BEST 2D RIGGING SOFTWARE

[@ToddDolce]

To me the BIGGEST turn off to "many" 2D animation software programs are the ridiculous subscription...(or what they like to refer to as "rental") fees!! There are of course some that offer a one time cost BUT that often equates to a much more limited choice to many of us.

[@ZipDraw]

Grease pencil is great and luckily open source.

[@pawred8196]

Almost all of that are made for PROFESSIONAL ANIMATORS. Animation is a specific job, a software is just a tool. In all of it you have to draw, some of that are made for traditional paperless animation (tv paint, harmony, toonz). Also: toonz is an italian software made by softimage, than Studio Ghibli decided to use it and someone did an open version of it. Have fun, but everyone remember that being an animator is not about software. You never stop learning.

[@GarryPye]

Disagree. You dont have to be a professional animator to use any of this software. I know a lot of people that use each of the software options on this list who animate as a hobby or for fun. In fact, even though I now I animate professionally, I started my journey doing it just for fun,

[@pawred8196]

@@GarryPyegood for U. I just said something different. ANIMATION IS A JOB means that too many people think that a software can make someone an animator. If you now work u should know the whole process (or you just work by yourself in small scenes?). Many people make music, but being a musician means reading and writing music papers, arrange it, the mood, the instruments, etc, NOT GARAGE BAND!... animation start from the base of it. So curiosity and fun is good, but people should learn something of it, before using a software. 😊

[@GarryPye]

@@pawred8196 Yes, and I said something different too. So I guess good for both of us then. "Animation is a job" did not not suggest "too many people think that software can make someone an animator". To me, that comment suggested that animation is a job. As in something you do professionally. I was suggesting that not everyone needs to be a professional to enjoy animation. And I stand by that. Do I know the whole process of animation? Yeah, I think I do. But I also am an independent animator and content developer, so by your standards, I would say yes I just "work by yourself in small scenes". But that doesnt mean i dont know what im doing. I am confused by your statement that being a musician means not being a garage band. Have you heard of Nirvana, The Who, Ramones, Metallica or Green Day? I cant believe you would suggest these bands are not real musicians.

[@Love-One-Another]

Back when I started 2D animation, Moho was the only tool that offered bones and was for quite some time. Bones have been in Moho since version 1.0 in 1999.

[@MioLifeReset]

sir, i have an question, Toon Boom or moho? wich one the best?

[@Love-One-Another]

@@MioLifeReset Moho for sure. It offers more features for your money. It's pretty easy to use too. And Moho has never canceled your product and no longer allowed you to activate your product like Toon Boom has done. If you didn't know, owners of Toon Boom Studio no longer have their product in their account and the activation servers are no longer running forcing you to purchase their latest product, Toon Boom Harmony. That is just bad business on Toon Boom's behalf.

[@Love-One-Another]

@@MioLifeReset Moho for sure.

[@UndergroundCongress]

@@Love-One-AnotherAre you saying that because you can’t afford Harmony?

[@Love-One-Another]

@@UndergroundCongress Moho and Harmony are about the same price. Well for the least expensive version of Harmony. Price-wise you get more features in Moho than Harmony. Moho also has a better time line for editing. Try both out and see which you like better.

[@anndavidson6950]

I don't think these short 10 minute videos re enough to actually understand which program is good for what we need. It would be very helpful to have much longer videos with a deeper dive in each software, maybe even create a simple clip in each and see how they perform. I have a feeling you'd get tons of views for that video :)

[@halolemonhalo]

Tip: OpenToonz's plastic tool has a "memory leak" glitch that is 1) very common 2) causes lag/crashes and 3) will make the animation impossible to render. As far as I know, the only fix is to just not use it. :(

[@activemotionpictures]

Fantastic video review! Thank you for sharing. This was insightful.

