Program for fast animation. The best programs for creating cartoons

Cartoons, animation and videos are a favorite direction for many viewers, for which they should be grateful programs for creating animation. It is quite difficult to evaluate and compare applications, but it is possible based on functionality, material processing speed, convenience and efficiency of tools. Taking into account research by professional animators and user reviews, we were able to identify a number of the most interesting applications in this direction.

Blender

Programs for drawing animation are used everywhere and many fans prefer Blender because of its wide functionality and capabilities.

It has everything you need to work:

• professional animators;
• artists;
• VFX specialists;
• game developers;
• students, etc.

Blender has free access and an easy-to-understand interface with code for creating 3D models. The program has many functions for image processing, creating models, forming textures, various lighting, etc. Thanks to its compatibility with all platforms, the application is used all over the world.

CrazyTalk

CrazyTalk is included in 3D animation programs with a specific direction. It does not have functions for shaping the terrain, there are no built-in powerful movement algorithms, etc. The main advantage is the accuracy of detailing of facial features; moreover, the application can generate emotions and allows you to create an initial mood. Without much difficulty, the developer can change the mood of the character and adjust the behavior of the algorithm to suit his needs.

Among the functions:

• transferring a character from a photograph to electronic form;
• has many possibilities for adding accessories, hats and hairstyles;
• allows you to create unique audio recordings and add them to the project being developed. The application compares sounds, facial expressions and lip movements;
• Based on the points, you can make any adjustments to the animation.

For easier development of the program, a built-in short course for training, it discusses the intricacies of work.

Modo

Modo provides 2D and 3D animation programs with an emphasis on more advanced 3D modeling algorithms. Inside, there are ample opportunities for creating a model, for drawing picturesque landscapes and sculpting. Distinctive feature is a unique design and the presence of only the necessary tools.

Designers and artists will benefit the most. After using Modo, the difference between real photo and graphics.

ZBrush

The utility has acquired target audience mainly in a professional environment due to the high cost of the license, but due to the flexibility and simplicity of the interface it can be used with a small number of skills. The logical construction of tools and proper processing are the main advantages of ZBrush.

Everything exists in the program necessary tools to work out all the drawings down to the smallest elements. The popularity of the solution was increased after the release of the well-known film “Pirates of the Caribbean”. ZBrush allowed me to create a face for the dead captain.

The positive aspects are not limited to the quality of detail:

• a huge set of paints and brushes;
• special modeling principle;
• 3D simulation;
• a number of auxiliary modules for specific requirements;
• moderate PC performance requirements.

The main disadvantage is the difficulty of mastering due to the huge number of options, but the undemanding nature of the software allows it to be used on 32-bit Windows.

Express Animate

This is a worthy representative of a small group of free programs for creating animation and working with slide shows. Among the program's functions you can find all the basic and most important tools, as well as ample opportunities for editing the selected area. Using the utility, you can easily convert various pictures and animations in videos. Photographers love creating collages.

Features of the application include:

• editor function with division by frames;
• easy and trouble-free implementation of simple movements and projects;
• large selection of special effects;
• conversion to various formats;
• support for background sounds;
• function of processing data in large volumes.

Anime Studio Pro

Good for 2D animation. The application has developed a library with unified characters and elements. With its help, you can easily create short and long films. It stands out clearly among other functions and programs, as there are many tools for forming the background and working out the details. Thanks to the modern and logical interface, it will not be difficult a lot of work understand the program.

Anime Studio is often used due to its support for many formats and high-quality work with animation created in other development environments. The disadvantage can be considered a lack of capabilities for working with 3D, but this can be corrected due to compatibility with the Unity 3D platform.

Basic characteristics:

• built-in container with a number of special effects and various filters;
• you can export files to high resolution– HD;
• functions for vector animation;
• availability of blanks;
• innovative mechanism for working with personnel;
• import PSD from Photoshop;
• regular and high-quality updates.

Toon Boom Harmony

This is a program for creating animation in Russian, which is actively used by leading animation developers - Disney and Warner Bros. The main advantage is the network development method, so many people can work on one project at once, this makes communication easier and speeds up the process.

Additionally, the utility works well with layers, providing convenient and smooth transitions in scenes. It is developed in English, but has a localization; most developers will not find it useful due to its simple interface.

There is one significant drawback - a heavy load on the computer, you need to have advanced equipment, otherwise the hardware will not withstand the load or will overheat.

