The best free animation software for simple, creative video making

Read Time: 5 minutes

Animation used to be something only big studios could afford; long production hours, expensive software, and full production teams made it nearly impossible for individuals or small businesses to join the fun. 

Today, free animation software has fully changed that. With easy-to-use tools available online, anyone can design, animate, and share videos without investing in costly programs or hiring professionals.

These platforms open the door for creators of all kinds to communicate their ideas visually. In this article, we’ll go over what makes the best software the best and how Powtoon’s free 2D animation software stands out.

What makes the best free animation software worth using?

When you’re searching for free animation software, the goal is to find something that’s fun, easy to use, and actually helps you make good-quality videos without hours of confusion. 

The best tools make you feel creative right from the start. You open them, click around a bit, and things just make sense. A clean layout, ready-made templates, and drag-and-drop features can turn a blank screen into a real project in minutes.

Good animation tools also give you enough freedom to experiment. Maybe you want to add a character, change the background, or simply adjust timing and sound. The best free animation software lets you do all that without limiting your ideas.

And when your video’s ready, exporting it should be just as easy. The right tool lets you download or share it anywhere without worrying about tricky file types or quality drops. In short, the best animation software makes the whole process feel smooth.

Why Powtoon stands out among free 2D animation software 

Among all the tools available, Powtoon stands out because it’s built for everyone. Unlike many free 2D animation software options that feel overwhelming, Powtoon keeps the process simple and user-friendly. 

Ease of use

Powtoon keeps things simple. The drag-and-drop editor works like a digital canvas where you can move text, characters, and graphics around until everything fits perfectly. You’ll also find a wide selection of ready-made templates, so even if you’re short on time or ideas, you can start creating in minutes. Add animated characters, adjust timing, and customize with motion effects, all without needing prior animation experience.

Accessibility

It’s always with you wherever you go. Since Powtoon is online, you don’t need to download large files or worry about system requirements. You can also open it in your browser on any device, and your projects will sync automatically. This flexibility makes it easy to jump between projects or devices while keeping your workflow uninterrupted.

For business, education, and beyond

Powtoon isn’t limited to professional animators. It’s for anyone who wants to communicate visually, be it marketers, teachers, small business owners, or corporate teams. You can create everything from product explainers and training videos to classroom lessons and internal presentations that keep people engaged.

Freemium flexibility

Getting started is completely free. Powtoon’s free plan gives you access to templates, characters, and scenes to experiment with, while the paid options unlock more assets, export settings, and customization features. There are even AI tools available for those who want to explore more advanced options, but you can create plenty without spending anything.

Types of videos you can create with Powtoon

Powtoon is a video tool that adapts to almost any purpose you can imagine. You can use it to make videos for business, education, or personal projects, all with tools that help you create polished, professional results in no time.

Explainers and tutorials

Use Powtoon to:

• Create animated homepage explainers with the explainer video maker that introduce your brand or service.
• Post short animated tutorials with the animation creator to simplify complex topics.
• Prepare different versions of your explainer video for specific audiences or campaigns.

Business and internal communication

With Powtoon, teams can:

• Design onboarding or training videos for new hires using character animation.
• Send quick company-wide announcements with ready-made templates.
• Turn data and updates into engaging animated presentations that capture attention.

Marketing and outreach

Powtoon helps you:

• Create short promotional videos for social media and ads.
• Play animated explainer videos at trade shows or events.
• Personalize video emails for prospects or customers with built-in audio features.

With Powtoon, you can easily switch between explaining, teaching, and promoting with all-in-one 2D animation software.

Other top free animation software to explore

Powtoon isn’t the only option out there. If you want to explore other tools, here are some great free software choices that fit different styles, goals, and experience levels.

Tool	Why it stands out
Blender	Free, open-source, and supports both 2D and 3D animation. Offers professional-level control with a large community for help.
Animaker	Browser-based and beginner-friendly, it lets you make explainers and short videos easily using templates and drag-and-drop tools.
OpenToonz	Free 2D animation software used in studios. Feature-rich and flexible, best for users with some animation experience.
Pencil2D	Open-source and great for hand-drawn 2D animation. Simple interface ideal for beginners learning frame-by-frame animation.
Synfig Studio	Vector-based 2D animation tool with tweening to speed up motion work. Good balance of control and automation.
Krita	Digital painting app with built-in frame-by-frame animation. Ideal for illustrators moving into animation.
Clip Studio Paint	Combines drawing and animation in one workspace. Popular among artists creating short, detailed animations.

So, what’s the best free animation software for you?

Choosing the best free animation software depends on what you want to create. If you’re looking for something simple, flexible, and fun, Powtoon is a pretty strong option. It’s one of the best free 2D animation software programs and makes explaining, teaching, and promoting simple and enjoyable for everyone.

FAQ

What is the best free animation software for beginners?

The best animation tool for beginners is one that’s easy to get used to and fun. Look for simple editing options, ready-made templates, and clear guidance as you go. With Powtoon, you can start creating high-quality animated videos right away without any animation background. 

Can I use free animation software for commercial projects?

In most cases, yes, but it depends on the tool’s license and terms of use. Free plans usually let you create and share videos for personal or professional use, though they’ll include a watermark. If you need videos for client projects or brand campaigns, upgrading removes the watermark and gives you more creative options.

What’s the difference between 2D and 3D animation software?

2D animation software works with flat drawings and graphics, creating movement on a two-dimensional plane. 3D animation software, on the other hand, adds depth and perspective, letting you design objects and environments that look more realistic. 2D is usually easier to learn and is perfect for simpler creative storytelling.

Do free animation tools have watermarks?

Most free animation tools include a watermark or logo on exported videos. Powtoon’s free plan adds a small watermark and outro to your projects, but you can remove them by upgrading to one of Powtoon’s premium plans, starting from $15 per month, which allows you to export videos without branding.

Which free 2D animation software works on Windows and Mac?

Many free 2D animation tools work on both systems. Popular options include Pencil2D, Synfig Studio, and OpenToonz, all of which run smoothly on Windows and Mac. Powtoon is also browser-based, so you can create and edit videos on any device without downloading software.

What features should I look for in free animation software?

Look for tools that are easy to use, with drag-and-drop editing, ready-made templates, and character animation options. It also helps if the software runs on both Windows and Mac or works online. Finally, check the export settings and whether the free version adds watermarks or limits downloads.