The Ultimate Cheatsheet to 15 Adobe Animate Alternatives in 2024
An easy yet powerful editor
Numerous effects to choose from
Detailed tutorials provided by the official channel
Like all other Adobe premium software like Photoshop, illustrator, and premiere pro, Adobe Animate is designed for professionals.
No need to feel discouraged as there are plenty of Adobe Animate free alternatives with which you can polish the animator in you. Let's check them out.
Part 1 Adobe Animate - How It Became a Good Option Without Hesitation?
1. How Much Do You Know About Adobe Animate Key Features?
The Adobe Creative Cloud is constantly updating its range of virtual tools with new features which give users twice more incentive to subscribe. Adobe Animate CC, which is basically the new Adobe Flash, has also received an update recently which installed a bundle of new features to its interface, making it even more irresistible to animators.
● Adobe Animate Camera
Adding to Adobe's line of exclusivity is its all-new Adobe Virtual Camera. Using this feature, Adobe animate users can now control their animation camera movements giving your animation videos a more realistic feel.
● Export any Format
Exporting your animations to your desktop is a convenience every software should provide.
● Audio Syncing
Adobe Animate enables you to synchronize audio to your animations completely easily which is yet another feature that has been recently added.
● Vector Brushes
Though it resembles the same functionality with Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Animate has renewed the tool with the ability to use tilt and pressure effects when drawing with a stylus or pen.
● Web Fonts
Now you can use a vast library of Adobe web fonts with Adobe Animate. These high-quality fonts are available in HTML5 canvas documents.
2. What Lay Behind Adobe Animate Alternative?
When it comes to choosing the best premium animation software, Adobe Animate CC is the obvious choice, but what makes beginners hesitant in using Adobe Animate is the fact that you need to subscribe to Adobe Creative Cloud.
This becomes an obstacle to those who are just starting out and are not that confident in getting their hands on a professional league interface like Animate. It also lacks sufficient facilities for practicing 3D animations.
This is exactly where free Alternatives to Adobe Animate enters the scene. Check out our list and find out which alternative suits your level of animation skills.
Part 2 Top 10 Adobe Animate Alternatives to Improve Animation Experience
No. 1 Krita
The first free-to-use Adobe Alternative on our list is 'Krita'. It is an open-source animator with an intuitive drag and drop panel which gives users complete flexibility.
● UI
It offers over 30 different Dockers which are like toolkits for the program.
● Features
Freehand path tool+Object manipulation+HDR support+Layer Management+Enhanced OpenGL
● Compatibility
Supports various metadata formats like ORA, KRA, PSD, JPEG and PNG files.
● Popularity
Krita has a 4.3 start popularity rating at G2.com.
● Operating System
Compatible with Windows 8 or higher, macOS X 10.12 and Linux Basic.
● Pricing
Free to use.
● Who is Best For?
Krita is an excellent alternative for beginners who are looking to not get overwhelmed by comprehensive features.
● Reviewers say compared to Adobe Animate
Many reviewers have preferred Krita's simplistic approach to Adobe Animate.
● Verdict
It is an excellent image editor and animator but can be limiting in its professional application.
Strengths
100 preloaded brushes: You can use brush tools in categories like digital, ink, paint, and sketch.
Onion Layer Editing: You can go back and check your previous drawing before moving on to the next.
Counteractive Tools: Efficiently compatible with pressure-sensitive tablets.
Weaknesses
Pixel-based Drawings: Its drawings are pixelated making it harder to achieve precisions around the rough edges.
Added Support: Exporting animation files requires support from a secondary application.
No. 2 Open Toonz
A friendlier platform for cartoon animation lovers and yet another free Adobe Animate Alternative. An open-source platform whose code can be modified by the user to add new features and graphics.
● UI
Its interface has separate organized rooms called 'workspaces'. The tools and windows in each room are different and fulfill a separate function.
● Features
Indexed Colour Palettes+Motion Tracking+Effects and Composting+Effects and Composting+Effects and Composting
● Compatibility
Opentoonz supports a plethora of file formats like AVI, 3GP, BMP, JPG, GIF, MOV, NOL, RGB, SGI, TGA, TIF, and TIFF.
● Popularity
OpenToonz has a standard rating of 4.1 stars on G2.
● Operating System
Compatible with macOS X 10.9, Windows 7 or higher.
● Pricing
Free to use.
● Who is Best For?
Can be used by both professionals and beginners alike.
● Reviewers say compared to Adobe Animate
It is a great platform to familiarize yourself with basic animation.
● Verdict
OpenToonz is an excellent animation tool for beginners but lacks some of the higher-performing functions demanded by professionals.
Strengths
TWAIN Standard Compatible: Images captured on OpenToonx using its digital camera and scanners can be used in animations.
