How to Make 2D Animations With an Animation Maker

Read Time: 3 minutes

Animation can do a lot more than simply entertain the masses. This is particularly true in an age when 2D animation is one of the most effective ways to explain ideas visually without adding production complexity. With a modern animation maker, teams can create animated videos that communicate clearly, move at the right pace, and support storytelling without professional animation skills.

Using a tool like Powtoon, marketers, educators, HR teams, and creators can turn ideas into 2D animated videos through a structured, drag-and-drop workflow that prioritizes clarity over technical detail.

The Short Version

Creating engaging 2D animation comes down to a simple process:

Plan the story before opening the editor
Use a scene-based, drag-and-drop animation maker
Customize characters and visuals to match the message
Add sound and timing to support understanding
Export and share where your audience watches

Powtoon’s animation maker is designed to support this workflow so creators can focus on communication rather than software complexity.

How to Make a 2D Animated Video

1. Start With a Clear Plan

Strong 2D animation begins with a clear message. Before animating, define what you want to say, who the audience is, and where the video will be used. A simple outline or rough storyboard helps organize scenes and saves time later.

2. Open Your Animation Maker

A scene-based editor reduces friction. In Powtoon, you can start from a template built for common use cases or from a blank canvas if you prefer full control. The drag-and-drop interface makes adding visuals intuitive without design experience.

3. Create or Customize Characters

Characters help translate ideas into relatable visuals. Powtoon’s Character Builder allows teams to customize appearance, expressions, clothing, and colors so characters feel aligned with the brand and audience.

4. Animate With Purpose

2D animation is about motion and rhythm, not complexity. Use scene sequencing, motion presets, and the timeline to control when elements appear and how the story flows. The goal is movement that guides attention, not distraction.

5. Add Sound, Voice, and Music

Audio reinforces meaning. Background music sets tone, sound effects emphasize actions, and voiceovers guide viewers through key points. Powtoon allows teams to add music, upload audio, or include voiceovers directly in the editor.

6. Review, Export, and Share

Before exporting, review pacing, transitions, and audio balance. Once finalized, export the video and share it on websites, social platforms, email campaigns, or learning systems where your audience engages.

Why This Workflow Works

Modern animation makers remove unnecessary barriers by:

Eliminating the need for drawing or frame-by-frame animation
Providing pre-designed assets and templates
Offering scene-based motion instead of manual timelines
Supporting platform-ready export formats

This allows creators to spend less time learning tools and more time communicating ideas. Powtoon is built specifically around this principle.

How Powtoon’s Editor Supports 2D Animation

Built-in asset library
Powtoon includes thousands of animated characters, props, icons, and motion elements available directly in the editor.

Drag-and-drop editing
Elements can be positioned and animated visually, making 2D animation accessible to beginners and efficient for experienced creators.

Timeline and motion tools
Scene sequencing and motion presets control pacing and flow without requiring technical animation knowledge.

Guided learning resources
Powtoon provides tutorials and in-editor guidance to help teams build characters, animate scenes, and improve visual clarity.

Tips for Better 2D Animations

Keep scenes focused on one idea
Use motion to guide attention, not overwhelm
Align colors, fonts, and characters with your brand

Review the video with fresh eyes before publishing

Q&A: 2D Animation With an Animation Maker

Q – What is 2D animation in this context?
2D animation refers to creating motion using flat, two-dimensional characters and visuals to explain ideas, processes, or stories.

Q – Do I need animation experience to create 2D videos?
No. Animation makers like Powtoon are designed for non-animators and use templates, scenes, and motion presets instead of technical animation tools.

Q – What types of content work well with 2D animation?
Explainer videos, training content, presentations, social videos, and internal communications all benefit from 2D animation.

Q – Can 2D animated videos be updated easily?
Yes. Scene-based tools allow teams to edit visuals, timing, or messaging without rebuilding the entire video.

Expert Insight

“2D animation works because it simplifies communication. When motion supports structure and timing, viewers understand ideas faster and remember them longer,” says Powtoon’s Head of Product.

Final Thought

2D animation does not need to be complex to be effective. With a clear plan and the right animation maker, teams can create videos that communicate ideas visually, stay on brand, and scale across use cases.

With Powtoon, 2D animation becomes a practical communication tool rather than a technical challenge.

Bio
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Hanna Abitbul

Hanna is Powtoon's Product Marketing Manager. She joined Powtoon as a copywriter in 2019, transitioning through strategic content marketing before moving into her current role, where she owns go-to-market, product positioning, and messaging. She works across teams to bridge product development with sales and marketing, ensuring Powtoon's products resonate with their audience and serve their needs. She continues to create content that helps people make incredible videos - from blog posts to guides, website pages, and more. Hanna holds a B.A. in Communications and Business from Reichman University (IDC Herzliya), and has over 7 years of experience in the industry. Outside of work, she loves reading, singing, pilates, and caring for animals (#proudvegan). Nothing makes her happier than waking up to her two black kitties (plus, one grey) who, contrary to popular belief, are fabulous luck!