Features include:

• functionality for network work;
• a variety of tools for high-quality animation;
• many special effects;
• 2D to 3D conversion;
• you can create any ideas;
• supports import and export.

iClone Pro

High-quality implementation of even bold ideas becomes possible thanks to the iClone Pro application. The complex for professional developers consists of a wide range of functions and has a range of tools for working with characters, terrain, landscape shells, etc.

The key advantage is the realistic movements; the program can imitate behavior real person. For this purpose, Kinect technology is built into the complex; Microsoft Corporation was involved in its development.

Basic characteristics:

• high power for 3D animation;
• built-in database with templates;
• a unique system for recognizing and predicting movements;
• compatibility with 2D editors;
• high quality of drawing;
• detailed appearance of the character, which is difficult to distinguish from the real one.

All listed options will allow you to create any animation, regardless of complexity, but professionals often use about 2-3 programs. It is recommended to select several programs and intensively delve into working with them.

If you still have questions on the topic “Review of the 8 best programs for creating animation,” you can ask them in the comments

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If you are interested in a program for creating cartoons, then you have come to the right place.

Applications and programs that work with animation and video are constantly evolving.

Their number is increasing every day, as are their capabilities.

Previously, it was difficult to imagine that a cartoon could be made at home. Now it is possible.

Among the masses of people suitable for this role, we have selected the top 5 most popular, multifunctional and at the same time easy to use utilities.

iClone Pro

One of the leading utilities that contains full spectrum working with animation. Using iClone tools you can create not only characters, but also work out the landscape and textures different sizes.

Its functions allow you to create a full-fledged cartoon even without any skills or prior knowledge in this environment. Along with it, a wide library of details is offered, which contains various blanks that will simplify the work on initial stage.

Please note: iClone supports the Kinect option developed by Microsoft. It allows you to transform the actions of living people directly into an animation project. All you have to do is capture the necessary movements on camera.

Among the advantages are:

• the ability to adjust the transparency of created parts;
• the presence of the FaceTrix option, which allows you to convert a regular photo into a 3D model;
• elaboration of textures down to the most minimal details.

As for the minuses, there is only one, but quite serious. It is free only for the first month of use, then it requires payment for both subsequent months and for proposed updates.

Toon Boom Harmony

It is actively used by such film industry giants as Walt Disney and Warner Bros. They set it apart from the rest due to the presence network mode. It allows a group of people to work on one project or even a scene at once, which greatly speeds up the process of creating a video and makes it better and more thoughtful.

In addition, Toon Boom Harmony supports working with layers, allows you to create smooth transitions between different scenes, has an image capture function with a camera, and many others. The interface is simple, but requires at least minimal knowledge English language, because it has not yet been translated into Russian. Cash payment after trial period an order of magnitude lower than previous application.

The utility is leading and forces developers to rely on its functionality, but at the same time it has a minus. A huge number of possibilities greatly affects the computer. If it is not equipped with the latest technical requirements, there may be problems with overheating of the video card and processor.

Anime Studio Pro

Unlike others presented in the review, Anime Studio is not replete with its capabilities in working with 3D objects. However, this completely compensates for its functionality, which allows you to do vector animation on high level.

It is the best option when creating cartoons in the anime genre, which is what it is aimed at. Libraries with ready-made characters and basic textures are connected to it, and in addition there are a lot of scripts.

One of the key advantages of the program is pairing with other software. Using Anime Studio, you can easily import and export templates PSD format and even share created textures or finished scenes with those who worked in a completely different development environment.

Please note: when you add an audio track to a scene, characters are automatically enabled to move their lips.

Among the shortcomings is the fact that it has not yet been translated into Russian. There are a lot of crackers on the Internet, but they are usually superficial and only change some menu items. On the other hand, there are many video tutorials on this software on YouTube, and if desired, you can easily master it.

ZBrush

The application is appreciated both among professionals and among beginners. Its interface is very clear and flexible, and the list of options is built logically, which simplifies the work on creating animation. The ability to draw any object down to the smallest detail is why it is so loved and popular.

A well-known fact connects the utility with the full-length film “Pirates of the Caribbean”. At one time, it was used to create tentacles on the face of Davy Jones, which repeatedly made viewers shudder just by looking at them, they were so realistically created.

The positive aspects include:

• wide selection of brushes and paints;
• unique functions in building models that are not available in other options;
• imitation of the creation of 3D models;
• maximum detail;
• availability additional modules;
• relative requirements for computer capabilities.

If we talk about the difficulties when working with it, then the user will take a lot of time to study all the options that ZBrush provides. But on the other hand, the software is so undemanding that it can easily be installed on 32-bit systems, for which you can find good options among the most recent - a great rarity.

