2D animation is everywhere, cartoons, explainer videos, ads, and even social media content. As a beginner, a hobbyist, or a professional animator, the best software for 2d animations is what make your work easy, efficient and fun.
There are many 2D animation programs out there, from professional-grade tools used in big studios to simple, free options perfect for beginners. Some are great for hand-drawn animations, while others focus on rigging and motion graphics.
In this guide, we’ll go over 19 of the best 2D animation software, including free and paid options. Whether you need something powerful for detailed animations, an easy-to-use tool for quick projects, or even a mobile app for animating on the go, there’s something here for you.
Best Professional Software for 2D Animations
For professionals and studios, having the right animation software is essential. These tools offer advanced rigging, vector-based drawing, special effects, and seamless workflows, which are needed for high-quality productions like TV shows, films, and multimedia projects.
Toon Boom Harmony
Website: toonboom.com/
Toon Boom Harmony is an industry-standard animation software used by major studios to create professional-quality animations. It supports vector and bitmap drawing, advanced rigging, and special effects, making it suitable for both hand-drawn and cut-out animation styles.
Pros:
- Powerful rigging and cut-out animation tools
- Industry-standard for TV shows and movies
- Supports both vector and bitmap artwork
- Advanced effects and compositing options
Cons:
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Expensive, making it less accessible for hobbyists
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Adobe Animate
Website: https://www.adobe.com/products/animate.html
Adobe Animate is perfect for web animations, interactive content, and multimedia projects. It’s the modern version of the classic Flash animation tool and offers frame-by-frame animation, motion tweening, and vector-based drawing. Its integration with Adobe Creative Suite makes it a great choice for professionals working across multiple programs.
Pros:
- Seamless integration with Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects
- Strong vector animation tools for web and multimedia
- Good for both frame-by-frame and tweening animations
- Familiar interface for Adobe users
Cons:
- Subscription-based pricing can be costly over time
- Lacks some advanced rigging features found in Toon Boom Harmony
Blender
Website: https://www.blender.org/
Blender is best known for 3D animation, but its Grease Pencil tool has made it a powerful option for 2D animators as well. With Grease Pencil, artists can create hand-drawn animations within a 3D space, allowing for unique hybrid 2D/3D styles. Plus, it’s completely free and open-source!
Pros:
- Free and open-source, with no hidden costs
- Unique hybrid animation capabilities (2D + 3D)
- Strong community support and frequent updates
- Ideal for experimental and artistic animation styles
Cons:
- Learning curve can be challenging for traditional 2D animators
- UI is optimized for 3D, making 2D work feel less intuitive
Best Free & Open-Source Software for 2D Animations
If you’re just starting out, working on a personal project, or simply looking for a budget-friendly option, free and open-source animation software can be a great choice. These tools provide powerful features without the hefty price tag, making them ideal for beginners, hobbyists, and even professionals who want free alternatives to paid software.
Krita
Website: https://krita.org/
Originally known as a digital painting tool, Krita has evolved to include frame-by-frame animation, making it a fantastic choice for artists who love hand-drawn styles. It offers a wide range of brushes, a customizable UI, and onion-skinning support, which helps with smooth animations.
Pros:
- Excellent brush engine for natural drawing effects
- Completely free and open-source
- Supports onion-skinning and timeline-based animation
- Great for traditional frame-by-frame animation
Cons:
- Not as advanced as professional animation tools
- No built-in rigging or motion tweening features
Pencil2D
Website: https://www.pencil2d.org/
Pencil2D is a lightweight, easy-to-use animation tool that’s perfect for beginners. It supports both raster and vector animation, giving artists the flexibility to work in different styles. With its simple interface, it’s an excellent choice for anyone who wants to learn 2D animation without a steep learning curve.
Pros:
- Very beginner-friendly and lightweight
- Supports both raster and vector animation
- Completely free and open-source
- Simple UI with an easy workflow
Cons:
- Lacks advanced features like rigging and special effects
- Not ideal for complex, professional projects
Synfig Studio
Website: https://www.synfig.org/
Synfig Studio is an advanced open-source animation tool focused on vector-based animations. It features bone rigging and tweening, which allows for smooth and automated motion, reducing the need for frame-by-frame drawing. This makes it a great free alternative to paid professional software.
Pros:
- Supports rigging and motion tweening
- Free and open-source with frequent updates
- Vector-based animation for scalable graphics
- Reduces manual frame-by-frame work
Cons:
- Can be difficult to learn for beginners
- UI feels outdated compared to modern software
Toonz
Website: https://opentoonz.github.io/e/
OpenToonz is the free, open-source version of Toonz, a software used by Studio Ghibli for their animations. It’s a feature-rich program that supports professional-quality animation, making it one of the most powerful free options available.
Pros:
- Used by Studio Ghibli—professional-level quality
- Free and open-source with powerful features
- Supports both vector and raster animation
- Great for creating high-quality 2D animations
Cons:
- Complex interface with a steep learning curve
- Not as intuitive for beginners compared to Pencil2D or Krita
Best Beginner Software for 2D Animations
If you’re new to animation or just want something simple to work with, these beginner-friendly tools are a great place to start. They are designed for ease of use, with intuitive interfaces that allow you to create animations without getting overwhelmed by complex features.
Animation Paper
Website: animationpaper.com/
Animation Paper is perfect for beginners and concept artists who want to experiment with traditional frame-by-frame animation. Its clean and simple interface makes it easy to sketch ideas and test animations before refining them in more advanced software.
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Great for quick sketching and testing animation ideas
- Simple interface without unnecessary complexity
Cons:
- Lacks advanced features like rigging or effects
- Still in development, with some features missing
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Animaker
Website:www.animaker.com
Animaker is a cloud-based animation tool designed for people who don’t have traditional drawing skills. It comes with a drag-and-drop interface, making it perfect for creating explainer videos, marketing animations, and presentations.
