The best animation software: reviewed and tested for 2D and 3D artists
The best animation software for beginners, hobbyists and professionals, including free animation software and 2D animation software.
When selecting the best animation software it's important to consider the multitude of tools, exporting types and compatibility with other programmes if you create across multiple apps. Each application, whether the best 2D animation software or 3D, has a different interface and tool suite, so it's important to do your research before downloading to make sure you will be comfortable learning it.
Overall, I've chosen Moho as the best 2D animation software, and coming in two versions means both newcomers and professionals are catered for. Maya remains the best 3D software and is used widely in all industries. Blender comes in at No.3 on my list is also highly recommended; it's the best free animation software and now more widely used in the film and video games industries. I'd also suggest Procreate Dreams for anyone who has an iPad; it's easy to use, tailored to Apple's tablet and affordable. Read my article on how Procreate Dreams got me back into animation.
The animation software below is fantastic, but is useless without the best laptops for animation and you may need to invest in one of the best drawing tablets to get the most from the software below.
The best animation software quick list
Best 2D overall
Moho Pro features all the tools to not only get started in 2D animation but also make professional shows. With vector drawing, an easily understood rigging system and VFX tools this is the complete package. If you're new to 2D animation, then the the cheaper paired down Moho Debut edition is a great way to get started and then upgrade. Either way, both editions are the perfect way to animate of 2D is your style.
Best 3D overall
Autodesk Maya is widely used in film, TV and video games for animation and can create realistic characters and visual effects. It's ideally suited to creating complex character animation, rigging and simulations. Maya is more complex but also more powerful than 3ds Max (below), so is best suited to pro animators and artists. Maya now includes AI tools to make it easier to use.
Best free overall
Blender is best known as a 3D software suite but it also has excellent 2D drawing and animation tools, including the Grease Pencil that enables 2D drawing in a 3D space. It's been updated hugely in recent years and is now a pro-level set of tools for animation and film-making, and it's still completely free. More studios and game developers are using Blender than ever before, including award-winning films like Flow, so despite being free, it's also incredibly powerful.
Best 3D for beginners
Cinema 4D is a broad 3D software that is best used for motion graphics, VFX and arch-viz; it's widely used in broadcast, advertising and design industries. Its animation include keyframe animation, dynamics and character rigging and its easier to use than some animation software on my list, such as Autodesk Maya and even Blender, which is why it's good for beginners.
Best 2D for beginners
Cartoon Animator 5 isn't the most powerful animation package on my list but it's easy to pick up and good for creating short animations for YouTube shows and corporate videos. It's easy to use, affordable and can make of Reallusion's pre-made animation packs, which makes it one of the more accessible and expandable software packages here. This is ideal for Vtubers and streamers.
Best for iPad
Procreate Dreams is one of the easiest to use animation apps on my list, and has been designed to perfectly work with iPads. It recreates the workflow of traditional cel animation and has some powerful tools, though limited to short form animations and video edits. If you're new to animation or simply wish to expand your Procreate art, then this is the perfect app for iPad.
Best 2D for hand-drawn
Toon Boom Harmony could easily be No.1 on this list if you're already experienced in 2D animation, but it's not a beginners package and Moho is more accessible and offers overall better features. But Toon Boom Harmony features everything you need to make pro animation and excels at traditional, hand-drawn animation.
Best value
iClone is a real-time 3D animation software dedicated to characters and motion capture, and is used in cinematics and video games. Made by the same company behind Cartoon Animator (above) iClone offers a unique 'puppet' system for direct control and has integration with Reallusion's Character Creator for pre-rigged models. It also has a simple integration with Unreal Engine and is one of the cheaper professional apps on my list. It's value comes from the vast array of asset packs and pre-made models that can be downloaded for use.
Best for arch-viz
Autodesk 3ds Max is used in all 3D industries, particularly for animation in film. video games and arch-viz. It's supported by the best 3ds Max plugins for extra tools and features. 3ds Max is similar to Maya at No.2 but has less sophisticated animation tools and is more focused on creating environments for arch-viz and games.
Best animation software in full
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Best animation software overall for 2D
01. Moho Pro
Our expert review:
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Moho Pro is award-winning animation software for Mac and Windows that has everything you need to create professional-quality 2D animations. Its powerful rigging system will have your creations jumping off the screen, while the Smart Bones feature will enhance your character's facial expressions and body turns.