[@user-wk3ns2mt7v]

We want to see Cartoon animator VS Spine2D >> In animation tools and Most realistic animation

[@alifiii]

Omg yesss

[@pawred8196]

@@user-wk3ns2mt7v it is not a battle. Cartoon is a style, spine is a tool. Spine is similar to EVERY motion tool, such as after Effects, moho, harmony, etc, so u can see how it could be just looking at every cutout production. Gumball is a good example.

[@TwistedLila]

For 2D, animation not related to gaming, I'm learning 4: Blender Grease Pencil, CTA, CSP, and Toon Boom. I wish there was a tool with the unique strengths of each one--and a free, paid, and sub option. CSP has all three and each serves a very unique purpose.

[@HallsZito]

From the knowledge you have acquired so far, which software do you believe brings more productivity to a simple cartoon, Peppa Pig style, using the cut-out technique, without the need for dialogue, just sounds such as character screams and cries, with approximately 2 minutes long?

[@EOeoEOeoOEoeOEeo]

I use Aftereffects. It's not the easiest approach but it's heavy duty when compositing with other elements. I might be crazy.

[@GarryPye]

Its not crazy to use what gives you the results you want!

[@justin_lawrence]

The DUIK plugin in After Effects is also a great option. It gives you a lot of control and ways to rig.

[@myleshi9482]

I used to use after effects too, until I found moho. Haven't looked back.

[@GarryPye]

This is a very well-thought-out, fair review of each of the software. Well done!

[@Ksslslslld]

Thank you this video ❤

[@KlonoaDreamer]

All of this is great. This is an excellent video BUT… all I have is an iPad Pro with a second generation Apple Pencil and my iPhone, can you go over all of the iPad options when it comes to animation and what’s the best or can you suggest a video that you think already does a good job of that?

[@dwintster]

Turbo squid, callipeg and procreate dreams are pretty good

[@outlaw2819]

Flipaclip is the best

[@tweets009]

​@@outlaw2819i really disagree especially if you want to do rigging, flipaclip is very basic in its features and only has frame by frame

[@TbGamesX]

I'm looking this video for alternatives to adobe animate because my pc is low power😢 (thank you)

[@MrS60freak]

thanks for explaining

[@longhihi6775]

Is there an app that rigs a motion capture and (maybe by ai because it’s not 3d) animate. Like a simple rig, just with arms, hands, head and legs rigs?

[@kevinhouse7143]

I thought DragonBones was toast. It still seems unresponsive on it's download link. Where did you download a working copy from? Thanks!

[@mikem.6761]

ive seen that you can do a south park animation in moho, pretty awesome. you mentioned that channel jay black cult. Thanks!!!! for all this amazing artists and softwares. it helped me a lot

[@GarryPye]

You could very easily make a South Park style animation in Cartoon Animator. In fact, this software is perfect for that style because it uses the cut-out rigged puppet system for animation.

[@TheLuconic]

@@GarryPyeoh hey Gary. Spreading the good word of CA5 eh? Also he’s right. Gary Pye is a CA5 genius! Look at his videos for rigging and how to make seamless characters. He knows what he’s saying and doing.

[@GarryPye]

@@TheLuconic Thanks for the vote of confidence! I think all the software on this list is amazing. It just happens that Cartoon Animator does the job I need done in a way that is fast, fun and easy. Ive used all the others, but I like the puppet rigging system of animation, as I do not have the time, patience or skill to hand draw frame-by-frame traditional animation. But Cartoon Animator allows me to still produce quality animation without that need, so Im happy!

[@JEEToonz]

Thanks a lot you made my day 🎉

[@FERNANDOYONATHAN]

So cartoon animator is basically like toon boom harmony, mixamo, and rokoko studio combined?!

[@lrgogo1517]

Throwing on the hand-animated _Akira_ is an odd choice for the end of a video about *rig* animation

[@Mrnobody-h7j]

moho is moho 💥💥💥💥💥

[@user-fo9ce3hr5h]

where to get moho tutorial good free course?

[@tonylifesteel]

@@user-fo9ce3hr5h Moho Pro Oficial channel lists secction.

[@GarryPye]

Thats very deep.

