Animation is the illusion of movement created by showing a series of still pictures in rapid succession. In the world of computers, graphics softwareused to create this effect. A simple animation may be as basic as an animated GIF file like the image shown on this page. A more complex animation could be of a human or alien face in a computer software game or animation of a space battle in a movie.

Videos are powerful marketing tools. 

85% of internet users watch video content at least once a month. And people want more. 

In fact, 80% of internet marketers should be putting more video content out there. 

With the rapid development of multimedia and technology animation has transformed into an art for all ages on its own. Animation has also been repeatedly used for educational purposes for all age groups, including adults. Results have proved to be quite rewarding in terms of engagement and knowledge retention as well as the ability to give context to ideas and concepts. Without further ado, here are the top 10 animated video software that will help you develop immersive eLearning courses.

1.BLENDER Use BLENDER if you’re looking for the best video animation software for pro editors and creators. The free open-source 3D animation tool supports the “modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing and motion tracking, video editing, and 2D animation pipeline.” The platform is a public project, and creatives from all over the world contribute to its ongoing maintenance.

Let’s talk features. 

• Rendering: Cycles is Blender’s ray-trace based production render engine, FreeStyle is an edge- and line-based non-photorealistic (NPR) rendering engine, and real-time feedback speeds up the editing process.
• Modeling: Blender’s modeling tools include sculpting, retopology, modeling, curves, and more to help with editing models. 
• Sculpting: Digital sculpting tools flexible for each stage of the digital production pipeline.
• Animation and rigging: These tools include a character animation pose editor, Non Linear Animation (NLA) for independent movements, IK forward/inverse kinematics for fast poses, and sound synchronization.
• Grease pencil: Draw directly in 3D and combine 2D/3D art. 
• VFX: From camera and object motion tracking to masking and compositing, there are lots of fixes you can make in post-prod. 
• Simulation: Create simulations for fog, smoke, rain, fire, liquid, and more. 
• Pipeline: Choose from a long list of import/export options.
• Video editing: A built-in video editor allows for basic actions like video cuts and splicing and more complex tasks like video masking or color grading.

Yeah, that’s a lot. Blender is a comprehensive tool. And it’s all free. 

2.K-3D

Platforms: Windows, Linux

K-3D is a free 3D animation software specializing in polygonal modeling, an approach to digital graphics that represents and approximates object surfaces using polygons. Designed for artists, the software combines plugins with a visualization pipeline architecture — it adapts to the look and feel of the tools you integrate it with. 

Get started with their tutorials showing you how to master features like texturing, shadows, and symmetric modeling. 

One of its best features? Easy undo/redo functionality, so you can quickly fix a mistake. Most programs only offer the option to undo an action. 

With both procedural and parametric workflows, you can make adjustments and see the change immediately. A node-based visualization pipeline means editors can create connections and combinations for different elements within the video. You can work on one side of a model and mirror the other side to see what it looks like welded together.

K-3D is an advanced tool for true creatives. 

3.OpenToonz

Platforms: Windows, Mac, and Linux

OpenToonz is one of the top free animation software for 2D videos. The open-source software is free for both commercial and non-commercial use, so you can use it to create marketing videos for your brand. 

It’s also packed with features, such as: 

• Digital drawing tools: vector and bitmap drawing tools
• Indexed color palettes: quick paint and color changing
• Effects and compositing: animated special effects and composite scenes — choose from blurs, lighting, keys, masks, warps, and more than 100 other effects
• Scripting: automations via ECMA-compatible scripting engine
• Motion tracking: combine your animation with video footage
• Scan and cleanup: create vectors from paper drawings
• Frame-by-frame animation: with configurable onionskin
• Motion tweening: link objects or use motion paths to execute complex movements
• Bones character animation: with IK support and mesh deformations
• Particle systems: for rain, dust, and similar effects

You can make some pretty advanced animations with this tool. 

 

If you run into issues using the free animation software, you can always turn to the user community or developer forum. 

Videos are powerful marketing tools. 

85% of internet users watch video content at least once a month. And people want more. 

In fact, 80% of internet marketers should be putting more video content out there. 

With the rapid development of multimedia and technology animation has transformed into an art for all ages on its own. Animation has also been repeatedly used for educational purposes for all age groups, including adults. Results have proved to be quite rewarding in terms of engagement and knowledge retention as well as the ability to give context to ideas and concepts. Without further ado, here are the top 10 animated video software that will help you develop immersive eLearning courses.

4. GoAnimate

“Make your first video in less than 5 minutes”. Obviously, ease of use is the biggest advantage of this animated video software. As listed on the site, the eLearning industry is definitely a field where such a tool could find good use.

• Lip-Syncing And Voice-Over Narration
  The only thing the user has to do is provide the words. The platform syncs the words with the character’s voice automatically. If you add a voice track to the background then the platform automatically assigns it as voice-over narration.
• Industry And Occupation-Specific Templates
  GoAnimate comes packed with animation templates for an array of different industries and occupations. Great feature for creating animation videos that learners of each industry can relate with.
• Character Customization
  Character customization features in GoAnimate are quite extensive, with the user being able to choose all aspects of a person’s appearance.

