Animation software. Animation software. Other positive aspects of working with Adobe Premiere are:

Creating cartoons is quite an interesting, but sometimes very difficult process. If you take into account large projects, you can see that a whole team of professionals is working on them. All of them use special software, which greatly simplifies all stages of creating a cartoon, from the preparation of scenes and characters, ending with animation and layout of pictures. As part of today's article, we would like to talk about those programs that even a beginner in this business who wants to try his hand at this branch of art may like.

Autodesk Maya is one of the most popular professional programs based on 3D modeling and further animation of characters and various scenes. Its peculiarity lies in the presence of a large number of standard tools that allow you to devote a lot of time to the details of the figures, working in a mode with a small number of polygons or using sculpting for maximum realism. As in most cases, animation in this program consists of binding bones to a shape and saving the positions with keys. In addition to all this, dynamic and static light can be adjusted separately, which will lead to casting shadows on buildings and characters. Maya has many effects and additional features that allow you to work with the environment and installed elements. You can master them with the help of official or third-party lessons from the professionals of this software.

The software in question can be called a full-fledged tool for creating cartoons from start to finish. This is feasible because everything you need to create not only characters, but also environments, textures, lights, special effects, physical phenomena and much more is present here. Autodesk Maya is offered free of charge by downloading a demo version, but in the future you will have to pay for using the program by purchasing a license.

ZBrush

ZBrush is another professional solution whose main functionality is based on 3D character modeling for further animation. The work here is mostly done through the use of "digital clay", that is, the tools responsible for sculpting are used. Many features focused specifically on sculpting are unique and not available in other popular counterparts, although some of them implement something similar. However, this modeling method is more suitable for organic objects, such as humans or animals. If you want to create furniture or vehicles, you will need solid modeling tools, which is also available in the ZBrush arsenal.

As for animation, here it also did not go unnoticed. Of course, there was not much emphasis on this, but you will get everything you need to create simple movements, bringing the finished figure to life. Good optimization software will allow you to create figures with thousands of polygons even on not the most powerful computers, which greatly expands the circle of users able to run ZBrush. All in all, this software is a complete packaged set of character and animation tools that will be useful for both beginner and professional graphics creator.

Adobe Animate

Many users are aware of the existence of Adobe and that it produces a variety of software used when working with photos, videos and graphics. Among the list of all products there is also Adobe Animate, which allows you to create interactive flash applications, interfaces, banners, presentations and cartoons. Among all this, today we are interested in the last possibility. Animation here is to create key points using 2D characters. In this case, all movements are performed by moving previously attached bones. However, everything is like in all similar programs, for example, Moho.

Now Adobe is still actively supporting their offspring, regularly releasing various updates. Usually they include fixes of found errors and innovations that affect the comfort of using the program. For example, in a recent release, they added the function "Frame Selection", which allows you to work with multiple symbols and pin them to different panels. Such features can be listed for a long time, but it will be easier to go to the official website of Adobe Animate yourself, download a trial version of the software and test the quality of the product being developed. After it becomes clear whether it is worth using this software on an ongoing basis, you can think about buying a full version.

Moho

Until recently, Moho was called Anime Studio Pro, but the developers decided to change the name, adding along with it a lot of additional tools to the program, dramatically improving the workflow. Here, all the main actions also take place by moving the brushes and fixing the keys on the timeline. You can create a character yourself by adding each bone separately on your own. In addition, the creators offer to use the mode for beginners, where there are simplified interface elements, a choice of characters with attached brushes from the library is available, and a small passage with the character’s walking has already been saved in the animation editor.

We should talk a little more about the library with objects for animation. The peculiarity of this function is that there are many different settings for the hero, ranging from appearance, figures, face shapes and hair colors, ending with the type and speed of gait. In Moho you will also find all the necessary tools for creating and preparing scenes, and the procedure for mastering new users will not take much time. You can download a trial version of this software from the official website.

Hippani Animator

Initially, Hippani Animator was created as a solution for novice users, introducing them to the art of creating cartoons and similar animation. Now the assemblies are divided into two. The first is intended for educational institutions and is distributed free of charge. The second is suitable for experienced developers and people who want to launch their project on a commercial track. The creators of the software themselves wrote about all the differences between these two assemblies on their official website.

