial expressions and motion capture. A wide range of features is available for you to use.

What Is It?

This is a 3D modeling and animation application designed specifically for animators. Keeping in mind the different animation styles to provide high-quality animation.

Why You Should Try It:

The interface is pretty intuitive, so even non-experts will find it easy to use. Plus, it gives you lots of control over your model.

How Much Does It Cost?

$19.99 USD per month or $149.99 per year.

Animaker

best animation software for beginners (animaker)

Animaker is an excellent yet simple animation software for beginners.

It allows users to easily create professional-quality animations with minimal effort. It is also an amazing software for marketing videos, explainer videos, etc.

It’s not as complex as other programs like Maya or Blender and its user-friendly interface makes it an excellent choice for beginners.

But it’s still packed with tons of features.

What Is Animaker?

Animaker is award-winning animation software. It allows users to make animated films.

Why You Should Use It?

Animaker is beginner-friendly animation software.

How Much Does Animaker Cost?

You can choose between two different plans. They both include lifetime updates and support.

One plan costs $29.95 USD per month. The other costs $59.95 per USD month.

If you are looking for a tool that will turn your video into a lead and customer generation machine on pure auto-pilot. 

Show by Animaker is the tool you need and you can get it at a Lifetime Deal for only $69/-

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MOHO

best animation software for beginners (moho)

Moho is another good option for people who want to create 2D animations and can be considered one of the best animation software for beginners.

It’s similar to Saola because it’s a web-based tool, but it offers a lot more customization options. For example, you can change the background color, add shadows, adjust the size and position of objects, and even add drop shadows.

The downside is that Moho isn’t as user-friendly as Saola. But if you need to do a ton of tweaking, it might be worth checking out.

What Is It?

Moho is a web-based application that lets you create animated GIFs, videos, and HTML5 animations in minutes. You can also add text or images to your animation. The interface is clean and simple with just the right amount of options.

Why You Should Check It Out?

Moho is a bit less expensive than Saola, and it offers a lot more flexibility. Plus, it looks better than Saola.

How Much Does it Cost?

Free to try, but if you decide to continue using it, you’ll pay 9.95 USD per month. (It’s best to get the Moho Pro)

Blender

Best Animation Software for Beginners (Blender)

If you’re looking for something more potent than the previous apps, Blender is one of the best animation software for beginners.

It’s used not only by professional animators but also by game developers and filmmakers. So, if you’re into those things, it could be an excellent fit for you. It caters to advanced users as well as beginners and can be beneficial to you if you ever need access to advanced tools.

What Is It & Why You Should Use It:

Blender is an open-source program that’s been around since 2001. It’s considered to be one of the most versatile programs available today.

Blender is a 3D modeling and rendering application, but it can also be used as a video editor or compositor. The program has a simple interface with lots of features. You’ll need to learn how to use this tool in order to get the best results from it.

How Much Does Blender Cost?

There are three different versions of Blender; they cost $80, $150, and $300, respectively.

Houdini

Best Animation Software For Beginners (Houdini)

It is a popular 3D animation software that’s used by professionals all over the world.

It has many features that make it ideal for beginners. For example, it allows you to create custom effects easily.

And it comes with a bunch of built-in tools like particle systems, shaders, and compositing.

What Is It?

Houdini is commercial software developed by Side Effects Software. It was initially released in 1997.

It is a 3D modeling and animation software that can be used to create any type of visual effects, including motion graphics, stop-motion animation, character design, rigging, compositing, rendering, game development, and more.

The program runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and Google Chrome OS.

Why You Should Use It: If you’re interested in creating realistic 3D animations, this is probably the best choice.

How Much Does Houdini Cost?

$2,000+ depending on which version you buy

Pixologic ZBrush

Best Animation Software for Beginners (ZBrush)

ZBrush is another popular 3D animation tool.

It’s often compared to Adobe Photoshop because it’s very similar to Adobe’s product. However, ZBrush is much cheaper.