We all love to watch bright, kind cartoons that immerse us in the atmosphere of a fairy tale. But how are these cartoons created? This is a long and labor-intensive process, in which a large team of professionals takes part. But there are many programs with which you can also create your own cartoon with unique characters and an exciting plot.

In this article we will look at a list of programs for creating 2D and 3D cartoons. Here you will find software for both beginners and professionals. Let's get started!

One of the most powerful and popular programs for working with 3D images and animation - Autodesk Maya. This program is very often used by film industry professionals. Naturally, you should download it only if you have some experience with such programs.

Autodesk Maya has a huge set of tools, which is why it is so popular. With its help, you can create realistic three-dimensional models using sculpting tools. The program also calculates the behavior of materials and creates the dynamics of soft and hard bodies.

You can also create characters with realistic animation and movement in Autodesk Maya. You can assign any model element to any body element. You will be able to control every limb and every joint of the character.
Although the program is quite difficult to master, this is compensated by the presence large quantity educational material.

Despite the high cost of the software, Autodesk Maya is the most advanced program for creating 3D cartoons.

MODO

Another powerful program for creating cartoons on a computer, which is popular due to its speed. MODO has a large set of tools for modeling and sculpting, and also has complete standard libraries that can always be supplemented with your own materials.

A special feature of MODO is the ability to completely customize the program for yourself. You can create your own toolboxes and assign hotkeys to them. You can also create your own custom brushes and save them in libraries.

If we talk about visualization of models, then in terms of image quality MODO does not lag behind Autodesk Maya. On at the moment The program has one of the best Visualizers for creating realistic pictures. Rendering can take place either automatically or under user control.

On the official MODO website you can find a trial version of the software, which has no restrictions other than time - 30 days. The program is also difficult to learn and the training material on the Internet is only available in English.

Toon Boom Harmony is the undisputed leader among animation software. The program is designed primarily for working with 2D graphics and has a large number interesting tools that make your work much easier.

For example, a tool such as “Bones” allows you to create character movements and control every element of the model’s body. With it, you can animate a character without breaking it into separate sectors, which saves time.

Another feature of the program is the True Pencil mode, where you can scan drawings from tracing paper. And in general, the drawing process in Toon Boom Harmony has been greatly simplified. For example, automatic smoothing and connecting lines, pressure control and the ability to adjust each line allow you to create truly high-quality drawings.

Despite the fact that the program is very demanding system resources computer, you should definitely pay attention to it.

CrazyTalk is a fun facial animation program that can be used to make any image or photograph “speak.” Despite the simplicity of the program, it is often used in their work by professionals.

CrazyTalk does not have much functionality. Here you simply load an image and prepare it for animation. If you do not have a suitable image, the program prompts you to take a photo from your webcam. Then you download the audio recording, overlay it on the video, and the program itself creates the speech animation. Audio can also be recorded from a microphone. Ready!

The program has standard libraries in which you can find ready-made models, audio recordings, as well as facial elements that can be superimposed on the image. Although the libraries are small, you can add them yourself or download them ready materials from the Internet.

One more interesting program— Anime Studio Pro. Here you can also create your own full-fledged 2D cartoon. The peculiarity of the program is that it tries to make the user's work easier. There are a number of special tools and functions for this.

For example, if you don't want to manually draw each character, you can use standard Editor and assemble a character from ready-made elements. You can also finish drawing a character made in the editor manually.

Anime Studio Pro also has a Bones tool that you can use to create character movements. By the way, the program also has ready-made scripts animations of some movements. For example, you don't have to draw a step animation, since you can use a ready-made script.

In general, the program is suitable for users who have already dealt with animation and similar programs. But even for a novice user, you can find a bunch of tutorials.

Pencil is probably the most simple program for drawing cartoons. The familiar Paint interface makes it easy to create animations. Here you will not find such a variety of tools as in the above programs, but you will definitely get the hang of it quickly.

The program supports working with multiple layers and frame-by-frame animation. That is, you need to draw each frame by hand. To create an animation, move the time bar slider and select the desired frame. Nothing could be easier!

Why is the program better than others similar to it? And the fact that the only one completely free program on this list. Of course, Pencil is not suitable for large projects, but small short cartoons can be drawn here. This good choice for beginners!

Plastic Animation Paper is a program that is one large canvas for drawing. She has a large number tools than Penсil, but also very simple and straightforward. The program has a more advanced image editor.

