2024 Approved Unleash Your Creativity Top 10 2D Animation Tools for Artists

2024 Approved Unleash Your Creativity Top 10 2D Animation Tools for Artists

Emma Lv12

Unleash Your Creativity: Top 10 2D Animation Tools for Artists

10 Best 2D Animation Software in 2024 [Free/Paid]

author avatar

Shanoon Cox

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

When you are trying to make funny cartoons within seven steps , explainer videos, or informative shorts to post online, 2D animation software can come in handy. With access to a 2D animation maker, you can create intricate and interesting stories that will help you connect with your audience.

Whether you are turning photos into cartoons , teaching a group of kids , showing employees how to do their job, introducing a new product, or trying to elicit an emotional reaction from your audience, 2D cartoon animation can be very useful.

If you are new to the world of 2D animation as a beginner and want to be a professional animation maker, you will be interested in our review of the top 10 free download 2D animation software options that may prove useful to you.

Recommend free download animation maker Filmora

If you want to create a 2D animation video, we recommend using 2D animation software-Filmora.

It is a powerful and straightforward video maker for all levels from middle to advanced. With keyframing, you can make smooth 2D animation quickly. Auto color correction can save you a lot of time to make high-quality animation.

Now free download it on Windows and Mac to make 2D animated videos, and connect with other video creators in the Wondershare Video Community to get more creative ideas.

filmora logo

A cross-platform for making videos anywhere for all creators

filmora-02

Why your video editing isn’t good enough? How about some creative inspo?

  • 100 Million+ Users
  • 150+ Countries and Regions
  • 4 Million+ Social Media Followers
  • 5 Million+ Stock Media for Use

Try It Free Try It Free

Try It Free

Try It Free

* Secure Download

filmora12

Have a Quick Look at The Best 10 Free/Paid 2D Animation Software to Download

No. Product Name Supported OS Price Best for
1 Synfig Windows, Linux, and OSX Free Beginners
2 Opentoonz Windows and OSX Free Beginners
3 Maefloresta iPhone and Android Free Beginners
4 Pencil 2D Windows, Linux, and OSX Free Beginners
5 Toon Boom Harmony Windows, Linux, and OSX $109 per month Professionals
6 CelAction2D Windows, Linux, and OSX $1300 for one single license Professionals
7 Moho (Anime Studio) Pro Windows and OSX $399.99 for the full package Professionals
8 Stop Motion Studio Windows, OSX, Android, and iOS $59.99 for the full package Professionals
9 FlipBook Windows and OSX $19.99/$49.99/$149.99/$199.99 Professionals
10 Reallusion CrazyTalk Animator Windows and OSX $199 for the pipeline, $99 for pro Professionals

Part 1 Best Free 2D Animation Software for Beginners

01 Synfig - Open Source 2D Animation Software for Beginners

Price: Free

Compatibility: Windows, Linux, and OSX

Pro: It offers more than 50 layers to make simple or advanced animation, so you don’t need to worry about its limitation though it is free to use.

Con: Few tutorials are available in the market to start making an animation for beginners.

Synfig Studio is an open-source, free 2D animation software that is the perfect place for beginners to learn about 2D animation. There are two versions available for free download - stable and testing.

The testing version has some experimental features if users want to try those ahead of their introduction into the stable release.

Features:

  • Supports multiple layers of content
  • The bone system allows for the creation of cutout animations from bitmap images
  • Has sound support to allow for the addition and syncing of narration and/or music to the video

02 Opentoonz - Free-to-Use Effects for 2D Animation

Price: Free

Compatibility: Windows and OSX

Pro: You can use a plug-in to make beautiful animation effects automatically without further editing.

Con: The UI design is outdated compared with other animation software, but it won’t affect user experience.

Based on the Toonz software, Opentoonz is the best free alternative that will help you create 2D animated content. Anyone can use the software, free of charge, and download it.

And users can modify the source code to add specific features to this simple animation software.

Features:

  • GTS scanning tool
  • Ability to change picture styles
  • Add distortion and light effects
  • Compatible with black and white and colored scans

03 Maefloresta - Easy-to-Use 2D Animation Software on Phone

Price: Free

Compatibility: iPhone and Android

Pro: It is free to use with easy to start introduction, even for kids.

Con: You need to email its staff to get the installer online, which is inconvenient sometimes.

The beauty of the Maefloresta app is that you can use your Android or iOS tablet and smartphone to create free 2D animated videos.