[@TheLuconic]

@@user-fo9ce3hr5hfind Moho in your tube and their channel is there with a free playlist of their latest version of Moho.

[@vannillaAJofficial204]

moho is so moho

[@TheKuptis]

I avoid anything that Adobe makes. They can keep their expensive, subscription-based software they use to steal IP with.

[@justin_lawrence]

You didn't mention DUIK in After Effects but used the image from DUIK as the thumbnail.

[@Mr.Indiyaah]

Which was the best?

[@shouyouo]

I think cartoon animator 5 is the fastest for newcomers to get started, but many of its materials are extra expensive to purchase.

[@Chuchodtv]

Honestly, it depends on the type of workflow and animation you are looking for. Most of the 2D Rigging jobs are for Toon Boom, After Effects, Spine and Moho. All of them are for completely different types of projects. Moho and After Effects are mainly for infovideos or motion graphics. Toon Boom and a few studios like cartoon salon that uses Moho are essential for most TV series and movies. And finally Spine related more to video games, although now Toon Boom has been working on the Gaming section so that there is a better integration between Unity and TB, but Spine is still leading 2d animation for games. If you are new to this type of animation I suggest you to opt for the mentioned software, the others don't mean that they are not worth it just that the industry doesn't seem to pay much attention to them, and on the other hand TV Paint and Open toonz are totally worth it but these are more oriented to traditional animation.

[@Mr.Indiyaah]

@@Chuchodtv thnx 4 such an informative reply

[@mr_don_key]

@@shouyouo yes, but the goal of being an animator for your own show/clip, is more to use your own artwork for animations, those premade things are ugly anyways.

[@GarryPye]

@@mr_don_key No. The goal of an animator is to make things move. Thats it. And if you succeed, then you have made "you own show/clip". Not everyone is a top-level Disney animator or creating the next television ad for McDonalds. Many animators are hobbyists, who just enjoy creating animations for themselves and friends. To suggest you should only use your own artwork seems a bit elitist. Many artists, including myself, make a living creating animation content for those who do not have the skills to create it for themselves, or for whom time is a factor.

[@TwistedLila]

This video is very helpful! Next time don't forget Creature Animation by Kestral Moon and PD Howler.

[@MangaGamified]

It's sad only few talk about 3D background/world integration, especially for game engines like Unity Unreal engine. I was thinking if I should had complained not adding Live2D, or was it too good and no competition? If Blender just focused on Puppet animation and having an api & exportinng to Unity Unreal engine, It would be very challenging for other Puppet animation software to compete.

[@Muthukaviyarasan]

Animation software without drawing tools "cartoon animator" i don't want.

[@GarryPye]

An opposing view would be that Cartoon Animator provides you with the opportunity of using whatever drawing software you are most comfortable with, instead of forcing you to use the ones provided. Therefore, I do want.

[@mr_don_key]

@@GarryPye but every animation tool can import drawings, having the drawing tools in the animation tool, you have to less fiddle with exporting/importing for tiny fixes.

[@GarryPye]

@@mr_don_key Yes! You are 100% correct! With Cartoon Animator you can import drawings and use the tools to manipulate those drawings in many different ways, which saves you the time of fiddling with frame by frame animation, but still gives you total control to make tiny changes. Well said.

[@PRCREA]

Some of those software without a drawing tool weere created for animators who cannot draw. Animator who can closely work with illustrators to give them elements in order for them to animate. It's always an advantage to be an animator and Illustrator at the same time.

[@GarryPye]

@@PRCREA Absolutely! And how good is it that software like Cartoon Animator gives the opportunity to animate to those who cannot draw!

[@Vj1217]

We can do frame by frame in Adobe Animation too

[@TwistedLila]

True!

[@JMBPro]

I didn’t know Animate was considered Professional, it’s good to see that it is

[@Ziplock9000]

It's always just a matter of opinion anyway. All of these are professional if you use the tool to generate revenue.

[@JMBPro]

@@Ziplock9000 I’m not currently but I wish I was, hopefully one day

[@GarryPye]

@@Ziplock9000 Exactly!