If Hippani Animator is positioned as an educational tool, then there should be detailed manuals. They are available on the official website. The creators tried to describe all the possibilities in as much detail as possible and talked about tools for professionals, for example, more flexible animation by adding their own scripts written in JavaScript. Some of the materials are available in Russian. Therefore, for all beginners and those who want to get comfortable in the world of creating cartoons, we want to study this software in more detail by clicking on the link below.

Pencil

One of the simplest animation tools in existence is the Pencil. Here the user is offered to independently draw any two-dimensional figure and create a cartoon, creating each frame separately. The benefit of this software is that it's free, but that also means Pencil isn't suitable for large projects. It can be used only in those cases when you want to get acquainted with the general principles of animation and just have fun in your free time.

The basic tools are built into the functionality, allowing you to work with objects and shapes, create scenes and animate. Snapping is done through keyframes, but it will be quite difficult to create a long picture, since you will have to draw each frame separately. We recommend Pencil for informational and entertainment purposes only, it simply does not make sense to consider this software as a professional tool.

MODO

Among the professional tools for creating cartoons, MODO stands out. Developers are still actively working on innovations and are trying to please users more often by releasing new, improved versions of their software. MODO is somewhat similar to the previously mentioned Autodesk Maya, however, some principles of working with textures, objects, physics and animation have their own characteristics here, so you will have to deal with them separately. The developers of this software have tried to simplify the modeling procedure as much as possible in order to help creative people with any level of knowledge feel comfortable in the working environment.

The interface is fully customizable via API functions, and standard computer graphics formats are also supported, including: OpenSubdiv, OpenColorIO, OpenEXR, OpenVDB, and Alembic. However, most of these features will only be useful to professionals. For novice users, the developers have prepared special lessons that allow you to master the management of basic tools and quickly start creating a personal project. You can download a trial version of MODO for free on the official website in order to study in detail all the functionality and decide whether to purchase this software.

Toon Boom Harmony

Toon Boom Harmony is one of the leading animation software. This solution is intended mainly for working with 2D graphics and has a lot of interesting tools that make your work much easier. For example, a tool like "Bone" allows you to create character movements and control every element of the model's body. Approximately according to the same principle, other representatives of similar software work, because the binding of bones allows you not to draw each frame.

Another feature of Toon Boom Harmony is the True Pencil mode, where you can scan drawings from tracing paper. And in general, the drawing process is greatly facilitated here. For example, automatic smoothing and connection of lines, pressure control and the ability to adjust each line - all this will allow you to create really high-quality drawings. Despite the fact that this tool is very demanding on the system resources of the computer, you should definitely pay attention to it.

Above, you were introduced to programs of different complexity and capabilities designed for creating cartoons. Some of them are suitable for novice users, while others are tailored for professional development. Therefore, anyone who wants to do animation will easily find suitable software for himself and will be able to immediately proceed to study its functionality, general rules of operation and everything else that is usually provided in official or independent lessons from other users.

There are a huge number of programs that allow you to create animation. They can be downloaded for free on the Internet. Such programs include add-ons, for example, applications for creating 3D animation and cartoons, eq tools, and so on.

Computer animation is the process of creating cartoons using graphics programs. It is the digital successor to 3D motion capture and 2D frame-by-frame animation. When shooting a cartoon, the illusion of motion is created by displaying the image on the computer screen and periodically replacing it with a similar one. The same effect is obtained in TV and movies.

Today, animation is used in almost all areas. Cartoons are shown for entertainment purposes on television and cinemas, advertisements, presentations and many applications. Everything is limited by the imagination of the designer. To teach this art to people on the Internet, simulators come to the rescue. They use animation to react to real-time events and are non-deterministic.

Program for creating 3D animation " Aurora is popular with cartoon creators. The software provides many options for creating various animation effects in the movie.