There is no need to pay for expensive software if you just want to create some fun videos to show your friends. It also offers school solutions for teachers and students.

Features:

  • The free downloadable app that works on smartphones and tablets
  • Easy animation software with tutorials
  • Intuitive interface that beginners can use with ease

04 Pencil 2D - Cross-Platform Software with Intuitive Interface

Price: Free

Compatibility: Windows, Linux, and OSX

Pro: It offers English, Spanish, and Portuguese language tutorials to use.

Con: It doesn’t support the shapes tool. If you like to make shapes and draw something, you’d be disappointed.

Want an open-source and free 2D animation design software to help you create videos? Pencil2D animation is the type of program that can help beginners.

You can get to grips with how 2D animation works, and you can create some very fun and interesting videos along the way.

Features:

  • Minimalist design to let you make animation easily
  • Raster and vector workflow switching
  • Cross-platform compatibility to free download

Part 2: Best Professional 2D Animation Software

05 Toon Boom Harmony - Leading Animation Software for Professional

Price: The first 21 days of using the product are free. After the 21 days are up, you will need to pay $109 per month.

Compatibility: Windows, Linux, and OSX

Pro: You can make 2D and 3D animation, both with models.

Con: It may take some time to learn how to make 2D animation for beginners.

Whether you are trying to create an art piece, showcase a story through 2D images, or craft a unique message for your audience, Toon Boom Harmony will help you immensely.

This professional 2D animation software may take time to learn, but it is worth using. It has bitmap and vector tools for creating art, 3D imported models for hybrid productions, and the option to create multiplane scenes with Z-depth.

You can also check the Toon Boom Harmony Advanced Review from the TopTenReview website for more information.

Features:

  • Revolutionary vector and bitmap drawing technology - Brush Engine
  • Advanced color palettes and paint options
  • 2D and 3D integration to make professional animation
  • Cut-out animation tools
  • Traditional paperless animation.

06 CelAction2D - Low System Requirement for Professional 2D Animation

Price: If you go with the Studio Edition, it costs $1,300 to obtain a single license to use the product for a lifetime. Studio Edition is $1300 for one single license

Compatibility: Windows, Linux, and OSX

Pro: It is fast to use with low system requirements.

Con: You can draw animation in itself, so you need to import all words from third-party software.

Want to create unique and complex 2D animations for your upcoming projects? CelAction2D is the type of product that is going to help you create wonderful and professional animations.

While getting a full license is a financial commitment, you are getting a product that has all the features that you could need.

You can create a palette using up to 16 million colors, and you will have a very easy time getting to grips with the way the software works.

It is designed for beginners and intermediate users, but still has all the advanced features that a pro would want.

Features:

  • Easy and fast to use for professional users
  • Features ergonomic controls
  • Easily handles complex projects with thousands of layers
  • Works with all modern Windows machines - 32 and 64-bit Also work with Macs through Boot Camp
  • The multiplane camera features let you have more controls

07 Moho (Anime Studio) Pro - All-In-One Professional 2D Animation Software

Price: $399.99 for the full package.

Compatibility: Windows and OSX

Pro: Its update is regular with advanced and newest features to use.

Con: It is not user-friendly for beginners as the functions are too advanced a little bit.

Anime Studio Pro is a fantastic option for anyone who is looking to get into professional 2D animation creation. It is affordable and designed for Flash-style animations.

While you cannot create frame-by-frame animations using this program, you will be able to create some fantastic videos nonetheless.

There is an Anime Studio Debut - simple animation software, which is targeted towards the beginner user and free download. But if you want all the features of a high-end 2D animation software, you will want to go with the Pro version.

Features:

  • Enhanced freehand drawing tools
  • Beizer handles to make it easier for you to design your videos the way that you want
  • Smart warp feature helps create custom meshes to bend and twist your animations
  • Realistic motion blur
  • Animation for multiple layers at the same time

08 Stop Motion Studio - Fun and Well Designed 2D Animation Software

Price: $59.99 to download the software onto your PC.

Compatibility: Windows, OSX, Android, and iOS

Pro: You can use a built-in sound to make your animation unique. You can also record voice and use it in the video.

Con: You can only use it to make 2D stop motion animation.

Want to create fun, 2D animated videos? Hoping to impress your bosses with a 2D animated presentation to highlight a product’s features?

Using Stop Motion Studio will help you achieve all that you want in the world of 2D animation.

