In today’s digital world, a lot of new career opportunities are springing up in our lives. For example, no one would have thought that you can make a living by working on animation. That is, however, a living reality now. In case you are one of them and work on this field, one thing that can make your life much easier is animation software. Or maybe you are an animation student and want to build a setup of your own. If so, again, you are in need of animation software.
Nowadays, there are a plethora of them out there in the market. Although it is an advantage, the vast number of this software can make it overwhelming pretty quickly, especially if you are only starting out. That is what I am here to help you with. In this article, I am going to talk to you about the 7 best animation software for Windows 10 out there on the internet right now. You will get to know detailed information about each one of them. This, in turn, will help you to make better decisions. Therefore, without further ado, let’s talk about a few of the best free animation software for Windows 10.
Contents
7 Best Animation Software for Windows 10
#1. Pencil
Now, the first animation software that I am going to talk to you about is a Pencil. This is an open-source software offered by the developers free of charge. The software enables you to create 2D animation with ease. I can go as far as saying that it is the best 2D animation software that offers the most versatility. The amazing features packed in this software helps you to unleash your creativity and create something wonderful in an effortless manner.
The user interface (UI) is simple and minimalistic. However, the software has tools that you can only get in the paid versions of other similar software. It supports both vectors as well as bitmap images. In addition to that, the app also comes with several slabs along with a set of illustration tools. These features allow you bringing graphic pictures or draw the pictures on the spot where the animation previously was.
Some of the most amazing features that come with this software are image and sound import, determining the frame rate, adding colors, and many more. Not only that, but you can also export all the graphics in.FLV, Movie, Flash Video (ZBrush), and many other formats.
Download Pencil2D Animation
#2. Synfig Studio
Another amazing animation software you can and should definitely consider is Synfig Studio. This is another 2D animation software that is offered by the developers free of charge. Compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux, the software makes you able to create what is called ‘bones’ in the character model they are working on and to explore it more. This, in turn, gives the character a professional look that is unparallel. The user interface (UI) splits into 4 distinct windows, making it easier for you to move between the several available nodes that are an editing window, a navigator window, a tools window, and a set parameters window. As a result, you can work effortlessly to create what you want to and come up with a far better output. The software is highly customizable that brings the control back in your hands, thanks to its superb tools and features. As you create the animation keyframes, they will get attached to the timeline on their own. This feature makes sure the movements of the character get a steadier motion.
Download Synfig Studio
#3. Daz 3D Studio
Are you looking for an animation software that can help you in creating scenes as well as animations through the manipulating model presets? Then, I present to you the Daz3D Studio. With the help of this software, you can make use of objects, animals, and even humans as models. All you need to do is choose the models, choose the accessories you want to work with and start creating all the digital animation scenes you want.
However, do keep in mind, that you cannot create your own models on this software. Although that would not be a big issue since the software comes with a plethora of features that will help you to morph and tackle minute details that you would not even know the difference. Therefore, once you include the proper details into the mix, the models that might look dull on the first glance, will sparkle with newfound life.
There is one drawback though. It needs time and effort to learn how to use this software. Therefore, I would not recommend it to someone who is only starting out. However, once you get a hold of it, the software is really one of the best. In addition to that, there are plenty of resources on the internet such as YouTube videos for helping you to learn how to use this software. In case you are in this game for too long, you can even use the models included in the Daz3D Studio in ZBrush as well as Photoshop for customizing 3D figures. All you need to do is download a free plugin such as GoZ to use this feature.
Download Daz 3D Studio
#4. Creatoon
Now, let us move on to the next animation software on our list – Creatoon. It is a simple and user-friendly that is full of instructions. It will enable you to create 2D animations using cut out fashion. In addition to that, you can also include multiple special effects into the mix as well. Even with the easy-to-use and minimalistic user interface (UI), the software has the ability to work out some of the most complex functions in order to have an excellent outcome.
You will get the ‘Menu’ option on both sides of the working area. This, in turn, lets you have quick access to the main features. The user interface is set up in a way so that you can always have a concise idea of what is going on in the project that you are working on. However, there are no customization options. You can select the project file format. Not only that, the height, width, and even the frame per the second option can also be chosen by you, putting you on the driver’s seat.
Also Read: 5 Best Video Editing Software For Windows 10
Furthermore, the software allows you to add special effects to your animation. In addition to that, you can also save all the ongoing works manually on your own or simply let the software save every 5 minutes. As if all of these were not enough, you can even personalize the drawing tool so that it acts as per your choice and needs. The option for segregating the animation elements in slabs is also available. As a result, you can make changes that are necessary without much hassle. Apart from that, it is also possible to change the brush movement progression along with modifying the sketch tool precision.
Download Creatoon
#5. Bryce 7 Pro
Bryce 7 Pro is another animation software you can consider for your Windows 10 computer. The app allows you to add realistic backgrounds to any artwork as well as creating whole islands in a matter of minutes. Other useful features include sceneries, people, wildlife characters, and many more. In addition to that, there are numerous pre-created backgrounds available such as clouds, landscape, water, sky, rocks, vegetation, fog, and many others. The user interface is easy to use as well as being interactive. The software is best suited for those who would like to give the animation a realistic touch. Compatible with Windows 10 and Mac OS X operating system, this 3D animation software has both free and paid versions with the free version coming with limited features.
Download Bryce 7 Pro
#6. Mixamo
Now, we will talk about the animation software Mixamo. The software is actually a niche 3D animation software. It is a part of the Adobe family, lending it much credibility. It helps you in creating animated 3D characters that are elegant as well as reliable. But that is not the best part. The best part – at least according to me – is the fact that you do not need to be an expert or even have any knowledge of 3D to tackle this software. Therefore, virtually anyone can use it.
The software comes with a massive animation library. For example, you do not need to animate all the steps of your character puts forward. Instead, you can just go to Mixamo’s store and choose the proper animation as per your needs. The software saves a lot of your time in that way. In addition to that, you can use a few markers and leave the rest to it. It will figure out the skinning weights, adjust bones accordingly, and other visual characteristics on its own. To put it in a nutshell, it is an animation software that definitely deserves your attention.
Download Mixamo
#7. Plastic Animation Paper
Last but not least, Plastic Animation Paper is one of the best 2D animation software out there on the internet as of now. This is free software that comes with numerous amazing tools that are easy to use. With the help of this software, it is possible to make splendid animation as well as cartoons in 2D from your ideas. The software is best suited for expert animators who are looking for a fast and reliable solution. In addition to that, the software is quite instinctive and easy to figure out, adding to its benefits.
Also Read: 7 Best Pirate Bay Alternatives That Work In 2020 (TBP Down)
You can manage all the swift sketching movements, the rough sketch processes, and space for you to animate with the help of this software. Not only that, but it also offers you real-time suggestions for analyzing the concepts for a specific movement via an easy process. You can also create with your hand with much ease – be it an upcoming action sequence or a particular character.
Some of the most useful features include the ability to set the frame speed, the sketching space, the ability to add colors to the sketch, inserting music, zooming in and out, and many more. After you are done with the drawing part, the software lets you save them in a wide range of different formats such as PNG, AVI, GIF, TGA, and many more. Along with the Windows 10 operating system, the software is also compatible with Mac OS X and as an iPad app.
Download Plastic Animation Paper
This is all there is to know about the 7 best animation software for Windows 10. I hope you have received what you had in mind when you began reading this article. Now, equipped with better and concrete knowledge, you can make better decisions that will help you more. So, download any of these software as per your choice & make the most out of your Windows 10 PC.