So, you can add a watermark to videos or images with a special effect. With a simple and interactive interface, you can add special effects to your images. You can also download a trial version for free.

used by hundreds of people around the world, among them:

• specialists,
• painters,
• scientists,
• experts VFX,
• game creators,
• lovers,
• students and many others.

At there is a free and accessible code for creating 3D. provides a wide range of processing, modeling, texturing, lighting, animation and video functions. It is compatible with any platform.

Anime Studio is one of the best animation products on the market. This program provides a rich set of features for easy animation creation. You can easily make your animation dreams come true. will help you quickly and easily publish a cartoon filled with animation.

7. Softimage

Softimage Interface - 3D animation software for professional television, game development, and film production. Standalone animation software package with tools and applications. It is the best option for animators and modellers. The software includes online tutorials to help beginners.

6.Modo

Modo is a professional 3D animation software with great features for sculpting, painting and modeling. Modo features a unique design with minimal tools for more efficient work. Modo is a useful application for artists and designers. It helps to blur the difference between photography and computer graphics.

motion build r was invented to create 3D animation. The program will help you conveniently and efficiently manage data. At fast and convenient interface with which you can capture the movements of cartoon characters.

is one of the best 3D animation software. This application is used for making high quality graphics. With the help of the program You can model, texturize, and create animated 3D models.

You can make your own site filled with 3D content, or combine created characters and plots. At there is a procedural and nodal interface, thanks to which you can make plugins.

At Cinema 4D studio pleasant and understandable user interface. You can create an animated character with your own characteristic movements. This software is a graphic artist's best friend. It was designed from the ground up with motion graphics.

2. Maya

Interface Maya- software for creating 3D animation. It is used to create 3D characters, landscapes perfect for movies and 3D games. Also, this program offers many interesting applications that are easy to use to create a realistic picture. Maya's interface has more features for modeling, coloring and animation compared to other software. They are ideal for creating games and TV shows.

3ds Max interface - the best software for creating animation based on polygonal modeling. With this software, beginners can create 3D images such as cones, cubes, pyramids, which will serve as the basis for models.

The program is designed to create large projects. It is very easy to work with such a program for those who know it well. With it, you can download plugins to increase your capabilities.

Reading time: 50 min

Cartoons, animation and videos are a favorite direction for many viewers, for which you should thank animation software. Evaluating and comparing applications is quite difficult, but it is possible based on the functionality, material processing speed, convenience and effectiveness of the tools. Taking into account the research of professional animators and user feedback, we managed to identify a number of the most interesting applications in this direction.

Blender

Animation drawing programs are ubiquitous and many of the fans prefer Blender because of its wide functionality and possibilities.

It has everything to work:

• professional animators;
• artists;
• specialists in VFX;
• game developers;
• students, etc.

Blender has free access and an easy-to-understand interface with code for creating 3D models. The program has many functions for image processing, creating models, forming textures, various lighting, etc. Due to compatibility with all platforms, the application is used all over the world.

See also: How to install Yandex Zen on a computer?

CrazyTalk

CrazyTalk is included in 3D animation programs with a specific direction. It does not have functions for terrain formation, powerful algorithms for working out movement, etc. are not built in. The main advantage lies in the accuracy of detailing facial features, moreover, the application can generate emotions and allows you to create the original mood. Without much difficulty, the developer can change the mood of the character and adjust the behavior of the algorithm to suit their needs.

Among the features:

• transferring a character from a photograph to an electronic form;
• has many possibilities for applying accessories, hats and hairstyles;
• allows you to create unique audio recordings and bring them into the project under development. The application matches sounds, facial expressions and lip movements;
• Based on the points, you can make any adjustments to the animation.

For easier mastering of the program, a short training course is built in, it discusses the intricacies of work.

Modo

Modo introduces 2D and 3D animation software with an emphasis on more advanced 3D modeling algorithms. Inside, ample opportunities have been developed for creating a model, for drawing picturesque landscapes and sculpting. A distinctive feature is the unique design and the presence of only the necessary tools.

Designers and artists will benefit the most. After using Modo, the difference between a real photo and graphics is practically leveled.

