To design and create animated videos quickly, design software is essential. Usually, you need to pay the manufacturer for the perfect experience.
To help you save time and money while still having handy creative tools, I searched and tested much different free software. After a long time, I have selected the top ten free software.
These reviews below will give you a lot of value in choosing and using tools. Let’s read on to discover!
1. Powtoon
Specifications
- Discussions Powtoon Community
- Platform: Windows.
Key Features
If you are looking for a short video and animation editing software, then Powtoon is the most reasonable choice. Specifically, I edited a short video for my family after a field trip. What surprised me the most was that in just 2 minutes, I created a high-quality product thanks to the software’s wide range of features.
Although the interface has many features, I can control everything very quickly. For an inexperienced person like me, Powtoon is easy to use for the first time.
The parts contain captions with text and images to make it easy for me to make the right choice.
For the manufacturer Powtoon, innovation is an indispensable factor. Although sometimes the software still has some basic errors, such as slow updating and editing, Powtoon promises to improve and complete it comprehensively.
Price: Free.
Website Link: https://www.powtoon.com/
Pros
- Ease of use
- Wide range of features
- User-friendly interface
- High-performance maker
Cons
- It sometimes gets lag
2. Animaker
Specifications
- Discussions Official Animaker Community
- Platform: Windows, macOS
Key Features
If you are new to creating videos, specifically animated videos, then Animaker is a tool that is not to be missed.
Accordingly, the tools in the interface are far apart, making my search more accessible than ever. I don’t need any help from experienced video editors.
The manufacturer also provides users with a series of sample suggestions. Based on that, I have more ideas for my product. Nowadays, it is difficult for me to find any free software that offers such comprehensive features.
Yet, using this website has consumed a lot of resources on my computer. If your device does not have enough space, using Animaker will not be possible.
Price: Free.
Website Link: https://www.animaker.com
Pros
- Free to use
- Various tools Variety
- of templates and videos
- Tool location is easy for newbies
Cons
- It takes up a lot of space
3. Vyond
Specifications
- Discussions Vyond Community
- Platform: Windows, macOS
Key Features
With Vyond, I am confident about the security of the website. Accordingly, my data has not had any signs of intrusion in more than two years of using Vyond.
Moreover, Vyond also allows users to use background music freely. Thanks to that, my animated videos have come to life like never before.
Another plus point is that the software control team of this website works quite professionally. Since then, I don’t have to worry about lag during peak times.
Yet, I encountered minor problems accessing the collaboration mode with family and teams. Specifically, the video has a repetitive phenomenon. Very quickly after that, everything was back to normal, and my data was still intact.
Price: Free.
Website Link: https://www.vyond.com
Pros
- High Security
- Free Music
- Allowing Massive Access
- Good Service Attitude
Cons
- Not too smooth in collaborative mode
4. Renderforest
Specifications
- Discussions Renderforest Community
- Platform: Windows
Key Features
Thanks to the professionalism that Renderforest provides, my videos have become more engaging. The first is the ability to export unlimited videos at up to 360p quality. Until now, finding software with quality parameters like Renderforest is not easy.
Besides offering me quality suggestions for video creation, this maker also provides features like designing a logo and navigating a website. Obviously, with just one website, I have a lot of options in terms of content creation.
The publishing of results is especially speedy. According to the results I measured, the time this website runs is twice as short as other current models. If the producer gives more music options, then Renderforest is much better.
Price: Free.
Website Link: https://www.renderforest.com
Pros
- Easy export
- Quick selection
- Many reference templates
- More features to choose
Cons
- Not many songs to consider
5. 3ds Max Design
Specifications
- Discussions 3ds Max Design Community
- Platform: Windows
Key Features
With character design, flexibility and unlimited features are essential. Accordingly, you are free to create any image you desire.
During the testing phase of this software, I am satisfied with the browsers that the publisher allows the user to control. Everything is smoother than I imagined.
Not only I but also my colleagues also rate the control experience very well. In short, I can do unstructured freedom.
In essence, 3D configuration is sophisticated, so the software that is difficult to use is also a factor. If you love designing your characters in 3D, I highly recommend you learn and practice manipulating this model.
Price: Free trial
Website Link: https://www.autodesk.com/products/3ds-max/free-trial
Pros
- Flexible controls
- Sophisticated
- Professional design
- Fully Equipped effect
Cons
- Difficult to Use
6. KeyShot
Specifications
- Discussions KeyShot community
- Platform: Windows, macOS
Key Features
So far, designing 3D is one of the problems that many people are afraid of because of the difficulty of the design software.
I have always sought models to support 3D rendering for people with the most straightforward interface to solve this situation.
Finding KeyShot was a blessing for me. Indeed, this application will not make it difficult for you to operate. The problem is only in the idea.
After more than two months of use, I am now quite confident in my creativity. All thanks to the fast rendering speed of the site, which helps me a lot with inspiration and emotional connection.
My only suggestion is that the manufacturer updates the texture adjustment and allows user personalization so I can more freely arrange the interface to suit me better.
Price: Free.
