2D animation is a popular and versatile medium that can be used to create everything from cartoons and explainer videos to feature films and music videos. While there are many professional 2D animation software programs available, they can be quite expensive. Fortunately, there are also a number of free and open-source 2D animation software programs that are just as capable of producing high-quality results.

In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the best free 2D animation software programs available in 2023. We will also discuss the key features of each program and provide some tips for getting started with 2D animation.

OpenToonz

OpenToonz is a powerful and open-source 2D animation software program that is used by professional animators around the world. It offers a wide range of features, including:

• Support for vector and raster animation
• A bone rigging system for character animation
• A variety of special effects and tools
• The ability to import and export footage from other software programs

OpenToonz can be used to create a wide range of 2D animations, from cartoons and explainer videos to feature films and music videos. It is a complex program, but there are many tutorials and resources available to help you get started.

Pencil2D

Pencil2D is a lightweight and easy-to-use 2D animation software program that is perfect for beginners. It offers basic tools for drawing, animating, and adding sound to your animations. Pencil2D is also open-source and compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Pencil2D is a great choice for beginners who want to learn the basics of 2D animation. It is also a good choice for creating simple animations for short films, videos, and presentations.

Animaker

Animaker is a cloud-based 2D animation software program that is easy to use and offers a wide range of features, including:

• A library of pre-made characters, props, and backgrounds
• A variety of animation effects and tools
• The ability to create interactive animations
• The ability to export your animations in a variety of formats

Animaker is a great choice for beginners and experienced animators alike. It is also a good choice for creating animations for businesses, schools, and other organizations.

Animation Paper

Animation Paper is a lightweight and affordable 2D animation software program that is designed for professional animators. It offers a variety of features, including:

• Support for vector and raster animation
• A bone rigging system for character animation
• A variety of special effects and tools
• The ability to import and export footage from other software programs

Animation Paper is a great choice for professional animators who need a powerful and affordable 2D animation software program.

Getting started with 2D animation

If you are new to 2D animation, there are a few things you can do to get started:

1. Learn the basics of animation. There are many resources available online and in libraries that can teach you the basics of animation, such as how to create keyframes and tweening.
2. Choose a 2D animation software program. There are many different 2D animation software programs available, so it is important to choose one that is right for you. Consider your budget, skill level, and the types of animations you want to create.
3. Practice animating. The best way to learn animation is by practicing. Try creating simple animations, such as a bouncing ball or a walking character. Once you have mastered the basics, you can start creating more complex animations.

Tips for creating great 2D animations

Here are a few tips for creating great 2D animations:

• Use strong visuals. Your animations should be visually appealing and engaging. Use bright colors, interesting characters, and dynamic backgrounds.
• Tell a story. Your animations should tell a story, no matter how simple. This could be a funny story, a heartwarming story, or even a scary story.
• Be creative. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. The best animations are unique and original.

What is the best 2D free animation software?

The best free 2D animation software depends on your individual needs and preferences. However, some of the most popular and highly rated free 2D animation software programs include:

• OpenToonz is a powerful and feature-rich 2D animation software program that is used by professional animators around the world. It offers a wide range of features, including support for vector and raster animation, a bone rigging system for character animation, a variety of special effects and tools, and the ability to import and export footage from other software programs.
• Pencil2D is a lightweight and easy-to-use 2D animation software program that is perfect for beginners. It offers basic tools for drawing, animating, and adding sound to your animations. Pencil2D is also open-source and compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux.
• Krita is a free and open-source digital painting and animation software program. It is a good choice for artists who want to create both 2D animations and digital paintings. Krita offers a variety of features for 2D animation, including a frame-by-frame editor, animation presets, and onion skinning.
• Synfig Studio is a free and open-source 2D animation software program that is known for its powerful vector animation tools. It is a good choice for animators who want to create high-quality 2D animations with complex and detailed artwork.

What is the easiest free 2D animation software to use?

The easiest free 2D animation software to use is Pencil2D. It has a simple and intuitive interface, and it offers basic tools for drawing, animating, and adding sound to your animations. Pencil2D is also a good choice for beginners because it is open-source and there are many tutorials and resources available online.

What is the best free 2D character creator?

The best free 2D character creator is Charas Anime Creator. It is a free and open-source software program that allows you to create custom anime-style characters. Charas Anime Creator offers a wide range of character customization options, including body type, facial features, clothing, and accessories.

Can Blender do 2D animation?

Yes, Blender can do 2D animation. Blender is a free and open-source 3D creation suite that also includes tools for 2D animation. Blender’s 2D animation tools are not as comprehensive as those found in dedicated 2D animation software programs, but they are still powerful enough to create high-quality 2D animations.

To create a 2D animation in Blender, you can use the grease pencil tool. The grease pencil tool allows you to draw directly onto the 3D viewport, and your drawings will be rendered as 2D strokes. Blender also offers a number of other features for 2D animation, such as frame-by-frame editing, onion skinning, and bone rigging.

If you are interested in learning more about how to do 2D animation in Blender, there are many tutorials and resources available online.

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped you learn more about the best free 2D animation software programs available. If you are new to 2D animation, I recommend starting with Pencil2D. It is a simple and easy-to-use program that is perfect for beginners. Once you have mastered the basics, you can move on to more powerful and feature-rich programs, such as OpenToonz or Synfig Studio.

Happy animating!