ZBrush

The utility has acquired a target audience mainly in a professional environment due to the high cost of a license, but due to the flexibility and simplicity of the interface, it can be used with a small number of skills. The logical construction of tools and proper processing are the main advantages of ZBrush.

The program has all the necessary tools for working through all the drawings to the smallest elements. The popularity of the solution was increased after the release of the well-known movie "Pirates of the Caribbean". ZBrush made it possible to create a face for the dead captain.

The positive aspects are not limited to the quality of detail:

• a huge set of paints and brushes;
• special modeling principle;
• imitation 3D;
• a range of auxiliary modules for specific requirements;
• moderate PC performance requirements.

The main disadvantage is the complexity of development due to the huge number of options, but the undemanding nature of the software allows you to use it on 32-bit Windows.

See also: How to set up an Android tablet?

Express Animate

This is a worthy representative of a small group of free programs for creating animation and working with slide shows. Among the functions of the program, you can find all the basic and most important tools, as well as ample opportunities for editing the selected area. With the help of the utility, you can easily convert various pictures and animations into videos. Creating collages fell in love with photographers.

Application features include:

• editor function with division by frames;
• easy and hassle-free implementation of simple movements and projects;
• a large selection of special effects;
• conversion to various formats;
• support for background sounds;
• function of processing data in large volumes.

Anime Studio Pro

Good for 2D animation. The application has developed a library with unified characters and elements. With it, you can easily create short and long films. It stands out clearly from other functions and programs, as there are many tools for shaping the background and working out the details. Thanks to the modern and logical interface, it will not be difficult to understand the program.

Anime Studio is often used due to its support for many formats and quality work with animation created in other development environments. The disadvantage can be considered the lack of opportunities for working with 3D, but this can be fixed due to compatibility with the Unity 3D platform.

Basic Features:

• built-in container with a number of special effects and various filters;
• you can export files in high resolution - HD;
• functions for vector animation;
• availability of blanks;
• innovative mechanism for working with personnel;
• import PSD from Photoshop;
• regular and quality updates.

Toon Boom Harmony

This is a program for creating animation in Russian, which is actively used by leading animation developers - Disney and Warner Bros. The main advantage is the network development method, so many people can work on 1 project at once, this makes it easier to communicate and speed up the process.

Additionally, the utility works well with layers, providing convenient and smooth transitions in scenes. It is developed in English, but has a localization, most developers will not need it due to a simple interface.

There is 1 significant drawback - a heavy load on the computer, you need to have advanced equipment, otherwise the hardware will not withstand the load or will overheat.

Features include:

• functionality for networking;
• a variety of tools for high-quality animation;
• many special effects;
• 2D to 3D conversion;
• you can create any ideas;
• supports import and export.

iClonePro

High-quality implementation of even bold ideas becomes possible thanks to the iClone Pro application. The complex for professional developers consists of a wide range of functions and has a range of tools for working with characters, terrain, terrain shells, etc.

The key advantage is the realism of movements, the program is able to imitate the behavior of a real person. For this purpose, Kinect technology is built into the complex; Microsoft Corporation was engaged in its development.

Basic Features:

• high power for 3D animation;
• built-in database with templates;
• unique motion recognition and prediction system;
• compatibility with 2D editors;
• high quality drawing;
• detailed appearance of the character, which is difficult to distinguish from the real one.

All of the above options will allow you to create any animation, regardless of complexity, but professionals often use about 2-3 programs. It is recommended to choose several programs and intensively delve into working with them.

Many people often after watching, or when watching, wanted to change the plot or course of action in the cartoon, so to speak, create their own cartoon. In this article, we will look at programs that will help you create your own cartoons, according to your own plots, with your own characters, for both novice users and professionals.

Programs for creating 2D and 3D cartoons and their main features will be considered. When considering programs, we will take into account those applications in which it will be possible to create a cartoon from the creation of a character to the publication of a cartoon.

In the presented programs, there is the possibility of creating a full-fledged cartoon with the creation of character graphics, its animation and plot. Each utility has its own unique set of tools that will help you create a cartoon for both a novice and inexperienced user, and a professional.

