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5+ Best 3D/2D Animation Maker Apps on PC 2021

By Yama

For those of you who have an interest in the world of 2D or 3D animation, an animation maker application is definitely needed.

In fact, there are lots of animation maker apps out there. However, not all of them are suitable for everyone’s needs.

The reason is, there are animation applications that are made simple and simple for beginners. However, there are also animation applications that are complex and feature many for someone who is an expert.

Without waiting long, here are a series of applications that you can use to create animations.

Blender

Blender UI

The first animation maker application is Blender. Yes, Blender is a 3D animation application that you can use for free and is open source.

Blender has been widely used by reliable animators and has also created many amazing 3D works.

Well, there are also cool features that blender has, namely:

  • There are many modeling tools, such as retopology, sculpting, modeling, curves.
  • Has standard tools for video editing, scripting, and creating 3D games.
  • Rendering using cycles, tracking the path to the top.
  • VFX with fully installed compositor and camera ready to follow the object.
  • Animation tools and rigging fast.
  • Support with many file formats.
  • Already equipped with a good simulation tool.
  • Blender’s UI is flexible and can be customized to your liking.
  • Not only that, Blender is also a multi-platform application that can be used on Linux, Windows, and Mac.

KeyShot

Not only Blender, there is a 3D animation application called KeyShot that you can use for free. Apparently, not only his ability to create 3D animation, KeyShot can also be used to create 2D animations.

One of the mainstays of KeyShot is real-time rendering which can show results instantly.

Not only that, there are also supporting features such as:

  • Real-time rendering quality to provide optimal results.
  • Camera controls that can be used to simulate real-world camera behavior.
  • Flexible access using mouse or with fingers (model touch screen).
  • Focus Caustics to make sure the object is illuminated properly.
  • Dynamic textures to simulate the appearance of landscapes in the real world.

OpenToonz

OpenToonz is an open source application so you can modify the application code as needed. Not only that, you can also enjoy this application for free.

Moreover, this application is often used by animation studios such as Studio Gibli, Studio Ponoc, Studio Madhouse, and Kamikaze Douga.

For the features provided are:

  • Change the image style.
  • Creates a dramatic glow.
  • Create a wavy distortion.
  • Scans four different types of images.

Toon Boom Harmony

The next animation maker application is Toon Boom. Toon Boom is a 2D animation application that is fairly friendly for beginners. This is thanks to the interface and tools that are not so difficult but still look professional.

Amazingly, this application is often used by Universal, Dream Works, Catoon Network, Toei Animation, and many others. Not only that, the number of tools and options available makes Toon Boom one of the best 2D animation apps.

Well, there are also several other features such as:

  • There are brush tools and palette color for bitmap or vector.
  • There is an animation feature frame-by-frame.
  • Equipped with special effects, compositor, and camera angle.
  • More creative control when integrating 3D elements with 2D characters.
  • Compatible with various dormant pipelines.
  • Make 2D game assets easily.

Synfig

Synfig is a 2D animation application that can be used for free and is an open source application. The interface design presented may seem ancient, but the tools and features are not inferior to other applications.

For those of you who are new to the world of animation, Synfig is the right option. The reason is, there are many tutorials available and their use is easy for beginners.

The features presented are:

  • Has more than 50 layers and filters that can be used in one project.
  • Compatible with vector or bitmaps.
  • Parameter link in various layers which allows to enhance character puppet and other dynamic structures.
  • There is a bone feature that can be used for vector or bitmap.

Moho Pro 12

Previously, this application had the name Anime Studio Pro. You need to know, this application was used in OSCAR award animations such as Song of the Sea and The Breadwineer.

Moho Pro 12 makes it possible to get professional results easier and faster. This is thanks to a 2D rigging system combined with traditional (frame-by-frame) animation tools.

There are also special features offered by Moho Pro 12, namely:

  • Smart Bones, Smart Warp, and Bezier to maximize animation.
  • Intuitive UI design.
  • Frame-by-frame tools.
  • Professional Timeline.
  • Motion tracking.
  • Motion graphics.

2D Pencil

Finally, there is an animation maker application called Pencil 2D. This application allows you to create animations that look like manual hand drawings with the animation process frame-by-frame.

You can also use vector or bitmap image types, both of which support this application.

There are also several other features such as:

  • Minimalist interface design.
  • Allows switching from raster to vector easily.
  • Free and open source.
  • Multi-platform that can be used on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Free BSD.

The final word

So that’s the list of the best apps to use to create animations on PC for free with pretty good features. With the animation maker software, of course, you can also create your own animation work. Good luck!