Animated movie makers are assumed to be user-friendly video editing software or tools which not only helps in editing and creating videos, but also in publishing them on different social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and etc. The animated movie makers also adds up actions through the cycle of video processing that includes sound effects, music, speech and much more. The video editing software uses a variety of tools in order to produce movies with animations, three-dimensional (3D) effects and etc.

Please find in the following, the 8 most widely used and best of animated movie makers:

1. PowToon

Build and animate 3D models, teach them behaviors then form 3D movie scenes that can be saved in QuickTime, AVI, or Animated GIF format. Animoids is integrated with an online database of 3D art. MotionBuilder's Auto Desk is a 3D character animation software developed by Autodesk. It can be used for motion capture, virtual cinematography, and traditional keyframe animation.

• New in Blender 2.90. Building on the success of the 2.8 series, Blender 2.90 continues to polish the user experience, introducing improvements to EEVEE, Cycles, sculpt, VR, animation.
• And the Biteable video maker turns a daunting task into a super easy one. Don’t take out a mortgage for it. Animation is traditionally expensive, but with Biteable you can make animation on a shoestring budget. Making an account for Biteable’s online video maker gives you access to thousands of clips made by our talented team of video makers.

PowToon is a free and awesome software that enables the users to create animations. Previous animation-related projects are considered to be expensive and often out of reach from common users. However, the introduction of PowToon has made this typically expensive work of art, more affordable, or at no cost at all and most importantly, simple to navigate.

One particular feature of this software that clearly distinguishes itself from others is that it allows you to choose between the presentation and video mode. It also supports the output export file format as an MP4 movie, fully catering for playback on the web and even uploading onto YouTube. The other advantage of PowToon is that you don’t have to download the software in order to use it. All you need to do is sign-up and do everything on the online platform.

Prior knowledge of Flash or Photoshop is also non-essential, as you only need to drag-and-drop the characters or props and then carry on with process. It’s an instant favorite among beginners as well as those who prefers a clean-cut interface.

2. iClone5

iClone5 provides real-time 3D animations to the users. iClone5’s real-time engine and motion capturing capability clearly offers a strong competitive edge over other similar software. The software can also be used to help expedite the project deliveries as well as completion of timeline, which is often the main challenge in the broadcasting (both traditional and digital) and marketing industry. Instead of having to invest a hefty amount on camera equipments or those alike, iClone5 offers you a more affordable solution, that doesn't jeopardize the quality.

The standard version is priced at $79.95, whilst the pro version at a premium of $199.95. Instead of jumping right into a purchase, there’s a downloadable 30-days trial version, so you might as well give it a go before parting with the cash. Upon installation, simply launch iClone5 and start the animation project. Besides creating and producing from scratch, you can always make use of the built-in templates for a quick one.

The same goes for a direct recording of your acting with any off-the-shelf depth camera and effortlessly turn them into an animation. iClone5’s suitable for any users whose looking for additional features to explore and getting professional about making animations, yet without causing themselves a migraine.

3. GoAnimate

GoAnimate is another great animated movie maker software that lets you create animated videos effectively and efficiently. You can either sign up for free or check out the various plans and pricing available. The main differences would be the quality of resolution (i.e. high definition up to 1080P), removal of watermarks, unrestricted access to all features and libraries, project collaboration and so much more.

Apart from the standardized built-in themes or backgrounds, props and characters, you can actually customize, explore and turn your ideas into a highly personalized animation that’s totally diversified in representation. There are plenty of character actions, wardrobe changes and hairstyles to select from, all just within a click of the mouse.

Determined to impress your audience? Lip-sync your characters by adding voice recording, voice-over or simply import the audio files. It’s definitely more engaging than a plain scripted or visualized storyboard. You want more? You can also drag-and-drop to apply audio effects as well as adjust the timing. Once completed, just hit the share button!

Here’s a YouTube video on 'How to use GoAnimate':

3d Animation Maker Free

4. Video Explainers

Video Explainers is a bit different from the other software mentioned. It provides a user with complete animated movies that can be easily used in classes or in a conference room. They claimed to have designed more than 800 videos for more than 500 organizations, some well-recognized amongst reputable organizations.