Moho has been used by Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon on their Oscar nominated films The Breadwinner, Song of the Sea, Secret of the Kells and Wolfwalkers, and is widely considered to be an industry standard for professional 2D animation.
Moho Pro is known for its excellent vector tools, intuitive rigging system and 2D VFX workflow, as well as the brilliant bitmap capabilities that enable you to draw freehand. While the Pro edition is aimed at those already working in animation, there is also the easy to use and cheaper Moho Debut aimed at beginners, which retains the excellent vector drawing and rigging tools but offers a simpler approach.
Best animation software overall for 3D
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Autodesk Maya offers artists an unrivalled set of features and tools with a specific focus on animation as well as VFX. Maya is also fantastic for the full creative workflow, including modelling, texturing, lighting and rendering.
In my Maya 2025 review, I covered a number of new animation-focused features, including a new Attribute Editor Deformer widget for managing deformation chains and the overhauled Dope Sheet that makes it easier than ever to manage complex animations.
One of the great things about Maya is the Quick Rig tool, which enables artists to speedily add a rig to a biped character mesh. The automatic one-click option is ideal for standard character meshes, while the manual alternative gives artists more control over the rigging process.
Other than animation features, Maya also boasts 3D Substance support for material authoring as well as LookdevX Technology preview for USD shade graphs. Maya has the most advanced animation tools on my list, and while it shares some similarities with 3ds Max at No.3, Maya is a dedicated animation package.
It's depth of tools and features does mean it's far from the easiest 3D package to learn, and other apps on my lists, such as iClone, Cinema 4D and Blender, offer easier routes into animation, but for those who have the time, skill and patience to master it, Maya has some of the best 3D animation tools available.
Need some help getting started with Maya? Our list of excellent Maya tutorials could help.
Best free animation software
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No list of the best animation software would be complete without Blender, which is 100% free to use. Even though Blender has a full 3D toolset, many 2D animators use this software package too, benefitting from 2D drawing and an animation stage that supports both 2D and 3D work.
For 2D animation onion skinning with layers, colours, stroke and fill controls using the famous Grease Pencil tool take Blender to the professional level for 2D animation. Blender supports different approaches to how you create your animations and, best of all, it's free.
You can read more about this software in our Blender explainer, but when it comes to 2D animation tools Blender offers a unique experience. You can use Draw mode to sketch using Grease Pencil, which enables you to draw in a 3D space. There are timeline editing tools and path guides enable great control over the animation. Read our Blender review for more on this software, as well as our list of the best Blender tutorials for how to use it.
For 3D animation Blender's toolset centres around a character animation pose editor, non-linear animation for independent movements, forward / inverse kinematics for fast poses, and sound synchronisation. It's come on greatly in recent years, as highlighted by its use to create Flow, one of the year's best animated films.
What the Blender team has managed to achieve and deliver for no charge is truly outstanding. With modelling, texturing, animation and rendering tools, Blender competes with the likes of 3ds Max and Maya on my list. The new ability to right-click on animated attributes to show them in the graph editor is also a useful time saver. Motion paths can now also work in screen space, giving a better idea of your animation from the active camera view.
Blender also boasts a highly impressive 3D modelling and sculpting toolset and is a viable alternative to paid modelling programs such as ZBrush. The fact that we've begun to see an increasing number of major studios adopting Blender into their workflow demonstrates what it's capable of.
Best 3D animation software for beginners
04. Cinema 4D
Our expert review:
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Maxon’s Cinema 4D is a well-established 3D visualisation tool that is particularly popular when it comes to motion graphics, visualisation, VFX, advertising and some areas of game development. The user-friendly interface makes it ideal for newcomers to 3D workflows, it offers robust simulations and has some bespoke animation features that make life easier.
My Cinema 4D 2024 review highlights the release of a number of significant new features and upgrades, with rigid body simulations now able to interact with existing forces, pyro, fabrics and soft bodies. Pyro also now offers more precise controls for artists to art-direct their simulation and ensure it matches their vision.
Additionally, Cinema 4D has an excellent parametric modelling toolset, which speeds up workflows and makes it possible to generate complex models very quickly. There is also a very good set of Cinema 4D plugins that can be purchased and installed for extending Cinema 4D's functionality.