Pros:
- No drawing skills required
- Large library of pre-made characters and templates
- Great for making animated business videos
Cons:
- Limited customization compared to traditional animation software
- Requires an internet connection since it’s cloud-based
Best Mobile Software for 2D Animations
For animators who prefer working on the go, mobile apps provide a convenient way to create animations directly from a tablet or smartphone. These tools are great for quick sketches or full projects without needing a computer.
FlipaClip
Website:flipaclip.com/
FlipaClip is a popular mobile animation app that’s perfect for hand-drawn animations. It features onion-skinning, frame-by-frame animation, and audio support, making it a great tool for beginners and hobbyists.
Pros:
- Easy to use with an intuitive mobile interface
- Supports onion-skinning for smooth animations
- Available for both iOS and Android
Cons:
- Limited to basic animation tools
- Some features require in-app purchases
RoughAnimator
Website: https://www.roughanimator.com/
RoughAnimator is a more advanced mobile animation tool that supports frame-by-frame animation. Unlike FlipaClip, it has more professional-grade features, making it ideal for serious animators who want more control over their work.
Pros:
- Professional-grade mobile animation app
- Customizable brushes and detailed controls
- Exports to multiple formats, including After Effects and Toon Boom
Cons:
- Paid app (not free like FlipaClip)
- More complex than beginner-friendly options
Best 2D Animation Software for Mac Users
Mac users sometimes struggle to find animation software optimized for macOS. These tools run smoothly on Mac and offer professional-grade features for creating high-quality 2D animations.
Moho (Anime Studio)
Website: https://moho.lostmarble.com/
Moho (previously Anime Studio) is one of the best vector-based animation tools. It includes smart warp technology and bone rigging, making it perfect for creating smooth and professional-looking animations.
Pros:
- Strong vector-based animation tools
- Advanced rigging and bone animation features
- Optimized for Mac and Windows
Cons:
- Learning curve for beginners
- Paid software (not free)
CelAction2D
Website: https://www.celaction.com/
CelAction2D is a high-end professional animation software used for TV shows and feature films. It specializes in cut-out animation and rigging, making it a great option for animators who need powerful, studio-quality tools.
Pros:
- Used in professional animation studios
- Advanced rigging for cut-out animations
- Runs smoothly on Mac and Windows
Cons:
- Very expensive compared to other animation tools
- Best suited for professionals rather than beginners
Best for Heavy Editing & Advanced Animations
For animators who need extensive editing tools, high customization, and advanced features, these software options provide powerful solutions. Whether you’re working on frame-by-frame animation, comic-style projects, or looking to automate parts of the process, these tools offer professional-grade capabilities.
TVPaint Animation
Website:www.tvpaint.com/
TVPaint Animation is a bitmap-based animation software designed for traditional frame-by-frame animation. It mimics the feel of drawing on paper, making it an excellent choice for artists who want a hand-drawn, natural look.
Pros:
- Perfect for hand-drawn frame-by-frame animation
- Powerful bitmap painting tools for a traditional feel
- Used in professional animation studios
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other animation software
- Has a learning curve, especially for beginners
Clip Studio Paint EX
Website: https://www.clipstudio.net/en/
Clip Studio Paint EX is popular among manga and comic artists, but it also includes strong animation features. It’s great for animators who want to seamlessly integrate illustration and animation in one software.
Pros:
- Excellent for manga and comic-style animations
- Powerful brush engine with customizable tools
- One-time purchase option (no monthly subscription)
Cons:
- Limited to short animations (frame limit in some versions)
- More focused on illustration than pure animation
CACANi
Website: https://cacani.com/
CACANi stands out for its smart inbetweening technology, which automates the process of creating frames between key poses. This makes it ideal for reducing manual work while still maintaining high animation quality.
Pros:
- Automates inbetweening to save time
- Great for streamlining animation production
Cons:
- Not as well-known as other animation software
- Has a unique workflow that takes time to learn
Best Cloud-Based & Online Software for 2D Animations
For those who prefer working online or need collaboration features, cloud-based animation tools offer easy access, team sharing, and prebuilt assets to speed up the animation process. These tools are especially great for business videos, presentations, and educational content.
Vyond
Website:www.vyond.com/
Vyond is a cloud-based animation tool with prebuilt characters, templates, and scene animations, making it ideal for business and marketing videos. It’s commonly used for explainer videos, corporate training materials, and animated presentations.
Pros:
- No animation experience needed—drag-and-drop interface
- Prebuilt assets make animation fast and easy
- Great for professional business animations
Cons:
- Limited creative control compared to traditional animation software
- Subscription-based pricing
Powtoon
Website: https://www.powtoon.com/
Powtoon is another web-based animation tool, perfect for creating presentations, educational videos, and marketing content. It’s simple, easy to use, and requires no drawing skills.
Pros:
- Ideal for animated presentations and education
- No animation experience needed
- Simple, web-based tool
Cons:
- Limited animation flexibility
- Requires a subscription for full access to features
Conclusion
Choosing the best software for 2D animations depends on your skill level, budget, and animation style. Here’s a quick recap of the best tools for different needs:
- For professionals & studios → Toon Boom Harmony, Adobe Animate, Blender (Grease Pencil)
- For beginners & casual animators → Pencil2D, Animation Paper, FlipaClip
- For heavy editing & advanced animation → TVPaint Animation, Clip Studio Paint EX, CACANi
- For mobile animators → FlipaClip, RoughAnimator
- For cloud-based animation → Vyond, Powtoon