The whole process of publishing an animated video consists of 5 stages from Discovery to Scriptwriting, Storyboarding, Animation and Delivery. It includes the 4 important people with 3 promises to deliver 2 great outcomes and 1, ultimate, amazing result.

It actually works in a manner where the Scriptwriter will initially write a script, then creatively transformed into a masterpiece by the Animator/Illustrators. The Accounts Manager (if required or as and when necessary) would carry on with the project in terms of tracking timelines and etc., whilst the whole project being administered or overseen by the Producer.

You can also outsource the voice-over to the video production services team in order to locate the best voice talent possible for your animated video for a professional makeover. After that, you’re ready to publish it wherever you want to.

5. Wideo

Wideo is one of the best and user-friendly online video app used for producing animated videos. Besides the creation of animated videos, you can also share them on Facebook and Twitter or embed it onto your blog.

This online video app helps you in making not only an appealing, but truly engaging animated videos for your products (or services), businesses, educational subjects, presentations and etc. Wideo is totally accessible， free of charge and you just need to sign up for an account to get started. If you wish to get rid of the watermark, you’ll need to only pay a small fee.

If you’ve never try making one, you can always practice by using the templates available. You can save your progress halfway and then continue to edit it at a later time, rather than rushing through. In order to add some personal flair, it’s also possible to use your own selection of images, logos, pictures and audio.

Check out the '7 Ways of using an online video in the classroom':

6. Toon Boom Studio

Toon Boom Studio is a multi-faceted animated movie making tool and that’s why it has been widely used by Cartoon Network, Disney, Nickelodeon and many others. Through Toon Boom Studio, animated movies can be made from scanning or copying the images, with plenty of templates to choose from. It’s also one of the best animated movie makers for the education industry, whereby the visually illustrative animation can help to cultivate artistic abilities that are topped with written (or narrative) skills.

You’ll be able to try the multi-technique animation software for yourself with it’s trial version before deciding upon the best plan that suits your animation needs. As for educational institutions, students and teachers, don’t forget to check out your privilege pricing with their representative.

Other than previously built-in features, you’ll be basically spoilt with it’s newly added Blockbuster effects, lip-syncing engine, natural movement for your characters and scene transitions. The Toon Boom Studio provides you with not only an easy option to create lively animated movies, but also the resources to make it happen, just like any other pro-animators.

7. Dvolver

The Dvolver animated movie maker is a very straightforward tool. You don’t even need to sign up for an account in order to create an animated movie of your own. Just in case you’re not aware, Devolve's formerly known as Dfilm and there’s been more than 8 million movies made using the platform, up-to-date. Once you've open up the website, dive straight on to Make a Movie and you’ll be on the work interface instantly. You’ll be given your options on the left with the displaying grid on the right.

Unfortunately, the drag-and-drop function isn't supported and hence, you’ll need to literally click to select your options. Start with choosing a theme for the background and then proceed by clicking NEXT to select your character/s. You’ll be prompted an alert or message if you've not completed the current screen/slide. However, you can always click BACK to return for any changes or edits.

It might be slightly disappointing to find out the limited character options or features, but it’s perfectly acceptable when you’re new to the whole animation idea. Plus, you can also contact them for a customized setup. Before you actually hit the SEND button to share your new creation with family and friends, you can have a quick preview of the animated video.

8. Zimmer Twins

Similar to some of the reviewed animated movie makers above, Zimmer Twins is free for use. However, you’ll need to subscribe to the service (different plans offered) if you’ll like to be able to access extra features, share, rate or comment on the animated videos. It’s a well-liked tool among parents due to it’s simplicity as well as user-friendly interface.

In the free version, you’ll have 4 main Clips to work with; Talk-bubble, Chase, Close-up and Star. All you need to do is click on the desired option in either Clips and it’ll instantly appear on the timeline underneath. In order to arrange your scenes, simply click, drag-and-drop it on the timeline. You can view your creation as you go along in real-time whenever you want. You can also change the characters and etc. by clicking on the underlined words right above the timeline.

Other than that, you’ll notice that there’s a backward and forward arrow on top of the viewing screen. That’s to undo and redo your edits. Just make sure you’re logged in before you save your animated video at the end, or else it’ll all be lost when you leave the page and that’s the last thing you want happen.