Specifically for animation, Maxon's Cinema 4D features an excellent timeline and keyframes editor and uses 'F-curves' to offer precise control over transitions. The software features pre-built rigs for humans and animals, as well as a procedural walking system called CMotion and a feature called Pose Morph for easily blending multiple character poses when animating.
Cinema 4D also has bespoke tools for motion graphic and abstract animation known as MoGraphs - Deformers and Effectors enable you to bend and jiggle animated objects non-dstructively. The XPresso Node Editor for automating animation tasks, while a real-time interactive viewport means you can see changes to your animations as they happen.
Cinema 4D has a lot of tools and features, often with odd names unique to the software, but they're all easy to understand and designed to make animation and 3D workflows easier. Overall, Cinema 4D is a powerful suite of animation tools designed to be easy to use, making it ideal for beginners.
Best 2D animation software for beginners
05. Cartoon Animator 5
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Cartoon Animator 5 is the latest release from the team at Reallusion, the same company that makes the excellent value iClone for 3D animation. Cartoon Animator 5 is jam-packed with useful features for creatives but importantly content creators and YouTubers can really make good use of these tools.
While it may not be considered an industry standard, Cartoon Animator is perfectly capable of creating professional-quality animations, which again makes it ideal for content creators looking to give their videos and socials a professional look.
From smart IK motion editing to full-body motion capture, Cartoon Animator has the tools to do it all. For example, with its sprite-based facial system, you can quickly transform a 2D face into a 3D talking head. Vector and bitmap graphics are supported, including Photoshop layers.
There's also a helpful rigging and bone tool that allows you to create believable multi-angled 2D characters. The motion path tool is handy for creating simple animations quickly and easily, while for pro-end creators it has a suite of post production tools as well.
It's not the easiest software to learn your way around, but if you have the time and patience to get to grips with it, Cartoon Animator is a fantastic animation software for all kinds of content creator. Unfortunately, the latest version is Windows-only.
Best animation software for iPad
06. Procreate Dreams
Our expert review:
Specifications
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Procreate Dreams shook things when it released at the end of 2023; this was the same simple-to-use UI and process of Procreate but applied to 2D animation, and it proved a huge hit; this is the best animation software for iPad.
While standard Procreate has a basic animation mode, Procreate Dreams' standalone tools and features enables far greater complexity. Designed for use on iPad the app performs best with a mix of gesture and Apple Pencil controls, for example it's possible to record motion effects directly my manipulating your art live on the iPad screen.
Coupled with traditional onion skinning techniques, layers and an easily editable timeline that can be pinched, zoomed and adjusted using an Apple Pencil. In our Procreate Dreams review we found the app to be comprehensive and adaptable for both hobbyists and professional animators.
If you want a similar 2D animation app for iPad but at no cost, I'd also recommend the excellent Callipeg that has similar tools and ease of use but is much more expensive (the App Stores lists it as free but there's a monthly or perpetual subscription. Read our Callipeg review for more details on this Procreate Dreams alt.
Best animation software for hand-drawn 2D
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Toon Boom Harmony is used by animators and studios to create some of the most successful animated movies, TV shows and web toons right now, including The Simpsons, Rick and Morty and Futurama. Because of this expect to open a comprehensive box of tools if you sign up to Toon Boom Harmony, but also be aware this is a professional software and has a steep learning curve.
In our Toon Boom Harmony review we loved how this software excels in creating and recreating the 2D cel-animation, hand-drawn style that is on-trend. The software's ability to appeal to traditional artists and animators and deliver that hand-drawn look is why it's used in many TV shows that aim for an authentic style over cleaner, 3D.
The suite of tools features bitmap drawing, vector drawing and painting tools as well as advanced rigging and deformer tools. It now offers a 3D stage for setting up complex multi-plane environments as well as bespoke compositing tools, which means you needn't export files to add VFX.
Toon Boom Harmony is a feature-rich package that is used daily in the animation industry, so you are going to pay for the tools. The Essentials version is a good way to get started, and costs either $230.50 for annual license or $28.50 per month. As this does have a complex workflow, I'd recommend downloading the free trial version before committing.
Best animation software for value
08. iClone
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iClone is an incredible real-time 3D animation package that is specifically tailored towards character animators wanting to create for films, previz and video games. It can also be used for social media animation and real-time puppets for TV and demonstrations. The user-friendly interface makes it possible to generate facial performances, character animation, mocap production, scene design and cinematic storytelling.