Plans And Pricing

• 3 Premium Options Available
  The basic “Go Publish” package runs at $39 per month or $299 per year and includes great features such as 720p videos and unlimited video production. The “Go Premium” package runs at $79 per month or $599 per year with 70 premium music tracks and a live chat feature. The “Go Team” package asks for a monthly $159 or $999 per year and offers 1080p videos 100+ premium music tracks and the ability to import fonts.

5. CrazyTalk

This is one of the most entertaining animated video software mainly focusing on facial animation for both Windows and Mac. Lots of great features including a 3D head creation tool.

• 3D Character Pipeline
  Easy creation of 3D avatars as well as full body animations.
• Talking Avatars
  Import your photo and CrazyTalk will give voice to it. 2D or 3D avatars made from your personal pictures with 3D face fitting technology.
• Appearance Customization
  CrazyTalk allows users to fully modify physical features, clothing and hairstyle.
• Auto Motion And Auto Lip-Sync
  The platform adjusts the avatar’s head movements and facial expressions to suit the voice tone of the audio file the user provided. Mouth and lip movements are also synchronized with the voice.

Plans And Pricing

• 3 Premium Options Available
  The Standard edition can be purchased at $39. The Pro package costs $99 and the Pipeline package costs $149. User’s choice depends on what type of features are needed.

6. iClone

If you want quality animated video software that’s been used by highly acclaimed organizations and companies such as the FBI, Ford and Microsoft then you’ve found your solution.

• 3D Characters
  Lip-synced and fully customizable 3D characters with facial animation as well as soft cloth physics simulation and motion key editing.
• Environment Creation
  Whether we are talking about interior designs or landscapes iClone comes packed with ready-made templates for quick design.
• Advanced Lighting And Shadowing Effects
  HDR, IBL and AO features along with many other tools help you create life-like atmospheres for all your animated video needs.
• Open Architecture
  iClone 7 APIs, Motion Curve Graph Editor, Python Scripting and a Custom Shader constitute some unique features of iClone.

Plans And Pricing

• 6 Premium Options Available
  Standard premium package starts from $199 with 6 additional plans available offering different features.

7. ToonBoom Harmony

This animated video software focuses on providing the tools for compelling storytelling in e-learning Well-known companies like Universal, Fox and Dreamworks can verify that as dedicated clients.

• 2D And 3D Designs
  Harmony gives you the chance to craft unique hybrid animations that include both 2D and 3D designs.
• Various Sketching And Drawing Functions
  Not only does Harmony come with animation templates, but it also gives the user the chance to enhance creations by use of traditional painting tools.
• Production And Implementation Support
  As a company with well-known clients, Toon Boom offers expert guidance through all stages of product training, transitioning from another video animation software or even certification preparation for proper use of Harmony.

Plans And Pricing

• 3 Premium Options Available
  Essentials package costs $16 per month or $192 per year and includes a user interface in 4 languages including Chinese and Japanese. Advanced package runs for $41 per month or a yearly subscription of $492 with animation accelerator features such as morphing and advanced onion-skinning. The top package is called Premium and will cost you $78 per month or $936 per year. It includes an artist-friendly toolset with unique curve deformers as well as 3D camera rotation. If you opt for annual billing you will get a 33% discount. Include the most engaging Animated Videos in your Training with the Right Vendor Find, choose and compare the top eLearning Content Development Companies for Animation!

8. Adobe After Effect

After Effects is the most sophisticated and dependable solution when it comes to animated video software. Adobe’s After Effects boasts unique features like the Character Animator that make it stand out from all competition.

• Creative Cloud Libraries
  The king of video animation software provides tons of customization options and the ability to access them from any device. Creative Cloud Libraries allow you to save looks, colors, images or even metadata.
• Adobe Stock
  60 million images, graphics and videos at your disposal guarantee you less time searching and more time creating.
• Character Animator CC
  The animation-made-easy tool. Characters come to life by means of simple mouse clicks. Users can also record their voice and the Character Animator generates human mouth movements and lip-syncing.
• Free Trial
  Need to see for yourself what all the fuss is about? After Effects offers a free trial.

Plans And Pricing

• 1 Premium Option Available
  After Effects will cost you $19.99 per month for an annual plan that’s paid monthly, or $239.88 per year for a prepaid annual plan. If you choose to go for a monthly plan then the cost goes up to $29.99 per month.

9. PowToon

When you see companies such as Coca Cola, Pfizer, eBay and Starbucks on this video animated software’s client list you know that something good is up. PowToon has applications in industries such as Marketing, IT, HR and Training in general.

• Characters
  Powtoon boasts good variety in contexts and situations mostly revolving around work life. It also includes sketching outlines apart from colored animations.
• Locations
  Whether you need to create animated videos regarding work, medical, transport, technology or educational settings PowToon has you covered.

Plans And Pricing

• 3 Premium Options Available
  PowToon offers a free version with lots of functional features such as Royalty Free Music and PDF Export. The Pro plan starts at $19 per month and comes with increased storage and HD quality. For more advanced needs you can opt for the Team plan or the Business plan.