Today we’re sharing 10 best 2D and 3D free animation software for Windows operating system. This list best animation software for beginners as well as power users is compiled after a lot of research. Animation has often played a significant part in all our lives at some point or the other. Whether you grew up watching Mickey Mouse, Tom & Jerry, or Doraemon, you have experienced the world of animation and enjoyed it to the fullest.
The journey for animation begun with cartoon series and eventually led to the films and video games. Today, the same animation technology is helping filmmakers globally to create marvels like the 2009 epic film Avatar using best animation software. Such an evolution of animation technology has increased the demand for professional animators globally. However, an animator’s job requires precision and quality along with the best animation software. Hence, an animator gears up with a high quality and best animation software to develop such precision and quality work.
To help animator, I have sorted a list of free animation software for Windows. The first section will feature the best 2D free animation software for Windows. And, the second section will have best 3D free animation software.
Page Contents
Best 2D Free Animation Software for Windows
1. DigiCel FlipBook
DigiCel FlipBook is the simple and clear-cut free animation software to create amazing animation projects as well as use the program to train aspiring animators too. This tool is also easy to use and anyone pursuing animation as a career option can quickly learn to use this program. The program is ideal for creating animated movies in no time. This is the best animation software for beginners to get started.
Price: Free (with watermark) & $19.99 (without watermark)
2. Toon Boom Animation
Toon Boom Animation is the best tool for highly advanced 2D animation projects. This is a free animation software for Windows with mega designing and advanced development projects. Toon Boom is designed to help the gaming designers and developers. It lets animators explore their ideas to perfection. It’s a complete one-stop solution for animation projects.
Also Read: List of 12 best online video editing tools
Price: Starts from $9 per month (Free Trial Available)
3. Animation Paper
Animation Paper is considered as an ideal free 2D animation software for professional and experienced animators. Although highly advanced, Animation Paper is quite easy to understand and very simple to work with. You can explore your ideas with Animation Paper and try to bring those ideas to life. Bundled with amazing features and functionalities, Animation Paper is undoubtedly one of the best free animation software for Windows.
Price: Free
4. Autodesk Animator
Autodesk Animator, a free animation program, which is designed to cater both beginners as well as experienced professionals. Being one of the oldest 2D animation software, it is highly advanced and takes care of all the aspects of the animation world.
Price: Free
5. Anime Studio Debut
Anime Studio Debut, also called Moho is a complete package of free animation software for Windows bundled with tons of amazing features and functionalities. A perfect animation software for both professionals and beginners, Anime Studio Debut lets you animate your ideas in the most simplistic way. You can either use the existing tools to create new animation or import images and other artwork to begin your animation project.
Price: $34.99 (Free Trial Available)
With the evolution of 3D technology and advanced use of animation in live-action films, 3D animation demands are on the rise. You can improve your 3D animation skills and use an excellent 3D animation program to develop your creativity and successful animation projects. Check out some of the best free 3D Animation Software for Windows.
Best 3D Free Animation Software for Windows
1. Blender
Blender is an open source 3D and free animation software for Windows developed by the public contribution from around the globe. Professional animators, scientists, VFX experts, gaming developers, students, studio artists, hobbyist, and much more are a part of Blender community. Being an amazing 3D animation program, you will find a lot of different features and a wide range of texturing, lighting, animation, and modeling options.
Price: Free
2. Aurora 3D Animation Maker
Aurora 3D animation maker is one of the most prominent names in the digital world. Its 3D Animation Maker is widely famous among the animators across the globe. Aurora 3D Animation Maker is designed to help you create spectacular animation effects in your movie. You can also claim the right to all your creations by embedding a watermark in all your videos and images created using this program. You can also add multiple animated effects to your images using the simple and interactive dashboard.
Price: $69.99 (Free Trial Available)
3. Autodesk Maya
Autodesk Maya is excellent free animation software for students and an ideal companion for 3D animators and gaming developers. With this program, you can create amazing 3D characters from your own imagination for games or movies. Autodesk Maya is bundled with an amazing set of features and a wide range of coloring and modeling functionalities. It is an ideal program for developing 3D games as well as in other entertainment media.
Price: $185 per month (Free Trial Available) & 3 years free for Students
4. Houdini
Houdini is actually a great option for animators looking for excellent graphics options for their 3D animation project. It is bundled with all the major features such as texturing, modeling, animating, and rigging, which is essential for a reliable 3D animation tool. Professional animators can use Houdini to create a 3D universe of their own imagination as well as add 3D elements to the real world with images and videos. Animators would find Houdini as an excellent 3D animation software for Windows for its node based user interface as well as supporting plugins.
Price: Starts at $195 per yer. (A learning edition for free is also available)
5. Modo
Modo is designed to help both artists and designers to make the most out of their photography and imaginations. Animators can use this professional 3D animation software for Windows to create amazing 3D animations. You can also add 3D effects to your real life photography using the minimalist tools bundled with this program.
Price: Permanent License for $1799 with additional $399 per year maintenance (Annual License for $599 is also available)
Conclusion for free animation software for Windows
Well, everyone has their own creative skills and requirements. Hence, you must be wise in choosing the right animation software for your next animation project. Also, let us know your views in the comments about this list of free animation software for Windows. Also, feel free to mention any free animation software that you consider to be added to this list.
Very nice and useful. Thanks