A notable highlight is the pose-to-pose rotoscoping feature, which makes it easy to generate animation based on a video clip. The inclusion of transition curves also helps with timing control. When it comes to facial animations, iClone delivers accurate voice lip-sync, puppet emotive expressions, muscle-based face key editing, and iPhone facial capture.
Once characters are set up in iClone, they can be controlled by Motion Director, which allows for movement to be generated from mouse, keyboard, or gamepad inputs in real-time or recorded and then finessed. iClone is an easy way to create and animation 3D characters.
Despite being the most affordable animation software on this list, iClone is a flexible and powerful too. Reallusion has a number of supporting apps, such as Character Creator, that comes with pre-rigged models, and it can be integrated into other packages, such as Maya, 3ds Max, Blender and Unreal Engine. Overall, for its tools, ease of use and ecosystem, iClone is excellent value for money.
Best animation software for arch-viz
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Autodesk 3ds Max is a general 3D computer graphics software that has a dedicated animation toolset, but isn't as focused on pure animation as Autodesk Maya at No.1 on my list. 3ds Max's features include character rigging, fluid simulations, and hair and fur functionality but it excels at mechanical animation and visualisation for arch-viz and advertising. Autodesk Maya has better animation tools, but 3ds Max delivers a superior all-round offering and so for many is a better investment.
The core method for generating animation in 3ds Max involves creating key frames either manually or automatically. The time slider enables users to navigate through time and make changes to the scene at specific points in time. Autokeying will automatically record the position, rotation, and scale of an object and is often much quicker and easier than manually doing so.
In my 3ds Max 2025 review, I praised the new ability for artists to import animations, including animated lights and cameras, as well as blendShapes. While the latest release lacks innovation (it's hard to improve on what exists) Autodesk has improved how 3ds Max is used, through UI customisation and better USD implementation.
When it comes to modelling, 3ds Max offers both direct manipulation and procedural modelling techniques. Applying modifiers through the process helps to extend functionality and speed up workflows.
The high price tag might put a lot of people off - a one year sub is $1,875 / £1,962 - but it's worth noting that students can get 3ds Max 2025 for free and a trial version is also available for 30 days if you want to try it out before you buy.
Best animation software: also tested
Adobe Animate is a legacy 2D animation app that enables you to create simple 2D and vector animations. It can be used to build game environments., as well as create cartoons, banners and interactive content for websites.
This free 2D animation app enables you to create simple stick figure and sprite animations. It features time line animation and 'hands-on' controls. While simple, Pivot Animator is a great way to learn the principles of animation.
Modo has a unique procedural animation system that mixes traditional rigging and deformation, it will also use AI to 'fill in' the in-between frames to speed up the process. Modo also features modelling, rendering and effects workflows.
Mixamo is part of the Adobe family of apps and enables the creation of animation characters for video games and films. Character models can be uploaded and Mixamo will be automatically rigged, and pre-made motion capture models can also be attached. Quick and simple.
How we test animation software
We review and test all the animation software in my guide; I have tested it myself and regularly post new reviews of software updates as they're released. I use a lot the animation software in this list daily in personal and professional projects, as a technical writer and a 3D artist.
You can read more in our 'How we test and review' explainer, where we detail our policy, scoring methods and approach to reviews. As well as reviewing a new software when it launches, we regularly re-review when new iterations and updates release. We also cover the animation software in this guide daily in news announcements, artist projects, VFX breakdown features and more.
We also have regular tutorials to teach you how to use the animation software listed here, such as how to get started in Cinema 4D and our After Effects tutorials roundup.
How to choose animation software
Your animation ability and the scale of your projects are the most important criteria when choosing animation software. If your goal is to learn the basics of 2D and 3D animation and improve your skills, then some of the free or inexpensive applications in this buying guide are a good place to start.
You can acclimatise yourself to concepts such as onion skinning and tweening, setting up skeletons and so forth, without having to learn a complex interface. However, if you are already familiar with the basics then the tools and workflow will be your focus. Higher-end paid-for applications will help you achieve professional results. Perhaps try one or two of the demos before buying.
When choosing the best animation software that's right for you, it's a good idea to think about your needs and the kind of animation you enjoy and want to create, Below are some key points to keep in mind, but initially you need to decide if you want to create 2D or 3D animation.