Choose from different animation types: You can choose between standard animation and skeletal animations.
100s of Special Effects: Change the effects of your image however you want using effects like incident light or distortion waves.
Weaknesses
Suitable only for beginners: OpenToonz may still require some work in order to muster the attention of pros.
Lack of automated syncing: You may find it difficult to sync the voices of your characters.
No. 3 Toon Boom
Toon Boom is a more popular alternative to Adobe Animate and is recognized by professional animation studios worldwide. Toon Boom even has its own pro-grade animation software called Harmony which has been used to create various popular TV animated series.
● UI
The extremely instinctive interface where you can navigate using various effects like zoom in & out, pan and reset your views.
● Features
Advanced Cut out+Bitmap and Vector Drawing+Bitmap and Vector Drawing+Access to Harmony Server+Access to Harmony Server
● Compatibility
Toon Boom can import dozens of different file formats like BMP, JPEG, PSD, TGA, SGI, TIFF, TVG and PAL.
● Popularity
Toom Boom is rated excellent on G2 with 4.7 stars.
● Operating System
Can run with Windows 7 & 10, macOS High Sierra, Catalina, Mojave.
● Pricing
Basic - $25/month; Advanced - $63/month; Premium - $115/month.
● Who is Best For?
Superb animation software with dozens of features that would attract freelance animators and professionals.
● Reviewers say compared to Adobe Animate
The common opinion amongst reviewers is that Toon Boom offers many more features than Adobe Animate.
● Verdict
Toon Boom is premium software that is excellent for pro-league animators and is one of Adobe Animates biggest competitors.
Strengths
Onion Skinning Feature: You can view your drawings in layers.
Import & Export Different types of files: You can export and import files like paper drawings, digital drawings and 13 other file types.
Peg Animations: You can chart your character's movements using pegs between two points.
Weaknesses
Lacks Audio Features: You require an external audio application to include audio in your animations.
Do not include pre-made characters: You would need to create your characters from scratch.
No. 4 TVPaint Animation
TVPaint has been a household animation software that has been around for a while. It has considerable features which are great for creating versatile 2D animations.
● UI
The TVPaint Interface is not too complex and has a wide range of bitmap drawing tools for 2D all 2D animation processes.
● Features
Bitmap Drawing Tools+Bitmap Drawing Tools+Layer Management+Layer Management+Layer Management
● Compatibility
Can import image and video files like WMV, AVI, MOV, MPEG, GIF, JPEG, PNG, and TIFF.
● Popularity
TVPaint has been around for a long while and has a 5-star G2 rating.
● Operating System
Later versions of TVPaint are compatible with Microsoft Windows, macOS X, Android, and Linux.
● Pricing
Standard version 11.0 costs €500; Professional version 11.0 costs €1250.
● Who is Best For?
It is traditionally acclaimed 2D animation software superb for professional animation studios.
● Reviewers say compared to Adobe Animate
Both TV Paint and Animate cc has the ability to perfect frame to frame animation with minor differences in the choice of tools.
● Verdict
TV Paint is a fantastic software amongst animators who wish to perfect their craft.
Strengths
Versatile Drawing Tools: You have access to all essential drawing tools like brushes, color palettes, textures and more.
Strong Painting Engine: Powerful painting tool for sketching and painting backgrounds.
Colour & Texture Generator: This tool provides an enhanced spectrum of colors.
Weaknesses
Learning Curve: TVPaint has its own learning curve as the interface is dissimilar from average animators.
Limited to Bitmap: You can only edit images in Bitmap format.
No. 5 Synfig Studio
Synfig is yet another free-to-use Adobe Animate alternative but is quite powerful in creating fabulous vector animations which are flawless to look at it.
● UI
Synfig is yet another free-to-use Adobe Animate alternative but is quite powerful in creating fabulous vector animations which are flawless to look at it.
● Features
Various different layers+Sound Support+Dozens of Drawing Tools+Dozens of Drawing Tools+Import Facility
● Compatibility
You can render multiple video formats like AVI, MPEG, GIF, and MNG.
● Popularity
Excellent Rating 5 stars for Vector Graphics on G2.
● Operating System
Can run on Windows 7 and above, macOS X 10.8 and Linux.
● Pricing
Free to use.
● Who is Best For?
Synfig is a bit complex but great for animators who are willing to learn.
● Reviewers say compared to Adobe Animate
Much more convenient interface.
● Verdict
Synfig Studios is a great program for animating vector graphics.
Strengths
Vector Tweening: Change the shape of your vectors automatically.
50+ Layers: Choose from multiple gradients, filters, distortions, geometrics and fractals.
Auto Lip-Sync: Your audio will be automatically paired with your characters.
Weaknesses
Continuous Saving: You will need to manually save your files each time.
Learning Curve: The program takes some time to master.