It should be noted that the entire presentation of the program is available for free in trial mode. You can try the functionality of each application and choose the one that suits you. After the end of the trial period, you will be offered to purchase a license.

Programs:

• Pencil
• Anime Studio Pro
• Toon Boom Harmony
• iClonePro
• Autodesk Maya

Pencil

This utility is one of the easiest to learn and is suitable for creating simple animated videos with drawn characters. The familiar interface of the standard Windows Paint utility is implemented in this program, we can say it is identical except for the timeline.

The Pencil program is an excellent choice for beginners who want to try what it's like to create cartoons. For large projects, this utility will, of course, not be enough, since it does not allow you to create 3D cartoons with high graphic components and has a limited set of tools and functions.

The principle of operation of this utility is very simple, draw frame-by-frame animation for your character and combine it all into one video. The program supports work with several layers and frame-by-frame animation.

Tools and features:

• Layer tools.
• Frame-by-frame editing tool.
• Drawing tools.
• Frame-by-frame pattern playback setting function.
• Ability to upload ready-made drawings and pictures.

This set of tools is ideal for creating a very simple cartoon or 2D hand-drawn animation.

Pros:

• the program is completely free.
• very simple interface.
• ideal for creating small animated videos.
• to work with the program does not require special skills or knowledge.
• the possibility of Russification.

Minuses:

• not suitable for creating complex cartoons with high quality graphics.
• there is no possibility of creating 3D cartoons.
• small set of tools.

Anime Studio Pro

This program is already a more powerful editor for creating cartoons or animated videos. This utility may be of interest not only to beginners in this field, but also to professionals in their field, as it has a fairly large set of tools and options. But the presence of a large set of functions does not complicate it, as the interface remains very simple.

Anime Studio Pro allows you to not only create animated videos, but also separate animations, and add the same animation or object to simple videos. Also with the help of this utility it is possible to convert the video into a cartoon.

The program contains functions and tools for working with sound, as well as a separate environment for recording and processing sound directly in the program.

The program provides many opportunities and has a large number of functions, which are described below.

Tools and features:

Pros:

• a large set of tools and functions.
• the ability to record and work with audio tracks.
• availability of tools for working with 3D objects and animation.
• the possibility of Russification.
• creation of cartoons in HD quality.

Minuses:

• there is no free version.
• no visualization feature.
• The interface is simple, but due to the large set of tools it is difficult to navigate.

Toon Boom Harmony

This software was released by Toon Boom, a Canadian company that manufactures and maintains animation software. The products of this company are used by such studios as: Walt Disney Animation Studios, Warner Bros. Animation, China Central Television and many other popular studios.

Toon Boom Harmony is the company's most powerful and advanced product. The program has a large number of tools and functions that make it easier and faster to work on cartoons and create animations.

This utility is undoubtedly the leader among animation software. Suffice it to say that such masterpieces as "The Little Mermaid" and "The Lion King" were created with the help of this software.

The program has functions for working with 3D animation, but still it is more suitable for creating high-quality and professional cartoons in two-dimensional format.

It is worth noting a very useful and necessary True Pencil function, which allows you to animate the image, set points and fully animate it.

Toon Boom Harmony has many features that allow several artists and animators in different locations to work on the same project at the same time. The program implements all sets of professional applications that make it possible to work over the network.

Due to such a large set of tools and powerful functionality, the program is quite demanding on the hardware of the computer, namely the performance of the video adapter. Therefore, if you decide to delve into this area and work with the Toon Boom Harmony program, then you should think about buying or upgrading your computer for these purposes.

Tools and features:

Pros:

• great functionality.
• Huge set of additional applications.
• Possibility of work on a network.
• Possibility of Russification.

Minuses:

• complex interface for beginners.
• there is no free version.
• poor implementation of creating three-dimensional cartoons and animation.

iClonePro

iClone Pro software is a utility that allows you to create 3D animations with high quality textures and graphics. The program allows you to work with complex 3D animation with diverse characters.

The program has the FaceTrix function. This feature allows you to use real photos of people to create 3D animations, instead of drawing textures and objects by hand.