Typically professional animators now use 3D animation software such as Maya and Blender (on my list), and hobbyists or graphic designers prefer 2D animation apps like Procreate Dreams or Moho (also above on my list).
My advice below for things to consider when choosing an animation package can apply to both 3D and 2D software.
- What's your skill level? If you're new to animation software then you'll want apps that have easy to use UI, such as iClone or a package like Blender which has plenty of tutorials and a helpful community.
A 2D app like Procreate can help with 3D too, as it teaches ideas like keyframes that can apply to some 3D apps. For experienced users, software like Houdini and Maya will last you longer and are embedded in the industry. - Consider the cost If you're a hobbyist, student or even a pro artist looking to start in animation then cost is important. Blender is a great option because its free yet also versatile and powerful.
Most apps on my list offer free trials or budget options for solo users and students. Most animation software is subscription based, but consider the value options on offer, for example Adobe Creative Cloud offers access to Afer Effects and all Adobe apps, while Maxon One offers Cinema 4D as well as other apps like ZBrush for modelling. - What are the features? Each animation software on my list offers unique features, for example iClone's gamepad puppet controls, or procedural animation or pre-rigged models, real-time viewers and mocap. Think what you need, and research the demands on your laptop.
Integration is important too, you'll soon want to improve your projects by tapping into a wider ecosystem of software, so does your app talk to Unreal or Adobe, or both? Does the software have a store or free content, for example Epic Games supports Unreal via FAB. - Consider your job Do you work in, or plan to work in, VFX, advertising, design, games, etc - each animation software has a high take-up in certain industries. For example, Maya and Houdini are used in VFX and films, After Effects and Cinema 4D in advertising and marketing, Unreal and Unity in video games. Some, like Blender are accepted across industries and is becoming more popular.
FAQ
What is the best animation software?
We consider Autodesk Maya to be the best animation software overall, for its features and wide use in the film and video games industries. It does have a steep learning curve, and the free package Blender is catching up.
Are there free animation software?
Yes, Blender is free to use for hobbyists and professionals. Many leading 3D animation apps have free trials or are free for students, while 2D animation apps such as Krita and Pencil2D are free.
What is the best animation software for beginners?
We recommend Cinema 4D for beginners for its balance of features, industry use and strong community of helpful tutorials, as well as regular updates and stability. Blender is also a good option as its powerful and free, whilst Adobe Creative Cloud, which includes After Effects and Adobe Animate is good value and approachable to anyone who's used to using Adobe's layers system. 2D artists should look to Procreate Dreams.
Is animation easy to learn?
While it can seem complex, especially 3D animation, there are apps that make it easier, such as iClone and Procreate Dreams. There are also a lot of free courses and tutorials that teach the basics, including right here on Creative Bloq.
What do I need to become a 2D animator?
In the beginning, the best thing to do is to develop your drawing skills using a pad and pencil, iPad with stylus or a graphics tablet. Hand drawn characters have always been the basis for 2D animation.
When you're able to draw convincing characters that you're happy with, then animating them on a Mac, PC or tablet – using software like that listed above – is a logical next step. If your aim is to make 2D animation your career, consider taking courses to learn 2D animation software or even enrol in an animation programme at an art college or university.
Which software should I learn for 2D animation?
There's no right or wrong 2D animation software package. Most operate using the same principles, based around a timeline and a set of tools for transitioning the shape and position of the forms in your drawings. When you've learned the basics in one package, move on to something more complex in the the professional range. It's not the software that will determine your talent – that's down to your creativity, ability to learn and the application of skills.
What are the basic principles of 2D animation?
In addition to being able to draw expressively, good 2D animation relies on timing, creating a sense of anticipation, an understanding of physics, frame composition and the ability to depict relatable poses. You can learn a great deal about these things through observation – by watching the work of leading animators and, once you've started animating, by shooting reference video of the scenes you want to create.
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Ian Dean is Editor, Digital Arts & 3D at Creative Bloq, and the former editor of many leading magazines. These titles included ImagineFX, 3D World and video game titles Play and Official PlayStation Magazine. Ian launched Xbox magazine X360 and edited PlayStation World. For Creative Bloq, Ian combines his experiences to bring the latest news on digital art, VFX and video games and tech, and in his spare time he doodles in Procreate, ArtRage, and Rebelle while finding time to play Xbox and PS5.
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