10 Best Animation Software For Kids To Have Fun

Do you have a creative kid at home who loves to imagine and dream up new worlds? If your kids love to draw and are always doodling away, why not show them how to turn their art into animation?

Making cartoons is an excellent way for children to exercise their creativity. And there is now a wide range of free animation software specifically for kids. 

Here are ten of the best animation makers for kids.

Key Takeaways:

• Encourage children who love to draw and imagine by introducing them to animation.
• Engage imaginative children by showing them how their drawings can be turned into animated stories.
• Animation software designed for kids is readily available and free, empowering young minds to bring their imaginations to life.

 

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1. Adobe Character Animator

This animation maker creates animations using your facial expressions and movements. It’s a lot of fun, and it’s also effortless to use.

Basically, you need to create a character and record yourself performing various actions. And then, this premium animation software will animate those recordings.

You can use Adobe Animator to create animated videos and full-length movies. And the best part is that you don’t need any prior experience with animation or Adobe software to use it. 

So, this animation software is one of the best ways for your kids to create animated characters.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to using this animation software:

1. Create your character in Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator.
2. Once you have your character ready, open up the Character Animator. Click on the Create New Scene button.
3. Select your character file in the New Scene window and click Open.
4. Record your animation by clicking on the Record button.
5. Begin performing your animation. The Character Animator will track your movements and facial expressions. Translate them into the corresponding actions for your character.
6. When you’re finished recording, click on the Stop button.
7. Click on the Export button and select the desired file format.
8. Export your animation and share it with others.

Key Features

• Intuitive interface. This animation software is user-friendly. So, your kids will be up and animating your characters in no time.
• Advanced puppeteering. Character Animator lets your kids realistically control their characters’ movements.
• Lip syncing. This animation maker lip syncs animation based on audio input. Or you can manually create it yourself.
• Real-time collaboration. With Adobe’s Creative Cloud, you can work on projects with other animators in real-time.

Pros

Cons

Easy to use. Even if you’re new to animation, you can create professional-looking animations. The interface is easy to navigate. And there’s a wealth of tutorials and guides available online to help you get started. Versatile. Your kids can use this animation software for video editing. They could use it for shorter social media animations and longer films and TV episodes. Also, this tool is compatible with other Adobe products. Affordable. Adobe Animator is more affordable than many other character animation tools. It’s an excellent option for budget-conscious animators. Customization Options. Your kids can change your character’s clothes, hair, and skin colour. They can also add props and accessories to help bring their character to life. Shareable. Your kids can export it as a video or GIF file and share it online. And they can create live broadcasts, perfect for streaming.

Stiff. It can sometimes produce stiff or unnatural-looking movements.

2. Stop Motion Studio

Stop Motion Studio is a powerful, easy-to-use Stop Motion Animation app. It’s perfect for creating stunning animations with ease.

The interface is intuitive and easy to use. You can also add text, images, sound, and video to your animation.

Here’s a quick guide on using this animation software for kids.

1. First, you need to gather your materials. You’ll need something to animate, like Lego bricks or clay figures.
2. Get a device to record your animation, like a phone or tablet. 
3. Open Stop Motion Studio and create a new project.
4. Set up your scene however you like.
5. Place your figures and props in position, and then hit Record. The app will capture a frame of your scene every time you press the button.
6. Once you’ve recorded all the frames you want, it’s time to add some finishing touches.
7. When you’re happy with your creation, hit save.

Key Features

• Simple user interface. You don’t need to be a filmmaker or an animator to make excellent stop motion videos with Stop Motion Studio. This animation software’s intuitive interface makes it easier to create beautiful videos.
• Create videos in minutes. With its library of built-in objects, you can start creating videos right away. There’s no need to spend hours designing your own sets and props.
• Powerful. Stop Motion Studio has all the features to make professional-quality stop motion movies. You can add music, sound effects, titles, and more.
• Affordable. This animation software is one of the most affordable stop motion software packages.
• Built-in video tutorials. This tutorial will walk you through the basics of creating a stop-motion video. The tutorials include setting up your camera and adding transitions and effects.
• Smooth transitions between frames. With the software’s onion-skinning feature, you can preview multiple platforms. It’s also easy to line up your shots and create more professional-looking videos.

 

Pros

Cons

With the Stop Motion Studio app, it’s easy to get started. It’s very user-friendly and easy to navigate. The app comes with a wide range of features that make creating stop motion animation a breeze. You can easily customize frames, like adding and deleting frames, changing the frame rate, and adding effects like zoom and pan. There’s a handy built-in camera so you can capture your creations directly from the app. If you need any help, there’s an extensive online help centre. It teaches children about animation and filmmaking that will enhance their animation skills. It saves you time as you don’t have to learn complex software or spend hours editing your films.

