2D Animation Software: Key Features & Uses

Searching for the best software for 2D animation? Look no further. We have curated a list of the best 2D animation software for you in this article.

2D animation is one of the most sought-after forms of animation. It is widely used for advertisements, engaging presentations, video content creation, and other forms of media production. There was a time when animators had to draw each frame by hand using traditional drawing tools to create 2D animation. That approach was tedious and time-consuming. However, these days, creating 2D animation has become easier with the help of 2D animation software. Some of these software tools allow users to apply their drawing skills to create animation from scratch, while others provide templates for creating 2D animation clips.

If you are someone who is learning 2D animation or want to step into this craft, this article is for you. Here, we have listed some of the most popular 2D animation software along with their key features to support animators' creativity. Read on!

2D Animation Software Uses

2D animation software tools are prominently used for creating and editing animated characters and designs. They are also used for creating graphics, logos, 2D game characters and background and illustrtions.

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2D Animation Software Key Features

2D animation is very versatile and can be use for any forms of media. Considering this versatility, 2D animation software offers specific features as mentioned below:

Key Features of 2D Animation
Frame-by-Frame Animation	Allows animators to create each frame individually, providing precise control over movement and transitions for fluid animations.
Onion Skinning	Displays previous and upcoming frames as semi-transparent overlays, helping animators maintain smooth motion between frames
Vector and Raster Support	Offers tools for both vector and raster-based drawing, allowing artists to create sharp, scalable graphics or more detailed, pixel-based artwork.
Bone Rigging System	Enables animators to create a skeletal structure for characters, making it easier to animate complex movements through the manipulation of bones.
Pre-built Animation Templates	Provides ready-made templates and assets to speed up the animation process, perfect for beginners or for quick project turnarounds.
Timeline and Keyframe Management	Facilitates the control of animation timing by organizing movements and effects on a timeline, allowing for precise keyframe adjustments.
Sound Synchronization	Integrates audio tracks so animators can sync their animations with dialogue, sound effects, or music seamlessly.
Export Options	Supports a variety of export formats such as GIF, MP4, or AVI, making it easy to share or use animations across different platforms.
Layer Management	Organises elements into layers, making it easier to edit and animate different parts of a scene independently.
Custom Brushes and Textures	Provides customizable brushes and textures for unique artistic styles, allowing for more creative flexibility in the animation.

2D animation software with aformentioned features can be conisdered as a good tool of 2D animation.

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Best 2D Animation Software

Based on features of 2D animation software, top 2D animation software tools have been listed as follows:

1. Toon Boom Harmony

A professional-grade software widely used in the animation industry, known for its advanced rigging, frame-by-frame animation tools, and special effects. It is ideal for studios and experienced animators looking for high-quality productions.

Toon Boom Harmony Key Features

Advanced rigging system for character animation
Traditional frame-by-frame drawing tools
Special effects and compositing features
Integration with 3D elements
Best For: Professional animators and studios
Platform: Windows, macOS

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2. Adobe Animate

Adobe Animate is a versatile software used for creating interactive animations, vector-based graphics, and web content. It offers integration with other Adobe tools and is great for web animators and digital media creators.

Adobe Animate Key Features

Versatile vector-based animation tools
Support for HTML5, WebGL, and video export formats
Integration with Adobe Creative Cloud
Bone rigging and asset reuse
Best For: Web animators, video content creators
Platform: Windows, macOS

3. Moho (Anime Studio)

It is a user-friendly animation software featuring a bone rigging system and vector drawing tools. This software is suited for beginners and intermediate animators seeking efficient animation techniques for character and cartoon work.

Moho (Anime Studio) Key Features

Bone rigging system for smooth animation
Vector drawing tools
Integrated timeline and lip-syncing tools
Smart warp feature for manipulating images
Best For: Beginners and intermediate animators
Platform: Windows, macOS

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4. Synfig Studio

A free, open-source 2D animation software with features like vector tweening and a bone system for smooth animations. It's ideal for animators who prefer cost-effective solutions without sacrificing essential tools.

Synfig Studio of Key Features

Free and open-source
Vector tweening to automatically generate frames between keyframes
Advanced bone system for character animation
Layer-based animation structure
Best For: Budget-conscious animators, open-source enthusiasts
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux

5. OpenToonz

This open-source software, used by Studio Ghibli, is perfect for animators seeking traditional hand-drawn styles. It offers features like image scanning, advanced effects, and a customizable toolset.

OpenToonz of Key Features

Free and open-source (used by Studio Ghibli)
Scan and trace hand-drawn images
Advanced particle effects system
Customizable brushes and tools for drawing
Best For: Traditional animators, indie studios
Platform: Windows, macOS

6. Pencil2D

A lightweight, free, open-source animation tool with a simple interface for creating hand-drawn animations. It's perfect for beginners or hobbyists wanting to explore basic 2D animation.

Key Features

Free and open-source
Simple, intuitive interface for hand-drawn animation
Supports both vector and raster drawing
Lightweight software with basic tools
Best For: Beginners, hobbyists
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux

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7. TupiTube

A free, easy-to-use animation software designed for kids, educators, and beginners. It offers basic tools for frame-by-frame animation and tweening, making it an ideal starting point for young animators.

TupiTube of Key Features

Free and user-friendly
Designed for children, educators, and beginners
Frame-by-frame animation and tweening support
Simple drawing tools and export options for video sharing
Best For: Kids, educators, entry-level animators
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux

8. Blender (Grease Pencil)

A powerful, free open-source 3D software with a 2D Grease Pencil tool that allows for hand-drawn animation within a 3D environment. It's great for animators who want to combine 2D and 3D elements in their work.

Blender (Grease Pencil) of Key Features

Free and open-source
Powerful 2D and 3D animation tools
Grease Pencil feature for 2D hand-drawn animation within a 3D environment
Robust toolset for complex animations and effects
Best For: Animators interested in combining 2D and 3D elements
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux

Free 2D Animation Software

The advanced features for creating animation are generally available in paid tools. However, there are some free software which also offers exeptionally good feature for 2D animation production. These tools are listed below:

Synfig Studio
OpenToonz
Pencil2D
TupiTube
Blender (Grease Pencil)

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