Best Animation Software: Tried & Tested
Finan Callaghan
July 16, 2021
The Digital Marketing industry is growing by a minimum of 30% every year. Every brand and business is out there to create its own identity. Are you one of them too? If yes, you are sure to benefit from my blog.
Let me get to animations. What do you think it is? It’s definitely not child's play. It is the most effective tool for visual content. You can communicate emotions and sell your idea in the simplest and the most creative way. As an onlooker, I would say it is easy to grasp. How do you get started? You need the best animation software. Don’t get bewildered. It is as easy as you perceive it to be.
Before I get to listing the best animation software, let me brief you up a bit with the concept of animations.
What is an animation?
Animation is nothing but a storytelling talent. You can bring out the best by combining creativity and imagination. The art of making a short film with the help of still images. Earlier, cartoons were a classic example of animations. However, now it is taken over by computer-generated images. Also known as CGI. If you are a content creator, I would say make friends with animations right away. Want to know how you can benefit from it?
- Animated videos are highly infectious and engaging
- You can reach more people in a short span.
- It can give life to any concept.
- Abstract ideas can also be visually represented.
- It is fun to watch.
- It can draw maximum attention.
- A complicated message can be conveyed in the most simple manner.
- It is easy to understand.
- Animated videos are highly engaging.
Now that you are convinced about how beneficial an animation video is, what’s the next step? You need to be aware of the best animation softwares available. How does this software help?
As a user, you can create moving graphics from visual files. You can add on special effects (2D or 3D), edit videos, or add some music with the help of these softwares.
Here’s a guide for the best animation softwares so you can upskill your artistry and bring your ideas to life.
A curated list for the Best Animation Softwares
Adobe Photoshop
Whether you are a beginner or a veteran, I am sure you have heard of this software. Adobe Photoshop was launched in the year 1988 and since then it has created a revolution in the animation space. It has a wide variety of attributes that you can incorporate including the basic ones like video editing and adding 2D and 3D graphics.
Powtoon
If your main goal is to create engaging and professional-looking videos, you must install this one. This leading visual communication platform was created in the year 2012. Powtoon spurs in creating animated templates, backgrounds, GIFs, scenes, soundtracks, videos, etc. With this software, you require no skill of your own. Connect with your audience more deeply.
Cinema 4D
This animation software is perfect for a beginner to a pro, for an individual to a team. No matter at what level you are. It is an ideal 3D animation platform for simulation and rendering software solutions. It is not just fast and powerful but also efficient and accessible. Besides animation, you can use Cinema 4D for texturing, lighting and adding on some high-end visual effects. You can be sure of deriving stunning results.
GreenSock Animation
GreenSock, also known as GASP is a robust software that can turn a developer into a graphic superhero. It is capable of delivering high-quality animations. What’s the highlight of this software? You can easily move any object along a path and morph smoothly any SVG shape to another shape.
Maya software
This was formerly known as Autodesk Maya and not just shortened to Maya. You can create super realistic 3D graphics and animations, game developments and architecture. This software does have a few ready-to-use graphs, which you can use to create great looking effects like dust or snow storms. Maya is great at creating realistic effects and engaging animation effects.
Blender
Blender is yet another app that can help you create visual effects, 3D graphics, virtual reality and computer games. I have some good news for you. This software is not just power-packed with features but absolutely free. Hence, this software is pretty popular amongst most developers. You can easily use it even if you are an amateur. Blender has been developed by all passionate and talented people across the world. So, you can be sure of getting varied and the best from it. What can you derive out of this software? Motion tracking, rendering, modeling, rigging and video editing.
Pencil 2D
If you are a beginner, you are sure to love this one. You can leverage this traditional software to create hand-drawn animations. It has major contributions by a lot of developers since it is open source. It is very easy to use and you can fulfill most of your primary animation requirements. If you are an experienced player, you may not find the features advanced enough. Hang on, did I mention it’s free?
Dragonframe
Dragonframe was initiated in 1993 exclusively to create stop motion graphics. If you are looking for a professional level software, this one’s for you. What else can you use it for? High resolution images and videos. Some popular movies like The Two Strings and Isle of Dogs have made use of Dragonframe.
We are at the end of my blog post. What are your takeaways? The importance of animation and a few best animation softwares. Going back to my headline, it says tried and tested. So, these recommendations are all out of first-hand experience. Now the good part is that you won’t be disappointed with either of the ones mentioned above. But if you are looking for more options, you only have to get in touch with me.
PS: Let me know which one’s your favorite one. If you're looking for a freelance graphic designer to help you with animation, get in touch with us today!