You need to manually capture frames, resulting in choppy animations that lack fluidity. It can be challenging to achieve consistent lighting throughout an animation. You need to adjust the lighting for each frame manually. Sometimes, the animation could look amateurish or unfinished.

3. SVGator

SVGator is an online animation tool for creating and exporting animations in SVG format. 

With SVGator, you can create SVG animations with just a few clicks. There’s no need to code or use any other software.

Plus, the interface is simple and easy to use. You can export animations in various formats, including GIF, MP4, and HTML5. 

This animation software is also perfect for adding an extra level of interactivity. 

To use this tool, you should:

1. Download the program from svgator.com.
2. Unzip the file you have downloaded.
3. Install the program by following the on-screen instructions.
4. Once the installation is complete, launch SVGator.
5. Choose the Create new animation option from the main menu.
6. Click Import SVG and select the file you want to animate.
7. Add keyframes by clicking on the Add keyframe button.
8. Select the frame you want to edit and make your changes.
9. Preview your animation by clicking on the Play button.
10. Export your animation as an MP4 or GIF file by clicking on the Export button.

Key Features

• A library of pre-built and customizable shapes and illustrations
• Advanced vector drawing tools for creating your shapes
• The ability to animate multiple elements simultaneously
• A timeline for precise control over your animations
• Export options for creating responsive animations that look great on any device

Pros	Cons
It’s user-friendly and intuitive, even if you’re new to SVG animation. The range of features on offer is impressive yet still manageable. A vast online community is always willing to help with any questions. The results look professional and polished. You can export your animations as HTML5 or GIFs, meaning you can use them on various platforms.	It can be tricky to get started. You may find the interface confusing unless you’re already familiar with vector graphics. It’s not the cheapest option out there. SVGator is a premium tool which comes with a premium price tag. There are some limitations to design customization. For example, you can’t create gradients or complex shapes with SVGator.

 

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4. Synfig

Synfig is a powerful open-source 2D animation software for producing high-quality animations. 

The software is straightforward, and it offers a wide range of features. With that, it is perfect for both amateur and professional animators.

One of the most appealing things about Synfig is that it is entirely free to download and use. 

Plus, the software constantly has new features and improvements. So there is always something new to explore.

Here’s a quick rundown on using Synfig:

1. Download and install Synfig.
2. After installing, open the program and create a new project.
3. Set the frame rate to 24 frames per second and the canvas size to HD 1920×1080.
4. Click on File and go to New Layer, then click Vector to create a new vector layer.
5. Draw your character using the pen tool.
6. If you want to add colour, click on Layer, go to Properties, and then select the Colour tab.
7. To animate your character, select the keyframes you want to change.
8. Then click on Animate and go to Add Keyframe.
9. Change the position, rotation, or scale of your character.
10. Click on Animate, then Apply Changes.
11. To preview your animation, click on File and Export.
12. Select the format you want to export your animation, then save it.

Key Features

• A comprehensive set of animation software tools. Synfig provides all the advanced tools to create vector graphics. It includes pencils, brushes, erasers, and path editors.
• Support for multiple layers. With Synfig, you can work on multiple layers simultaneously. By doing so, you easily create complex animations.
• A rich selection of features. This animation software also offers advanced features, like gradient meshes and filters.
• An intuitive interface. Synfig’s interface is intuitive and easy to use, even if you’re new to vector graphics.

 

Pros	Cons
Open-source Free to download and use Cross-platform compatibility Powerful vector drawing tools Flexible timeline Good export options Easy-to-use keyframe system	It doesn’t have as many features as commercial programs. Occasional bugs and crashes Rendering can be slow. The learning curve can be steep.

5. Videoscribe

Videoscribe is a fun and easy way to create engaging animated videos. Plus, there’s no need for any prior experience or knowledge of animation.

Here’s how to use Videoscribe for your animation videos:

1. Choose your topic. Decide what you want to communicate in your video. Doing so will help you choose the right images and messages to include.
2. Gather your materials. You’ll need some images and videos to work for your animation. You can find these online or use your photos and videos.
3. Create your storyboard. It will help you visualise your video and plan out each scene.
4. Record your voiceover. The audio will guide viewers through your video. Be sure to practise beforehand so that you sound natural and confident.
5. Add music and sound effects. These can bring your video to life. Just be sure to choose sounds complementing your voiceover and visuals.
6. Render your video. This step will create the final file that you can share with the world.

