Animation has come a long way since the first animated film nearly a century ago. It is a magical form of storytelling suitable for all ages. We can all gain some nostalgia from having a friend in Woody and the gang or singing let it go at the top of our lungs. Today, animation has become an essential tool for filmmakers, game developers, graphic designers, and even marketers.
If you want to pursue animation, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. What kind of software should you use? What tools are the best for beginners? Should I learn 2D animation or 3D animation?
In this article, we’ll answer all of these questions and more by taking a look at the best animation software (2D & 3D) for beginners in 2023. Let’s dive in!
What is Animation?
According to StudioBinder, animation involves capturing a series of drawings, models, or puppets in succession, in order to give the impression of movement in a sequence.
Animation has been around since the late 1800s and has improved drastically today. If you were to compare Disney’s first animated feature film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, to something more current such as Onward, the differences are enormous.
The first animated films were created using a technique called cel animation. In cel animation, a sequence of drawings is filmed, each a little different from the last. This then creates the illusion of movement.
Today, animators use a variety of techniques, including traditional cel animation, computer-generated animation, and stop-motion animation. Computer-generated animation (CG animation) is the most popular method of animation today, as it allows for the most flexibility and creativity.
Overview of 2D and 3D Animation
There are 5 different types of Animation: Traditional, 2D, 3D, Stop motion and motion graphics. In this article, we will discuss the best software for beginners in 2D and 3D animation as they are the two most popular animation styles for beginners
2D animation has evolved from the standard, traditional animation of years gone by. The process of 2D animation involves creating individual image sequences and bringing them together. This then creates the illusion of movement. The standard process is a different image every two frames. For more information, read the ultimate guide to 2D animation.
Many animators don’t tend to use pen and paper anymore but have evolved into vector-based graphics. The advantage of using vectors instead of the standard pixel-based images means it can be scaled without the risk of losing resolution. If you want to learn more about what a vector graphic is, read here
Another perk of using vector graphics is the efficiency it generates and the time it saves. Animators can duplicate the character for example, and then slightly tweak it, rather than having to redraw the whole thing.
The main difference between 2D and 3D animation is in the name. 2D is flat whilst 3D is three-dimensional. When it comes to 3D animation, people might assume it must be easier because it is computer generated, but that isn’t always true! It is still a very intense and time-consuming process. The main difference from traditional animation is that instead of using a pencil, a computer has replaced that tool.
3D animation is currently the most popular and common method of the art form. If you were to take modern animated films, the artist will use a program to set up all the positions and prepare the computer to generate its movement. The advancement in technology has improved the efficiency, quality and output of animation.
So now we know the basics of what animation is and the difference between 2D and 3D, it’s time to delve into the best animation software for beginners in 2023.
Best 2D Animation Software for Beginners in 2023
There are many different types of software available, but here are some of the best 2D animation software for beginners in 2023.
Adobe Animate
Adobe Animate is a paid software from the adobe suite that offers professional features that are easy to learn. Animate is powerful and user-friendly that is perfect for both 2D and 3D animation. It integrates with the rest of Adobe Creative Cloud so if you are familiar with those, this might be the perfect choice for you!
Toon Boom Harmony
This premium animation software is popular amongst professionals and beginners. Toon Boom Harmony has been used to create famous tv shows such as The Simpsons and Rick and Morty. It is no wonder that it is an Emmy-Award-winning software. It is safe to say that they have set the standards for creative storytelling.
Synfig Studio
Synfig Studio is an open-source animation software that is free to use with the output of film-quality animations. There are 2 different versions to download depending on what you want. The development option allows you to try more experimental features, whereas the stable version is tried and tested to a high standard.
Opentoonz
Opentoonz is another open-source animation software that makes the list! It thrives on the community of like-minded people wanting to make beautiful images move. It is based on the software ‘Toonz” but has been developed and customised. It is a free software with plenty of plugins available to use.
Krita
This software is a very popular choice within the comic book artist community. It has a wide selection of brushes to choose from, is simple to use and it’s free! The user interface is easy to navigate as well as customisable, making this a great choice for people with drawing talent.
Best 3D Animation Software for Beginners in 2023
3D animation has become one of the most demanding professions within the creative industry. Because of ever-advancing technology, it is becoming increasingly important to learn the best software in this field. Here are some of the best 3D animation software for beginners in 2023.
Autodesk Maya
Autodesk Maya is a popular 3D animation software often regarded as the best one. Its clever tools allow the animators to make complex tasks simple, with a few clicks. Maya has been used to create many feature films such as Harry Potter so it really is the full package.
Blender
Blender is a free, open-source 3D animation software that is ideal for beginners. Most people have at least heard of Blender in the design world. It is quite often used for films and video game animation. The software’s high-quality tools allow for really sophisticated animation outcomes.
Cinema 4D
Another globally recognised name in the industry – is Cinema 4D. The great thing about this software is that it was built for beginners. This doesn’t however mean it isn’t a powerful tool because it is, it just means it is simple to jump into!
DAZ Studio
DAZ Studio is a great 3D animation software for beginners. It is easy to learn and specialises in the creation of human 3D models. It is free to use and loaded with many tools for the animators to explore. An added bonus is that it offers a marketplace in which you can buy and sell your creations.
Maximo
This is a great software to introduce 3D animation to beginners. It offers ready-to-use characters that can really help kickstart a project! It also has an automatic character rigging tool that will speed up the animator’s workflow.
Conclusion
Animation is a constantly evolving industry that is only going to continue to grow further. It is in high demand with a huge marketplace of software to use, both paid and free. In this article we have explored the best animation software for beginners (2D & 3D) in 2023, so you have all the information you need to make the right decision.
If you are a beginner and are considering animation as a profession, Big Creative Education offers a fantastic course – Animation and Next Gen Academy.
If you are already in the field and want to switch software, or simply want to take animation up as a hobby, hopefully this article has been beneficial. Now, what are you waiting for? Go and create something magical!