No. 6 Cacani
Here comes CACANi, a new chip off the old block for anime lovers. It has awesome features for drawing vector animations.
● UI
Excellent vector drawing interface which reduces your effort and time by auto-generating drawings.
● Features
Auto-generated Drawings+Personal Drawing Assistant+Max Artist Control+Max Artist Control+Shortcut Customization
● Compatibility
BMP, PNG, JPG, TGA, and TIFF files can all be imported.
● Popularity
Relatively new to the market but is growing in popularity.
● Operating System
Compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10, or higher.
● Pricing
30-day license $20; Yearlong license $180; Lifelong license $499; Team Plans start at $399 for 4 devices; Perpetual Team Plan $799
● Who is Best For?
Animators looking to work with a more powerful set of tools and are willing to pay for it can opt for Cacani.
● Reviewers say compared to Adobe Animate
An advanced tool provides excellent support for smooth and curve drawings.
● Verdict
A premium tool meant for advanced usage and is excellent for instinctive users and animators.
Strengths
Painting Assistance: You can paint one sequence and your color combination will be carried forward to the next sequence.
Drawing Tools: Simplifies all types of vector drawings.
Stroke Correction: You can correct problems in-between frames.
Weaknesses
Cost-effective for individual use: Teams and businesses may find it a bit above budget.
Cost-effective for individual use: Teams and businesses may find it a bit above budget.
No. 7 Wick Editor
Wick Editor is a free-to-use open-source platform that is great for creating standard flash-based animations. It was incepted with the purpose to provide animators with a free platform equipped with easy-to-use toolkits.
● UI
Wick's interface includes a combination of programming and animation systems using tools like Flash and Scratch and HyperCard.
● Features
Interactive Interface+Browser Operated+Browser Operated+Includes Guides and Tutorials
● Compatibility
Requires third-party assistance to convert wick files to GIF, ZIP or HTML.
● Popularity
Moderately rate by first-time users.
● Operating System
Can run online through browsers like Firefox or Chrome.
● Pricing
Free to use.
● Who is Best For?
Suitable marketing animators and freelancers.
● Reviewers say compared to Adobe Animate
Not as comprehensive as Adobe Animate.
● Verdict
Wick Editor is more suited for animating basic promotions but not meant for professional use.
Strengths
User Friendly: Icons, texts, and labels are enlarged for convenience.
Includes Basic Programming: Combines animation elements with a programming interface.
Export to multiple formats: You can use export wick projects in multiple formats.
Weaknesses
Incompatible with Mobile Devices: It is not available for use on mobile devices.
Incompatible with Mobile Devices: It is not available for use on mobile devices.
No. 8 Blender
Animators who are looking to specialize in 3D animations can get their hands on Blender. It is a highly popular open-source 3D animation software.
● UI
Animators who are looking to specialize in 3D animations can get their hands on Blender. It is a highly popular open-source 3D animation software.
● Features
3D modelling+Raster Graphics Editing+Fluid and Smoke Simulation+Raster Graphics Editing+Rigging & Skinning
● Compatibility
Blender is compatible with a wide range of file formats namely OBJ, 3DS, FBX, STL, PLY and so on.
● Popularity
Blender has an excellent rating of 4.5 on G2.
● Operating System
Compatible for Windows 10 or higher, macOS 10.13 and Linux.
● Pricing
Free to use.
● Who is Best For?
Blender is used by animators worldwide to create professional animation productions.
● Reviewers say compared to Adobe Animate.
Adobe Animate is comparatively easier to use, but Blender is great for small-scale animation businesses.
● Verdict
An excellent diverse animation tool for small-scale studios, freelancers and hobbyists.
Strengths
Sync Sound: Match your audios with your visuals with auto-sync.
Preset Shortcuts: You can memorize a list of hotkeys for convenient use.
Shape Keys: You can add more detail with the help of shape keys like skeletal rigging.
Weaknesses
Complicated User interface: There are dozens of duplicate buttons which uncoordinated.
Glitches: Open source software is known to be glitchy as they lack premium security.
No. 9 Autodesk Maya
Maya is a well-known 3D graphics editor which is absolutely jam-packed with features and functions like 3D animation, rendering, simulation, composting, modeling and visualization. It can be considered the next level in animation after Adobe Animate.
● UI
Maya is a well-known 3D graphics editor which is absolutely jam-packed with features and functions like 3D animation, rendering, simulation, composting, modeling and visualization. It can be considered the next level in animation after Adobe Animate.
● Features
Ready to use graphs+Ready to use graphs+Bifrost Programming Environment+Ocean Simulation Systems+Seamless Import and Export
● Compatibility
Maya can import various file formats, including mayaBinary, mayaLT, mayaAscii, OBJ, audio, EPS, Adobe Illustrator, Image, FBX.
