Creating any forms of awareness requires amazing visuals that passes the message across to the audience. Writing ads copy, creating visuals and animation requires creative thinking and a certain level of professionalism.
But then having a software that can handle any of these tasks excellently will be an added advantage to aid the creative flow. In this article, we would be talking about the top 5 software that are best for animation. .
Top 5 Software is best for Animation
Based on some selection criteria, the top 5 software best for animation are Moho Pro, CelAction2D, Procreate, Autodesk Maya, and Cartoon Animator 4. Each of the tools has a free and paid-for option and can be used by beginners, professionals and hobbyists.
When working on an animation project, making your work stand out from the crowd requires using animation software that comes with exceptional features. You should keep these high-quality essential features in mind while choosing your software.
Some features to look out for include device support, preloaded templates, import and export features, audio editing, and drawing tools, among others.
Animation Software
Moho Pro 13.5
Best Animation Software for Mac and a Powerful Rigging tool
Moho Pro 13.5 is known for its fast and intuitive rigging system. Within the shortest time, you can rig and create your own character or animate any objects or creature of your choice. It is considered an industry standard for professional 2D animation.
The key features of the app include optimized drawing tools, smart bones, Vitruvian bones, Photoshop files import, automatic mesh creation and quad meshes, and Moho’s particle system, among others. The pricing of Moho Pro is $399.99 for full package.
Apart from being an award-winning animation software, Moho Pro 13.5 has all that you need to create professional and high-quality 2D animation. The software has been used in the production of some Oscar nominated films like The Breadwinner, Secret of the Kells, Wolfwalkers, etc.
Pros
- Visual content library
- Reusable characters
- Powerful character rigs
- Content with a very tight schedule
Cons
- Limited hand-drawn animation
- Complicated UI
- Steep learning curve
CelAction2D
Best Professional Animation Software for Windows
CelAction2D is a very prevailing software for 2D animation which aids the creation of amazing designs and bringing them to life through animation features. It is known for its wonderful and professional animation creation.
As a beginner or intermediate user of animation software, you can easily handle complex project with its thousand layers. A single license of CelAction2D is $1300 or $71 per month and it works with low system requirements.
The studio edition can be used while working with large team and producing feature films and television series. The professional edition works well with smaller team or when you are working as an individual. The animator edition offers limited features like the rigging tools.
The education edition is similar to the professional edition except that it can only be purchased and owned by recognized educational institutions.
Pros
- Supports large teams
- Vector and raster support
- 4 editions available for every level of animation (Studio, Professional, Animators, and Educational)
- Simple and easy-to-use solution
- Feature-rich and high-quality premium offering
- Low system requirement
Cons
- No cross-platform support
- You need to import texts from third-party software
Procreate
Best Animation Software for iPad
Have you ever been so keen on finishing a project that you wish you can carry you PC around? Then, here is Procreate in the palm of your hands. Without having to touch your computer, you can create beautiful animation, loop GIFs, and sketch out animatic. The latest version of this software comes with some 3D tools and the pricing is $9.99.
If creating animation on the move as a professional, hobbyist, or beginner sounds appealing to you, then Procreate animation software is available to animate your next masterpiece.
Aside being the leading animation app available on iPad, Procreate also make it easy for anyone at any level of professionalism to animate and export it in any desired format.
Pros
- All-in-one solution
- Availability on Mobile
Cons
- No vector support
- No cross-platform support
Autodesk Maya
Powerful 3D animation software for VFX and character creation
Autodesk Maya is a very powerful software for 3D animation, simulation, rendering, and modeling. It is known for its impressive special effects, convincing characters, and creating a real-time immersive environment. The pricing of the software is $1,700 annually and it’s available for Windows, Mac and Linux
Apart from being a 3D animation software, Autodesk Maya also comes with a special feature known as the XGen interactive grooming. This feature enhances the creation of different styles of fur and hair animation with tools like sculpting layers, modifiers, and sculpting brushes.
Pros
- Full animation solution
- Physics engine and rendering
- Xgen interactive grooming
- Bifrost visual programming environment and Prebuilt graphs
Cons
- Expensive annual cost
- Heavy resources
Cartoon Animator 4
The Best 2D animation software for all content creators
Previously known as the CrazyTalk Animator, Cartoon Animator 4 is one of the best animation software for content creators. Even though it is not considered to meet the industry standard, it still has a lot to offer when it comes to professional-quality animation creation.
The starting price of Cartoon Animator is $79 and it is recommended for beginners, hobbyists, and professionals. It is available on Windows and Mac and contain amazing tools to bring your designs to motion.
Pros
- Rigging and bone tools
- Works with PSD tools and Wacom
- 3D motion to 2D animation
Cons
- No drawing tools
- Steep learning curve
- Complex interface making learning difficult
Final Thoughts
Animation creation seems to be a complex process of combined technical skill, design ability, creativity, and keen eyes for details. Depending on your desired results, choosing an animation software requires checking for some essential features.
Whether you’re looking to create a 3D gaming environment, cartoons, or just social media designs, there is always a software with the specific features to achieve this. All you need to do is make a quick list of your top priorities and then decide which fits your choice most.
Always remember that with an outstanding software comes an unmatched result. Make your animation better by using any of those in this list.
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