Website Link: https://www.keyshot.com
Pros
- Easy to use
- Clean interface
- Auto positioning
- Fast rendering
Cons
- I can’t edit the texture
7. Moovly
Specifications
- Discussions Moovly Community
- Platform: Windows.
Key Features
Moovly is famous for software that allows users to operate on a massive set of cloud capacities. Accordingly, I can easily sync the data together. Now, I can manage the production system very professionally and closely.
The drag-and-drop interface for accessing the website is also high-speed and responsive. The entire drag-and-drop process takes less than a minute.
In addition, this tool allows me to use voice-to-text and incorporate subtitles in my videos. On the downside, my device had a slight stutter during graphics zooming, but after that, everything was back to normal.
Price: Free.
Website Link: https://www.moovly.com
Pros
- Big cloud data
- Easy synchronization
- Easy drag & drop
- Excellent features
Cons
- It still has errors in image zooming
8. Cinema 4D
Specifications
- Discussions KeyShot community
- Platform: Windows.
Key Features
If you expect a lot from software that provides features and information so that you can operate efficiently, then you can consider Cinema 4D.
With the 4D interface, I got myself super realistic images. You may think the idea is real if you stand from a distance.
Another advantage is that Cinema 4D still retains a similar adjustment to 3D, the software only upgrades other 4D elements, so my navigation is straightforward.
If publishers allow the collaboration of many people in a product, it will be much better.
Price: Free.
Website Link: https://www.maxon.net/en/cinema-4d
Pros
- Easy to convert
- Configuration
- Realistic interface
- Helpful knowledge for users
Cons
- No common working mode
9. Modo
Specifications
- Discussions Modo Community
- Platform: Windows.
Key Features
Next is a model characterized by advanced modeling and modeling tools that allow you to work on 2D and 3D interfaces. Besides, Modo also supports my company’s employees to link together in creating an image.
In terms of time, thanks to the seamless rendering, modeling is very smooth. Overall, I save a lot of time on a design with Modo.
The part I don’t like is that, at some point, the playback of the images for me to re-evaluate is relatively slow. Thanks to the enthusiastic support team, the circuit breaker problem was gone.
Price: Free.
Website Link: https://www.foundry.com/products/modo
Pros
- Workflow modeling
- Fast modeling
- Seamless rendering
- Wide range of extensive modeling tools
Cons
- Slow image playback
10. Harmony
Specifications
- Discussions Harmony Community
- Platform: Windows.
Key Features
Finally, I will mention to you software about professional effects. As a result, the recent animations I’ve created are much more advanced and outstanding. For example, my shadows are more natural and connect to the photo.
Besides, cutting and deleting only take me a single operation. Regarding the crop ratio, I am pleased that the software suggested them. This website also allows you to combine 2D and 3D graphics to create various products.
What’s more, Harmony also provides a learning system and free materials. Due to a large number of users, I cannot always access this source of information.
Price: Free.
Website Link: https://www.toonboom.com/products/harmony
Pros
- Simple shading
- Allow cutouts
- Integrate 2D and 3D
- Create professional animations
Cons
- Hard to access the learning system
Buying Guide
In addition to the above practical experiences, I will also give you the expertise and knowledge to make the most suitable choices. Here is the most core information that you should refer to.
Preloaded templates
One of the fastest ways to create images or videos is to use preloaded templates from the manufacturer. Most of them are allowed to be used, so you don’t have to worry about copyright issues.
For me, ignoring the built-in template was a big mistake. Sure, it will take you longer. Work smart.
2D or 3D features
Depending on your image needs, you will have different configuration options. I will suggest two methods, 2D and 3D. Both are basic options that I’ve used a lot.
With 2D, I usually go for primary and mass drafts. In case I need delicate and realistic images, 3D is always my priority. For sure, 3D configuring will require a bit more skill than 2D.
Drawing tools
In case you want a product with softness and creativity, you should not give up the drawing tool. Overall, you won’t need to do too many operations to be assured of this tool’s performance.
Note that the drawing tool allows you to perform internal and external tasks, so use this tool more flexibly to get different results.
Compatibility
One of the grave mistakes that many people make while using editing software is skipping the device compatibility check. Therefore, it is natural that it takes a lot of time without bringing results.
To overcome the above situation, before using, please spend about 5 minutes checking the parameters from the manufacturer.
Complexity
The complexity will depend on the version you use. If you are inexperienced, then free software is the wisest choice. Accordingly, the features and the website’s configuration are more straightforward for you to learn and use.
In simple tasks, I always encourage you to use models that are easy to manipulate to avoid wasting time unnecessarily.
Import/export features
Like the complexity, the import and export features will also vary between software. To avoid falling into data loss due to incorrect input and output, please refer to the instructions before starting to operate.
One of the following safety measures is to save the file to various locations on your computer so that you will have a timely replacement.
Conclusion
With the list above, each brand will have a different configuration and characteristics. To choose effectively, you need to consider your needs as well as your capabilities.
For example, if you are someone with long experience in creating characters, 3ds Max Design is the best fit for you. In case you don’t have any experience, simple software like KeyShot is a perfect choice. Thank you for reading!