What Is It and Why You Should Use It?

ZBrush is a digital sculpting tool that artists use all over the world. It’s beneficial for people who want to create realistic 3D models.

It’s not easy to learn how to use this program, but if you have some experience in using other similar programs like Photoshop or GIMP, then it will be easier for you to get used to Zbrush.

ZBrush is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a powerful and high-quality sculpting application. This product is designed with professional users in mind. The interface is very intuitive and user-friendly.

How Much Does ZBrush Cost?

You can get started for free, but additional costs depend on what you want to use it for.

For instance, you can upgrade your account from the free version to the paid version for 49.99 USD per month. Or, you can purchase a subscription for $199.99 per year.

OpenToonz

Best Animation Software for Beginners (OpenToonz)

Do you love Anime and are obsessed with studio ghibli like the rest of us?

Then OpenToonz might be the perfect tool for you. It is simple yet effective animation software, but has been customized by  Studio Ghibli itself, and used for the creation of its works for many years.

Who doesn’t want to use the same software used by the most loved anime studio in the world? So, why not try this software, who knows you might be working on the next Studio Ghibli movie.

What Is It And Why You Should Use It?

OpenToonz is a web-based animation software explicitly designed for beginners. It has an intuitive interface, and it’s free to use.

OpenToonz is a powerful tool that allows you to create animations in the browser with no coding knowledge required. You can easily add text, shapes, images, or videos into your composition, then export them as GIFs, MP4s, JPGs, PNGs, or HTML5.

How Much Does OpenToonz Cost?

It’s completely free to use. There are no fees at all.

That said, you will need to register before starting to make videos. But once you do, you’ll have access to everything else.

That includes a library of templates, characters, backgrounds, music, sound effects, and even video tutorials.

Pencil2D

Best Animation Softwares for Beginners (Pencil2D)

If you’re looking for a 2D animation software, then PencilD might be the right app.

It’s a simple drawing app that lets you draw directly onto the screen. It’s a fresh outlook on hand-drawn animation in the new age.

What Is It?

Pencil2D is a simple drawing app perfect for anyone who wants to learn how to animate. It can be said to be the best animation software for beginners.

Pencil2D is a simple, easy-to-use, and free tool that allows you to create your own animations by simply dragging and dropping shapes on the canvas. It’s perfect if you want to try out some basic animation techniques or just make something cool to share with friends.

Why You Should Try It:

This is a straightforward way to practice your skills. Plus, it’s completely free.

How Much Does PencilD Cost?

The basic version is free. The Pro version is only $9.95.

Stop Motion Studio

Best Animation Software for Beginners (Stop Motion Studio)

Stop Motion Studio is a powerful motion graphics software that’s great for beginners.

It offers many options that allow you to control every aspect of your project.

What Is It?

Stop Motion Studio is a powerful stop motion animation software. It allows you to create your own animations and videos with ease.

Stop Motion Studio is an easy-to-use, yet powerful tool that lets you make your own animated movies in just minutes. With this program, you can easily add realistic effects such as shadows, reflections, depth of field, color correction, and more. You can also use it to animate characters, props, backgrounds, or anything else you want.

Stop Motion Studio has everything you need to start creating amazing stop-motion films right away.  

Why Should You Buy It?

It is one of the most advanced stop motion animation apps out there.

It’s also super affordable. That means you can try it out without spending too much money.

How Much Does Stop Motion Studio Cost?

There are three different versions available. Each has its price tag.

However, they all cost less than $50.

The Bottom Line:

In conclusion, animation might be right up your alley if you’re looking for a new hobby. There are tons of free software programs available online that will allow you to create your animations.

Whether you’re interested in creating stop motion videos or 3D cartoons, there’s bound to be a program that fits your needs. And even if you decide to go pro, there are still many ways to earn money from your art. Just remember to have fun along the way!

Debashis Konger
Debashis Konger
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