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How to Create Animation Drawing with 7 Best Software
Jun 09, 2026• Proven solutions
We can’t deny the fact that hand drawn animation is always appealing, no matter how much 3D animation gets the limelight. Animation drawing continues to be relevant for creators who want expressive 2D motion, whether they work on desktop, iPad, or web-based tools.
It is now possible to perform animation drawing with a wide range of software options. If you are a newcomer to animation or already have experience, choosing the right software depends on your workflow, device, and output needs.
This article explains how to create animation drawing with desktop, iPad, and web-based software, and shows which tools are more suitable for beginners, traditional 2D workflows, or quick online animation.
Key Takeaways:
- Adobe Animate and Animation Paper are more suitable for advanced 2D animation workflows
- Pencil2D is a lightweight free option for beginners on desktop
- SketchBook Motion and Do Ink are more suitable for iPad-based animation drawing
- Filmora can be used to animate drawings through keyframes and video-based motion editing
This article will help you in making animation with the help of animation drawing software while preserving the differences between desktop software, iPad tools, and browser-based options.
How to Create Animation Drawing Videos in Filmora
Answer: In Filmora, users can create animation drawing videos by importing sketches or illustrated assets, applying keyframes on a canvas-style layout, and exporting the result as a video file.
- Import your drawing, image sequence, or illustrated asset into the timeline
- Add keyframes to position, scale, or opacity for movement
- Preview the motion and export the animation as a video
Note: This workflow works in recent versions of Filmora on Windows and macOS.
Filmora can be used to turn drawings, sketches, and illustrated assets into animation videos through keyframe-based motion editing. Users who need a video-based workflow for animation drawing can evaluate whether Filmora fits their editing process.
In Filmora, users can build a plain background, place drawing assets on the timeline, animate them with keyframes, and then refine the output with color correction and audio editing tools.
Filmora is more suitable when users already have drawings, sketches, or illustrated elements and want to turn them into animated videos with timeline editing, transitions, music, and keyframes rather than full frame-by-frame character animation.
What Software Can You Use to Animate Your Drawing?
Answer: iPad and web tools can handle quick animation drawing tasks, but desktop software usually gives users more control over layers, exports, and frame-by-frame workflows.
- Use iPad apps for sketch-based motion and fast sharing
- Use web tools for basic online doodles and simple loops
- Use desktop tools when you need more advanced timing, layers, and export options
How Adobe Animate Supports Professional Animation Drawing
Adobe Animate is one of the leading 2D animation software options in this animation industry that many designers use. For better results, users can combine it with vector preparation workflows before starting animation with Adobe Animate.
Pros:
- Always working on new features regularly.
- Contains a powerful timeline showing time and frame numbers.
Cons:
- The software requires a higher technical skillset to learn.
How SketchBook Motion Works for iPad Animation Drawing
SketchBook Motion is for iPad users who want to make animations. With the help of this app, users can drag and drop into a document easily and share animation drawings as iMessage stickers, animated GIFs, or MP4s.
Pros:
- Available in multiple languages including English, French, and German.
- Can make characters move with simple gestures.
Cons:
- Many in-app purchases.
- Up to 3 scenes can be saved without subscription.
- Full version is free only for 7 days.
How Do Ink Helps Beginners Create Hand Drawn Animation on iPad
Animation & Drawing by Do Ink is an easy-to-use hand drawn animation app for iPad users. This app includes drawing and editing options for frame-by-frame or single-frame animation, motion paths, and custom color palettes.
Pros:
- Offers up to 30 FPS.
- Supports HD (16x9), square (1x1), and standard definition (4x3) aspect ratios.
Cons:
- Doesn’t work with devices having iOS less than 9.0.
How Animation Paper Fits Traditional Animation Drawing Workflows
Animation Paper is an animation drawing software focused on traditional workflows. It offers tools for layers, cutouts, and paint-based finishing.
- Layers for frame organization
- Cutout tools for animation assembly
- Paint features for finishing and cleanup
Pros:
- Provides a responsive interface that helps users maintain a faster workflow.
- Works with Windows and Mac, with pencil support planned for Linux, Android, and iPad Pro.
Cons:
- Not suitable for beginners who wish to start off their work with this tool.