[@helena941]

What about Live2D Cubism?

[@OVIDOTAnimate]

I want to know the ones that are free and the ones that are not

[@TheLuconic]

I think they made that video already. It is a bit dated but still relevant. But im pretty sure they are remaking a new video on that.

[@TwistedLila]

Blender Grease Pencil, Open Toonz, Synfig, and Dragon Bones (DB is not currently being updated) are totally free forever. The others have free trials. Spine, Toon Boom, and the two Adobe products are subscription based--but Adobe is the cheapest because one cheaper subscription can cover all its tools. CelAction, Moho and Cartoon Animator are paid, CTA5 is the cheaper one, then for all three, you pay as you go for major upgrades, etc. Finally, Clip Studio Paint has something in all three scenarios--free (iOS), sub, and paid and is the only one available for every kind major (Mac, PC, iOS, and and Android).

[@MeMyself-y2w]

Sigma balz

[@ZZWWYZ]

That explains why Western cartoon have 0 dynamic perspective shot. It's all front facing rig

[@GarryPye]

Not true. With Cartoon Animator you can design, rig and animate your characters at any angle you want. The only limitation are the ones you set for yourself.

[@juneru2]

Rigging can be just as dynamic as traditional animation! The "new" Mickey Mouse shorts manage to do alot of cool shots and angles, the short "Tokyo Go" is a good example of that.

[@GarryPye]

@@juneru2 Exactly. If an animator is smart and creative and thinks outside the box, anything is possible.

[@KamranJawaid]

Really comprehensive...but doesn't ring true to the statement in the thumbnail

[@GarryPye]

The 'best' software is the software that does the job you want done in a way that is fast, fun and easy. For me that is Cartoon Animator. So for me, the statement rings true.

[@TwistedLila]

@@GarryPye I agree and CTA just keeps rising. It already does so much more than it used to. Does it do 2D in 3D space yet? Can you import 3D models and make them 2D? A pipeline to any game engine, even just Renpy--a simpler game engine--or something, would be amazing because Clip Studio probably doesn't do that.

[@GarryPye]

@@TwistedLila Ive been on the Cartoon Animator journey since version 1, and youre right when you say its come a long way. As for 2D in 3D space, what I can say is there is the ability to apply 3D motion to 2D characters. Not something I choose to do as I enjoy the process of keyframing. It does not import 3D models and make them 2D, however Reallusion 3D software iClone does some amazing things with regards to making 3D look 2D (again, not my thing).

[@hremlynnthegremlin]

Live2D.

[@joksxyz]

But Blender best

[@GarryPye]

"Best" really depends on this software that does the job you want done, in a way that is fast, fun and easy.

[@lucascs7870]

Polemic

[@GarryPye]

@@lucascs7870 Polemic is defined as a speech or piece of writing expressing a strongly critical attack on or controversial opinion about someone or something. I dont see how either of these comments could be defined in that way.

[@Jindolvin]

Is it free

[@TheLuconic]

What is?

[@TwistedLila]

lol-- uh, which one? it=1

[@LATAMNICARAGUA]

Es Gratis

[@Korventor]

i personally dont like the bones in animation

[@ongke3655]

it's helpful for who is not good at drawing, and save time for who is good at drawing

[@OVIDOTAnimate]

I want to know the ones that are free and the ones that are not

[@GarryPye]

If you go to the websites for each software, if they ask for payment, theyre the ones that arent free.

[@TwistedLila]

Blender Grease Pencil, Open Toonz, Synfig, and Dragon Bones (DB is not currently being updated) are totally free forever. The others have free trials. Spine, Toon Boom, and the two Adobe products are subscription based--but Adobe is the cheapest because one cheaper subscription can cover all its tools. Moho and Cartoon Animator 5 are paid, CTA5 is the cheaper one, then for both you pay as you go for major upgrades, etc. Clip Studio Paint has something in all three scenarios--free (iOS), sub, and paid and is the only one available for every kind major (Mac, PC, iOS, and and Android)