● Popularity
Maya has a standard 4.3 rating on G2.
● Operating System
Compatible with macOS X 10.13, Windows 10 or higher and Linux.
● Pricing
Annual Subscription $1700.
● Who is Best For?
Maya is equipped with a substantial number of features and requires animators to take time learn therefore grooming their animation skills.
● Reviewers say compared to Adobe Animate
Adobe animate has a much more convenient interface when compared to Autodesk Maya but it is more alluring for professional studios.
● Verdict
Autodesk Maya is mighty fine 3D animation software that opens more doors for animators with a keen sense of detail.
Strengths
A complete 3D animation package: Maya hasn't left any stone unturned in terms of features.
One of the best in the Industry: Simple to create any type of animation.
Python API: Convenient for creating plugins and scripts.
Weaknesses
Lacks Convenient Interface: Maya's toolkit is a bit more complex than Animate CC.
No. 10 Filmora Pro
Filmora Pro is an excellent Adobe Animate alternative in terms of convenience, versatility and the variation animation features you can explore on its super intuitive interface.
● UI
Filmora Pro is basically a video editing software with a unique interface that is simple to understand and master.
● Features
Length Adjustment+Gradient Tool+Evaporate+Linear Wipe+Pinwheel
● Compatibility
You can import a wide range of video files like MP4, MOV, WMV, AVI, F4V, MKV, TS, MPEG-2, GIF, MP3 and WEBM.
● Popularity
Filmora Pro is rated at a whopping 4.6 stars.
● Operating System
Compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10, 11, macOS 10.15, 11, 13, 14.
● Pricing
Per Year subscription $51.99; time Purchase $79.99
● Who is Best For?
Filmora Pro from Wondershare is ideal for users, from vloggers and freelancers to hobbyists and professionals.
● Reviewers say compared to Adobe Animate.
According to most reviewers, Filmora Pro has an easier-to-use interface and an abundance of features compared to Adobe Animate CC. Still, it is essentially a video editing software nonetheless.
● Verdict
Filmora Pro is an all-in-one video editing software that offers tons of editing features for all types of videos.
Strengths
Preset Options: You can experiment with a wide range of presets to edit animations quickly.
Easy Media Upload: Filmora supports a wide range of file formats.
4K video: You can also use Filmora to edit 4K videos.
Weaknesses
Lacks Shortcut Options: It may get a bit difficult to navigate on Filmora.
Cartoonish Transitions: Transition between cuts can require extra care.
Part 1 The Most Comprehensive All-round Comparison Among All Alternatives
Tools |
UI |
G2 Rating |
OS |
Pricing |
| Krita | Versatile | 4.3 | Windows 8 or higher, macOS X 10.12 and Linux | Free |
| Open Toonz | Compartmentalized | 4.1 | MacOS X 10.9, Windows 7 or higher | Free |
| Toon Boom | Instinctive | 4.7 | Windows 7 & 10, macOS High Sierra, Catalina, Mojave | Basic – $25/month; Advanced - $63/month; Premium - $115/month |
| TVPaint Animation | Comprehensive | 5 | Windows, macOS X, Android and Linux. | Standard Version – €500; Pro Version – €1250 |
| Synfig Studio | Versatile | 5 | Windows 7 and above, macOS X 10.8 and Linux | Free |
| Cacani | Effortless | NIL | Windows 7, 8, 10 or higher | 30-day license $20; Yearlong license $180; Lifelong license $499; Team Plans start at $399 for 4 devices; Perpetual Team Plan $799 |
| Wick Editor | Hybrid | NIL | Firefox or Chrome. | Free |
| Blender | Changing | 4.5 | Windows 10 or higher, macOS 10.13 and Linux. | Free |
| Maya | Comprehensive | 4.3 | MacOS X 10.13, Windows 10 or higher and Linux. | Annual Subscription $1700 |
| Filmora Pro | Versatile | 4.6 | Windows 7, 8, 10, 11, macOS 10.15, 11, 13, 14. | Yearly – $51.99; One Time –$79.99 |
Wondershare Filmora - Best Video Editor for Mac/Windows
5,481,435 people have downloaded it.
Build unique custom animations without breaking a sweat.
Focus on creating epic stories and leave the details to Filmora's auto features.
Start a creative adventure with drag & drop effects and endless possibilities.
Filmora simplifies advanced features to save you time and effort.
Filmora cuts out repetition so you can move on to your next creative breakthrough.
Key Takeaways from This Episode
● There are dozens of free and paid animation software out there, but only a few are ideal Adobe Animate Alternatives.
● Adobe Animate is one of the best 2D and 3D animation software in the market, with versatile tools and many plug-in options.
● You need a monthly or yearly subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud to use Animate CC, which is why we have complied a list of the best Adobe Animate Alternatives.
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