If you’re searching for the best animation software, there’s a wide variety of options to choose from. Of course, there’s not necessarily just one animating program that is the best of the best – largely because we all have our own preferences. So, we’ve put together a list of several of the best programs for animation to help you find your perfect match.

If you want to get serious about animation – and maybe even work towards an animation career – investing in premium software could be your best bet.

Some premium animation programs require just a one-time purchase, while others use monthly subscription plans. The good news is that most offer free trials, so you can test a few options to see which ones you like the most.

Adobe Character Animator

Even though it’s one of the newest members of the Adobe software family, Adobe Character Animator has already made a fantastic impression on users. With this tool, you can create animated cartoon characters in real-time, using your movements to develop the animations. Plug in your microphone and camera, import one of the animation characters, and get started.

Features:

• Automatic lip syncing and animation
• Support for live-streaming
• Streamlined recording/editing
• A wide range of animation options

Pricing: Available for a 7-day free trial, billed annually (starting at $19.99 and up) after that.

Cartoon Animator 4

If you’ve heard of CrazyTalk Animator 3, Cartoon Animator 4 is its updated and refreshed version. This versatile program is equally useful for beginners and professionals, largely because so many options and functions are available. You can either create customized characters or work with characters from the database, using varied motion templates for your animation. There are also many advanced features, so you have the power to develop professional-quality animations.

Features:

• Large library of pre-made characters and motion templates
• 4K video support
• A variety of tools for 2D characters, talking heads, and animation
• Live facial motion capture
• Supports most popular video/image formats

Pricing: Available for a free 30-day trial, then starting at $99 (bundle discounts are available).

Stop Motion Studio

For anyone interested in stop motion animation, Stop Motion Studio is a fabulous option. Ideal for beginners, it sets you up with a frame-by-frame editor that’s equipped with an impressive set of features. You’ll be able to develop 4K stop-motion animations and add 2D-style drawings directly onto images. Plus, this animation app is compatible with all Apple and Android devices so that you can take your creativity on the go.

Features:

• 4K Ultra HD
• DSLR camera support
• Green screen option, background library
• Grid/onion-skinning options
• Sound effects, paint tools, etc.Pricing: $4.99 for mobile devices, $9.99 for Mac/Windows.

DigiCel FlipBook

If 2-D animations are your primary focus, DigiCel FlipBook is a beginner-friendly program that you’re sure to enjoy. Affordable and easy to use, this program lets you work with stop motion animation and traditional 2D animation. You can scan in paper drawings or draw directly in the program itself, a level of flexibility you won’t get with every program.

Features:

• Lip sync support
• Work on one frame or multiple frames at a time
• Import/export functionality
• Compatible with Windows and Mac devices

Pricing: Free version (includes watermark), or $19.99 to $99.99 (depending on the version).

Moho (Anime Studio) Debut

If you’re a seasoned animation pro, you will want to consider Moho (Anime Studio) Pro. But for beginners and hobbyists, the Debut version is a great place to start. The interface is thoughtfully crafted and easy to figure out, and you’ll get a well-rounded selection of tools to hone your skills. When ready, you can upgrade to Pro and gain an entirely new suite of features.

Features:

• Windows and Mac compatible
• Advanced freehand animation tools
• Tablet support
• Animated effects, brushes, etc.
• Support for layered PSD and images

Pricing: Available for a free 30-day trial, $59.99 to purchase after that.

Start Creating a Career You Love Now

Are you an aspiring animator that wants to take your skills to the next level? One of the best ways to further your career and refine your talent is to complete a media-focused training and education program.

At the Beonair Network of Media Schools, with campuses located in Miami, Chicago, Colorado, and Ohio, students can choose from a diverse range of media career training programs. One of our newest offerings is Digital Media Production, which provides a comprehensive perspective on media creation, publication, marketing, and so much more. It’s an excellent opportunity to delve deeper into your interests and passions, all while building essential expertise in the field.

Get more information about how to become an animator when you contact our team today!

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