Key Features

• User-friendly interface. It’s easy to use, even for those with no video editing experience. The user-friendly interface makes it simple to create videos without any headaches.
• Tons of features. Videoscribe has many features, such as adding text and images and subtracting objects. You can also add music and sound effects to customise your video further.

 

Pros	Cons
Videoscribe is easy to use. You don’t need any video editing experience to use it. It’s a great way to add an extra layer of interest and engagement to your videos. You can create videos quickly with Videoscribe, which is great if you’re on a tight deadline. The finished product always looks professional and polished.	If you’re not careful, your video could look like a PowerPoint presentation. The videos can be formulaic in their structure since they follow a linear path. Because they’re so easy to make, there’s a danger of ending up with too many videos that are similar in style and tone.

6. Toon Boom Harmony

Professionals use this software to create high-quality animations for television, movies, and games. The software has various features that allow animators to create hybrid animations. 

It also supports multiple file formats for easy sharing of files.

To use it, here are the steps:

1. Download the software from the official Toon Boom website.
2. If you want to use the trial version, create an account. Otherwise, enter your product key to activate the software.
3. Start by creating a new project file. You can name it and choose the dimensions of your work area.
4. To create a new layer, click on the Layer menu and select New Layer. 
5. Draw your assets on this layer.
6. Once satisfied with your assets, go to the Timeline menu and create a new scene.
7. In the scene, you can add your assets and animate them. To do this, select an asset and click on the Add button in the lower-left corner of the screen.
8. Select the Frame menu and choose an animation type from the list to animate your asset.
9. Render your animation by going to the File menu and selecting Render.

Key Features

• It features vector-based drawing tools that provide greater control and flexibility over line art.
• It has advanced rigging tools for the efficient creation of character setups.
• It includes a layer-based approach to animation.
• It contains a comprehensive set of audio tools, such as sound effects and dialogue.

Pros	Cons
Ability to create high-quality animations Wide range of features and tools Flexibility and customizability Good customer support	Can be expensive The learning curve can be steep. Some features can be challenging to use, especially for kids.

7. Digicel Flipbook

The Digicel Flipbook is a fun and easy way to create animated videos. It’s perfect for creating short clips to share with friends or family. 

And best of all, it’s free.

Also, the app is simple to use. Just do the following:

1. Shoot a short video.
2. Select a theme, and add some animations.
3. You can also add music or sound effects to make your video even more fun.

Key Features

• Creates animated videos with fun music and sound effects
• Quick and easy to use, especially for on-the-go digital content
• Affordable and easy on the pockets

 

Pros	Cons
Digicel Flipbook is an easy and quick way to create digital content. It’s affordable, so there’s no need for expensive hardware or software.	It doesn’t offer the same features and functionality as more sophisticated creation tools.

8. Pencil 2D

Pencil2D is a program for drawing, animating, and creating graphics. The software is available on Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. 

Key Features

• Supports vector and bitmap graphics for versatility
• Frame-by-frame animation editor so you can go into the smallest details
• Various pens and brushes so you can create artwork with ease

 

Pros	Cons
Pencil2D has a simple interface that is easy to use, even for beginners. The software supports bitmap and vector graphics. The software includes a frame-by-frame animation editor for smooth animations. It has an extensive brush library that offers various options for creating artwork.	It can be hard to control the line thickness. The program doesn’t have a vibrant colour palette, limiting creativity. Pencil 2D can be slow and resource-intensive, especially when working with large files.

9. Blender

Blender is a powerful software for 3D images and animations. With its comprehensive set of features, it is perfect for all users. 

Key Features

• A powerful rendering engine
• Advanced modelling tools
• A flexible particle system
• Support for Physics-based simulations

Pros	Cons
Blender is versatile. This tool is an excellent option for animators who want to do everything in one program. There are no subscription fees and no licensing costs.	Blender can be pretty complex and challenging to learn. It has a steep learning curve, especially for children. There’s no official customer support available.

10. Opentoonz

If you’re looking for 2D animation software, Opentoonz is a superb option. This tool has all the features you need to create high-quality animations. 

Plus, it constantly has new features and improvements.

Key Features

• Free for all, and no subscription fees required
• Works on different types of software

Pros	Cons
Opentoonz is entirely free to use. Opentoonz is highly compatible with other software.	Opentoonz can be tricky to learn. Opentoonz can be quite resource-intensive.

With all these best animation software, remember to take the time to choose the one that’s best suited for your kid’s abilities.

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