How Pencil2D Works as Free Animation Drawing Software
Pencil2D is a lightweight animation drawing software and it is open source.
Users can sketch, ink, or paint by switching between raster and vector workflows.
The software can export animated files to MP4, animated GIF, and AVI.
Users who want to review the project background and downloads can also refer to the official Pencil2D website.
Pros:
- It is a cross-platform software that can run on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
- Very easy and simple to use.
- Available in 12 languages.
Cons:
- Eraser tool lacks perfection and can’t do detail work.
How Toonator Lets Users Draw Animation Online
Toonator is an online tool that can help users create simple animations. It lets users draw on the screen and turn the result into animated output.
Pros:
- The interface is simple.
- People can share their work on this platform and connect with each other.
Cons:
- Animated drawing can only be done in red and black color.
- Functions are limited.
- No name on the icons, which makes functionality harder to understand.
How FlipAnim Supports Simple Browser-Based Animation Practice
FlipAnim provides a browser-based way to practice simple drawing animation and lets users share their work online.
Pros:
- Interface is creative to use.
- Offers a grid area to draw that helps with precision.
- Zoom option helps users draw more accurately and in greater detail.
Cons:
- You can only create animation of up to 100 frames with this tool.
How to Choose Animation Drawing Software
- Choose by device: iPad users may prefer SketchBook Motion or Do Ink, while desktop users can try Pencil2D, Adobe Animate, or Animation Paper.
- Choose by skill level: Beginners usually do better with Pencil2D, Toonator, or FlipAnim; advanced users may prefer Adobe Animate.
- Choose by workflow: For frame-by-frame traditional animation, use Animation Paper or Pencil2D. For motion-based editing with existing drawings, Filmora is a relevant option.
- Choose by export needs: If you need GIF, MP4, or social-ready video, check export options before deciding.
How to Create Animation Drawing with Software
Answer: To create animation drawing, users usually choose a tool based on device and skill level, prepare the drawing asset, animate it frame by frame or with keyframes, and then export the result in a supported format.
- Choose the software that matches your workflow
- Create or import the sketch or illustrated asset
- Animate with frames, layers, or keyframes
- Preview timing and export the result
Note: This workflow works in recent versions of Filmora on Windows and macOS.
- Choose an animation drawing software based on your device and skill level.
- Create or import your sketch, character, or illustrated asset.
- Set up frames, layers, or keyframes depending on the software workflow.
- Draw motion changes frame by frame or animate objects along a path.
- Preview your animation and adjust timing, spacing, and movement.
- Export the final file as MP4, GIF, AVI, or another supported format.
Which Animation Drawing Software Should You Choose?
Animation drawing is a creative workflow, and the right software depends on whether you need professional 2D production, simple iPad sketch animation, lightweight desktop tools, or browser-based practice. Beginners may start with Pencil2D or web tools, while users who want traditional 2D production can evaluate Adobe Animate or Animation Paper. In Filmora, users can turn drawings into motion-based videos when the goal is timeline animation rather than full frame-by-frame production.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best animation drawing software for beginners?
For beginners, Pencil2D is a common starting point because it is free and lightweight. Users who prefer iPad workflows can also consider Do Ink or SketchBook Motion.
Can Filmora be used for animation drawing?
Filmora can be used for animation drawing videos when users want to animate sketches, illustrated assets, or whiteboard-style visuals with keyframes. It is more suitable for motion-based editing than traditional frame-by-frame drawing.
Is there any free software for hand drawn animation?
Yes. Pencil2D is a free and open source option for hand drawn animation. Some web-based tools also offer free use, but they usually have more limited features.
Which tools are better for iPad animation drawing?
SketchBook Motion and Animation & Drawing by Do Ink are both designed around iPad-based animation drawing. They are more suitable for touch-based workflows and quick sharing than desktop production pipelines.
Searching for the ideal 3D animation software? Dive into our comprehensive guide reviewing leading free and paid tools, including Blender, Maya, and more. Discover the perfect 3D animation maker for your creative projects today.
by Shanoon Cox Apr 28, 2026 11:28 AM
Free 2D animation software is great to create hand drawing animation. Now check the 10 best 2D animation software that best for beginners/pros.
by Shanoon Cox Jan 06, 2026 11:36 AM
Shanoon Cox
staff Editor