To create animation, you need to draw each frame manually or copy it from the previous one. For convenience, there is a sketch mode in which, while drawing the next frame, you can see the previous frames. This will help make the animation smoother.

With Anime Studio Pro it is convenient to create simple short 2D cartoons, but for more major projects you should contact more powerful programs. This program is worth starting to learn how to draw animations.

It is impossible to say which of the reviewed programs is better. Each person will determine for himself what is more convenient and interesting for him. All the programs on this list have their own unique set of tools, but they still have something in common - without special software you will not be able to create a truly high-quality cartoon. We hope that you will find something for yourself on our list and that we will soon see your cartoons.

Ever since cavemen learned to make cave paintings, humanity has been improving methods of visually displaying the surrounding reality. At different periods of history, artists were equipped with new paints and tools for painting, sculptors mastered various materials and techniques, and the theater amazed with the realistic scenery.

With the advent of computers, many new ways of constructing images have emerged. Of course, technology has significantly expanded the previously available capabilities, including in the field of creating pictures with a motion effect:

To “stir up” a static image, you must have a program for creating animation installed on your computer; its selection will be discussed in this article.

A little about animation

In order for an image to be animated, the following conditions must be met:

• A few pictures. It is impossible to achieve the effect of movement with just one image. Animation is a change of frames, and these frames must be different from each other;
• Similar pictures. If you successively change a cat for a dog, an elephant and a giraffe, you will get something indigestible. Images must have common elements to make a good animation;
• Frame change rate. If the picture changes once a second, then no movement effect will be achieved. In order to receive desired result, it is necessary to change frames more than 16 times per second.

To achieve the desired result, there are various programs for 2D animation, as well as for working with 3D images. Let's start by considering the 3D format.

3D animation software

Let's look at some popular programs to create 3D animation.

• 3D Studio Max. This program is popular among those for whom creating animation is not their main activity. Also great for modeling 3D objects in computer games Oh:

There are a huge number of constantly updated plugins and rendering capabilities, but not everyone can afford everything (legally) due to financial reasons.

• Realsoft 3D. A distinctive feature of this 3D animation program is highest quality images:

This feature is actively used by the creators of commercials and music videos. Another nice feature is that it is cross-platform.

• Maya. A program for creating high-quality 3D animation, which is widely used in film production:

• Poser 4. This system most suitable for modeling human behavior, therefore it is used both in the development of computer games and in the creation of cartoons:

Programs for Flash animation

To be placed on website pages, animated images must have little weight (otherwise the resource loading speed will be dismal). Flash technology allows you to “spice up” boring pictures on the World Wide Web.

Today, the absolute leader in this area is Adobe, offering a wide range of opportunities for developers:

However, not everyone can afford such a program for flash animation, not to mention the necessary plugins ( in total the entire package will cost more than $1000). Therefore, we will consider options with cheaper components.

• SWiSHpowerFX. This system greatly simplifies the creation of animated text. The main advantages are ease of use by users and speed of image creation;
• Swiff Chart. Program for creating diagrams. The user only needs to enter the data and select the chart type, and the system will do the rest.

Animation of photos

Let's look at some software solutions, which will help you turn a static photo into an animated image.

• Adobe Photoshop. The king of image editing, which provides the widest range of possibilities:

Adding various animated effects will help make any photo truly come to life.

• FotoMorph. A program whose action is based on morphing technology ( transition from one image to another):

• PhotoSHOW PRO. An analogue of Photoshop, which is certainly inferior to its eminent competitor in everything, including price, and for some this is already a powerful argument not in favor of the product from Adobe:

In order not to get confused by the abundance of tools on offer, we recommend that beginners follow the tips below.

• The great capabilities of the program are the same knowledge of the performer. Don't think that cool programs they do everything themselves. It’s just the opposite: the cooler the program, the more difficult it is to work with ( even the creation of the most simple effects ). Therefore, calculate the time you are willing to spend learning new technologies;
• The goal must correspond to the means. Of course, we live in a world where not a single person uses unlicensed software, and those who use it have bad dreams at night. Therefore, pay for the software you use money that is justified by the task. Roughly speaking, if you need to make a moving bear to pass laboratory work at a university, it’s stupid to pay $500 for a fancy program, take something cheaper;
• Better trust the professionals. You can hire people with experience to create flash animation and 3D. They will be able to quickly realize most of your whims for an amount of money corresponding to the amount of work.

Thus, there is a huge number software, allowing you to create animation, and the choice suitable software depends on your goals, skills and financial capabilities.

One of the most interesting and simple methods making a statement is animation, which has gained great popularity all over the world…….

