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Versatility is a big deal in software, and we think it’s pretty important in animation software too. But it’s not all encyclopedic key combinations, we included a few animation programs that won’t take you a year to gain proficiency in. If you’ll need printouts of keyboard hotkeys that rival the periodic table before you’ll be able to perform basic functions in a program, then we wanted to highlight that.
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That’s why it's important to be realistic about the learning curve presented in a given software package. These software packages can be complex (and we mean really, really complex). This toolset is fundamental to what makes or breaks a software package.Įase of use is so important with animation software. Anybody who’s tried to learn Blender knows just how many hotkeys and toolsets are contained within it and others of its type. We looked for software packages that come with powerful manipulation tools. We evaluated each based on a few specific criteria, choosing the best of each type.Ī strong toolset is foundational to any creative software, and that’s especially true of anything as complex as an animation program. To do this, we researched numerous animation software packages that run the gamut of uses - highlighting any that stood out among the competition within their category. When researching this article we wanted to create a list that had both authority and breadth. How We Picked the Best Animation Software Best Overall: Moho Pro - Best for Beginners: Adobe Animate - Best Budget: Procreate - Best Free: Blender - Best 3D: Unity Read on for a look at some of the best animation software out there. There’s software for any type of animation. Some software packages might require years of use for true proficiency, while others could take little time at all. Whatever your needs, animation software can be found at numerous price points and with variously steep learning curves. Still other software packages are ideal for working at the intersection of drawing and cartooning, or shine for short social media videos and ads.
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Other animation software might do an excellent job at rigging complex 3D models that move in space and time.
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Some packages do wonders at traditional 2D animation as it was used in film and television for years. Not every animation software platform works similarly. Whether you’re aiming to create vast illustrated kingdoms that rival Miyazaki’s most mystical realms, rigging 3D models for your future game world, or making short advert videos to support your yoyo business on social media, the best animation software has the tools you need to make your visions literally dance. When you have the itch to breathe life into your creations, there’s little that can get you there faster than the best animation software.
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