Let it be for business, education or pure entertainment, any of the above mentioned software can help you to easily create an animated video. The software are specifically developed and designed to assist users to craft a story of their own, with minimal costs and time, but of high quality. The features are of course, restricted according to each and every individual online platform. Therefore, it’s best for you to try it out beforehand. Plus, there’s no harm in actually using a few of them at the same time, unless you’re planning to go pro with the animated videos.

Let’s look at the best FREE animation software that you can download and start using today. Featuring 10+ software options!

Anyone interested in diving into animation may be shocked to see just how many free software options are available these days. And these aren’t cookie-cutter programs — many of these free applications are frequently used by animation-industry pros!

SketchBook’s free animation program is easy to use, even without the tutorial. Image via SketchBook.

Let’s look at the selling points of each free animation program, where to download them, and where to find some beginner tutorials.

Pencil2D

Pencil2D is a simple, user-friendly 2D animation app, widely considered to be a perfect starter program for beginners and ideal for frame-by-frame animations.

Pencil2D is a free, open-source animation program — even for commercial use. It supports both bitmap and vector graphics, and has features like onion-skinning.

Onion-skinning allows you to keep track of each frame in the drawing process. Image via Blender.

FYI, onion-skinning refers to the ability to see previous frames of your animation while you create the next frame. Check out the Pencil2D Tutorials page to get started.

Krita

Krita is probably one of the most highly-regarded free animation applications. Ideal for hand-drawn animation, Krita includes over 100 pre-loaded brushes, each with a wide variety of effects.

Krita is great for hand-drawn animations, has built-in brush stabilizers, and a wide variety of effects. Image via Krita.

Krita also has built-in brush stabilizers that can smooth out the effects of shaky hands, making it great for tablet use. Really, this is just the tip of the iceberg of what Krita has to offer. Want to learn more? Check out this amazing starter tutorial from kdsketch!

SketchBook

SketchBook was previously a paid animation app from Autodesk, but now it’s completely free! Similar to Pencil2D, SketchBook is a perfect starter program. It has a beautiful user interface that’s easy to pick up and understand — even without a tutorial. The brushes also feel really natural when you’re drawing on the canvas.

SketchBook’s user interface has a wonderful layout and is user-friendly. Image via SketchBook.

SketchBook was the first free animation app I tried out, and I wasn’t disappointed. As a filmmaker, I could see myself using it to create write-on text or animation arrows. It also has features like onion-skinning and allows you to rearrange the UI to suit your needs. Check out Autodesk’s Sketckbook Starter Tutorial playlist to learn more.

Blender

Blender’s recently overhauled drawing tool — known as Grease Pencil — allows you to draw in a 3D environment. It’s perfect for creating traditional 2D animation, cut-out animation, and hand-drawn motion graphics.

This tool allows you to draw in a 3D environment, create hand-drawn motion graphics, as well as traditional 2D animation. Image via Blender.

If you’re already familiar with Blender’s 3D tool set, then you should be able to dive right in. If you’re totally new to Blender, check out this beginner Grease Pencil tutorial by Dedouze.

OpenToonz

OpenToonz is another popular 2D animation application, and it’s widely accepted as a free substitute for apps like Adobe Animate. It may have more of a learning curve than other beginner apps, but it has a host of professional features — onion-skinning, bone rigging, node-based editing options, and more. OpenToonz also supports bitmap and vector images.

For a closer look, check out this beginner OpenToonz tutorial by NobleFrugal Studio.

Synfig Studio

Synfig Studio is an animation app similar in depth to OpenToonz and Adobe Animate. While the user interface looks a bit sterile and comes with a bit of a learning curve, it does have many advanced features.

One of those advanced features is vector tweening, which allows layers to automatically transform into other shapes. The software also includes layers, filters, and bone-rigging, and it supports both bitmap and vector images.

Free 3d Animation Movie Maker

Other Free Software

There are a few other free software apps that may be helpful in your animation journey. Take Inkscape, for example, which is an open-source illustration application. It allows you to create vector graphics, which can be ideal for animated character designs.

Inkscape is a perfect tool when creating character designs for animation. Image via Inkscape.

Want a more advanced video editor that lets you cut animation clips together or add post-effects? Check out DaVinci Resolve and HitFilm Express. Both of these free video editing apps include a plethora of effects.

Cover image via Krita.