It is thanks to this method that banners and even full-length cartoons are created………………….

In this article we will tell you the main secrets of creating videos with animation. ↓

How to make a simple cartoon on YouTube

So, animation is the main element of any cartoon. The essence is that the frames change sequentially, as a result of which the impression is created of the movement of the object, etc....

This is the most best way create original (copyright) content, which will subsequently bring you .

It is customary to distinguish several types of animations: ↓↓↓

Naturally, if you want to make an animation for YouTube channel, then it is best to use the second method !!! - it’s so much easier

In this case, throughout the entire series, only the backgrounds will have to be changed, and the main characters will be controlled by special levers (for facial expressions, movements, etc.).

Not every beginner will be able to create a full-length cartoon, so it’s worth starting with the basics first. For example, it is best to draw a circle that will move in a straight line. Subsequently, you can add details, background objects, etc.

What do we need to animate cartoons on YouTube: ↓↓↓

1. programs for creating animation on a computer;
2. the plot of the future cartoon;
3. script and voice acting;
4. animation preparation.

Review of the best tools

The main tool in the hands of a modern animator is special programs, which will help you create a high-quality cartoon in just a few hours.

Advice-For ease of working with these utilities, we recommend downloading animation footage!

5th place. Express Animate → (free)

Express Animate is the simplest cartoon animation program that will delight simple interface and functionality. With its help, you can create small cartoons, animations, apply various effects, etc.......

→ The program has an intuitive single-window interface, divided into 4 areas.

→ Using the controls, you can move shapes to create smooth transitions, add audio files, and much more.

4th place. iClone Pro ( trial version for 30 days)

iClone Pro - allows you to create complex 3D animations with diverse characters.

The main feature of the program is the opportunity use photos real people instead of cartoon faces characters. Using FaceTrix technology, photos are given a 3D effect ↓

We offer you to download a program for animating high-quality cartoons, as well as working with complex details (clothing, various props, etc.). With iClone Pro you can easily create a dynamic cartoon. Using built-in tools, the character can walk, dance, and more.

Example ↓

3rd place. Anime Studio (licensed for$300)

Anime Studio is one of the best programs for animating 2D cartoons. This utility is professional and allows you to create videos on par with popular Japanese anime.

Example ↓

Among the main advantages of the Anime Studio program it is worth highlighting: ↓

• Creation smooth transitions between frames;
• working with layers;
• animation using bones;
• 3D space;
• synchronization of facial expressions and mouth with sound effects;
• You can expand the functionality using scripts.

Despite its very wide functionality, Anime Studio is a very clear and simple program for creating 2D animation of cartoons.

2nd place. Toon Boom Harmony (licensed from$15)

Toon Boom Harmony is a program with a simple interface and a huge set tools. The utility is familiar to many experienced animators.

In the central part there is a field for working with graphics, and at the bottom there is a scroll bar, layers, etc. ↓

Features of the program for creating cartoons: ↓↓↓

• “True Pencil” - can scan drawings;
• Can be converted from 2D images into 3D;
• Moving the camera and capturing;
• You can create full-fledged cartoons.

1 place . Easy GIF Animator (license $29.65)

→ Just 5 minutes and the animation is ready - all this is possible with Easy GIF Animator. This animation program in Russian is primarily suitable for creating simple and short videos. You can use ready-made images and make them animated.

With Easy GIF Animator you can apply a variety of effects, transitions, text information, work with different formats and so on...

Step by step instructions

Even if you don’t know how to draw beautifully, if you have a creative streak, then you can easily create a beautiful cartoon in Anime Studio.

The main stage of any video is the acting characters. They will be the dynamic objects in our cartoon.

Backgrounds, accessories, etc. - all this can remain static.

So, to create your first character in Anime Studio: ↓↓↓

• click “File” and “New Project”;
• now select “File” and “Project Settings”;
• here you need to specify resolutions and frame rates;
• draw a character using the control panel on the left (more details here ⇓ )

• we expose layers and lay out bones for convenient control;
• save the changes.

Now you are faced with an equally difficult task - to make the character walk !!!

To do this, you need to add additional bones to the feet and hands. The character's eyes and facial expressions are also created, and each element will also require a bone. Now, as you move the bones to the desired positions, you will notice that the illusion of movement is created. If the movements are smooth, then you performed all the steps correctly.

FYI ↓

The complexity of the cartoon is determined by: ↓

1. number of active heroes
2. subtle movements
3. as well as the number of locations

But you can learn all this as you work.