The program has a powerful engine that makes it possible to work with physics and thereby give objects a more realistic behavior.

By choosing this utility, you can create a high-quality dynamic cartoon using modern graphic processing and textures.

The application has tools for layer-by-layer processing of elements, changing textures, editing the location of attributes, transforming the relief and performing other tasks. When creating jobs, you can use components from the integrated container.

The program has a rather complicated interface, so you will need some preliminary training to work with it.

Tools and features:

Pros:

• support for several animation methods
• a large number of functions.
• shadow rendering function.
• Availability of documentation, training videos and forums on working with the program.

Minuses:

• demanding on computer resources.
• glare is not always displayed correctly.
• complex interface.
• there is no free version.
• there is no possibility to Russify the interface.

MODO

MODO is another powerful editor that allows you to create 3D cartoons and animations. This utility is popular due to its wide customization options.

You can fully customize this program for yourself, set hot keys, create your own set of brushes and tools. The program has a large set of well-made libraries that will help you in creating animation. If these libraries are not enough for you, then you can create or modify existing libraries to suit your needs.

The MODO program has features that allow you to create very high-quality models in terms of image quality that are not inferior to Autodesk Maya. At the moment, the program has one of the best Visualizers for creating realistic pictures.

Unfortunately, to work and create cartoons in this program, you will need a powerful video card and processor. Therefore, before starting work on a project, check the hardware component of your computer for comfortable work in the program.

Tools and features:

Pros:

• a large number of functions.
• high-quality implementation of movements.
• shadow rendering function.
• support for working with high-quality textures.
• availability of documentation, training videos and forums on working with the program.
• the possibility of Russification.

Minuses:

• demanding on computer resources.
• complex interface.
• there is no free version.
• rendering process not optimized.

Autodesk Maya

Autodesk Maya software is a professional tool for working with 3D images and animations. The program is used to work in professional studios. We can say that the possibilities of this program are not limited.

It should be noted right away that Autodesk Maya is not suitable for beginners who want to create a regular two-dimensional cartoon, as it has a rather complicated interface and requires experience with similar programs.

This software has the largest set of tools, and therefore gives great opportunities in creating cartoons and various animated videos.

Using this software, you get the ability to create high quality animations using various textures. The ability to create realistic three-dimensional models and calculate the behavior of materials, the dynamics of soft and solid bodies.

You can also create characters with realistic animations and movements in Autodesk Maya.

Such a large number of tools and the requirement for some knowledge should not scare beginners, as this is compensated by the same large amount of training material.

Tools and features:

Pros:

• a large number of functions.
• implementation of a full production cycle when creating a cartoon.
• high detail
• various rendering engines
• a large amount of educational material.
• the possibility of Russification.

Minuses:

• demanding on computer resources.
• complex interface.
• there is no free version.

Conclusion

In this list of programs, programs were presented both for creating the simplest animations through ordinary drawing, and professional programs to create complex high-quality 3D cartoons.

If you want to quickly draw a 2D cartoon without putting much effort into it, then the Pencil program is ideal for you, as it does not require any knowledge and time. But if you are planning to create a cartoon using 3D graphics and special effects, then you should consider four other programs and choose the one that you want to work with and are willing to take the time to learn how it works.

It should be noted that some of the software used by major animation and film studios to create cartoons with multi-million dollar budgets.

Creating animation is quite a difficult task. For the solution of which specialized programs are needed. In this article, we will look at a number of paid and free programs to create animation. From simple programs that create gif animation from ready-made pictures to powerful and professional tools for creating cartoons.

Paid programs for creating animation

There are many more paid programs of this kind. In this article, we will consider only a few of the simplest ones.

is a paid program for creating animations in *.gif format. Easy GIF Animator allows you to quickly create animated banners, buttons or avatars. The developers have provided almost all the functions that you may need when creating animation. In this program, the user can control all the parameters of the gif file. For example, when creating an animation, you can specify the delay between frames, the duration of the animation, and the color palette. In addition, Easy GIF Animator allows you to add text and various effects to the animation. The result of the work can be saved in SWF (flash), AVI and GIF formats.