You can capture content with ease, whether you change up the focus, exposure, or white balance. There is DSLR support, so you can use your high-end camera in conjunction with this professional software.

And with a unique, frame-by-frame editor, you will be able to get the result that you want for your 2D stop animation movie.

Features:

  • Onionskin allows you to view previous frames through a transparent overlay, which helps you create your next frame
  • Comes with Chroma key and audio recording to better narrate and add voice effects to your videos
  • Easy one-click uploading to YouTube and Facebook
  • DSLR camera support for creating perfect 1080p recordings

09 FlipBook - Fun and Well Designed 2D Animation Software

Price: $19.99 for FlipBook Lite, $49.99 for FlipBook Studio, $149.99 for FlipBook Pro, $199.99 for FlipBook ProHD

Compatibility: Windows and OSX

Pro: From drawing, scanning to sound, this 2D animation software can make you powerful video.

Con: You can’t use it to make subtle changes as bone rigging is not available.

FlipBook is easy to use for beginners and pros who want to improve the editing experience. It is a powerful video editor that you can make 2D animation with various functions like syncing sound with animation, scanning cells, and more.

If you like to make a cartoon video like a pro, this 2D animation maker is best for you. It is free to download.

Features:

  • Changes will be made while you change the animation, so FlipBook is fast to use
  • You can use the shift key to make speed painting once you select one color
  • Ten layers in animation for adding extra touches
  • You can use a scanner to import images

10 Reallusion CrazyTalk Animator - Professional 2D Animation/Cartoon Software for Designers

Price: USD199 for the pipeline, USD99 for pro.

Compatibility: Windows and OSX

Pro: You can always find the feature you like for beginners and professionals. You can control characters even in expression levels.

Con: It integrates with PhotoShop to import and export video.

CrazyTalk is a 2D animation maker for professional users, so you can use this one if you don’t know which one to use. It supports controlling characters with your expression and lip-syncing. It is popular among YouTubers, educators and marketers.

Features:

  • Capture real-time facial expression with precise changing
  • Black magic to turn the image into a moving cartoon
  • For advanced users, you can make 2D visual effects

Price: USD199 for the pipeline, USD99 for pro.

You may also like: Best Free Animated Logo Makers >>

Part 3: How to Make 2D Animation

Step 1 Put forward an idea

A story ides is priceless. It is always important to build an essential story frame. Sometimes it is in a blink to have come up with an idea.

It will help if you decide the gist of your 2D animation because the whole process of making animation is evolving. You may need to add or cut some scenes, but the overall concept and story ideas are always the same.

Put forward an idea

Step 2 Make a storyboard

After all the ideas are fixed, you need to make a storyboard for animation . You don’t need to produce every scene, but it is suggested to make a storyboard in some crucial scenes. Storyboarding is probably the best way to show 2D animation to other people and get feedback.

Thus, it is a step that you should not neglect during the preliminary.

make storyboard

Step 3 Produce materials

At this stage, you need to prepare all the 2D animation materials, including characters, background, and props. One thing you need to know is all the preparations in steps 2 and 3 should be ready before proceeding to step 3.

Produce materials

Step 4 Animation

After all, materials are ready, and you need to make animation alive. In this step, you need to make sure all the movements are natural. Stiff moves are not liked by the audience, so you need to think about how to design gestures, movements, and facial expressions.

Animation

Step 5 Animation editing

In this step, the software is the key to relive the 2D animation. Background audio is essential and needs to be added to the video. Color correction and grading are also necessary. Besides, scene transition, voiceover, and even text credit need to be added.

Above are the five 2D animation steps. If you think there are extra steps, you are free to add them according to your needs.

Bonus tip: Create an Animation Video with Anireel

Anireel provides a faster and smoother animated video creation experience with customizable elements to bring anyone’s imagination to life. All you have to do is choose your script, input the content, and Anireel will instantly match your script to rich animation explainer scenes, convert the text into voice-over, and generate a vivid, complete animation video.

anireel animation software

Download Win Version

Part 3 FAQ about Professional 2D Animation Software

01 What is the best 2D animation software?

It is hard to directly give you an answer and tell you which is the best 2D animation software. However, we can give you some recommendations based on your needs. If you are a beginner, Pencil 2D is a great start. You can use it to make minimalist animation to give you a quick-to-start 2D animation experience. If you are in the middle level, Stop Motion Studio is what we recommend. The interface is intuitive with powerful features like voiceover and Chroma key.

02 What is the best 2D animation software for beginners?

For 2D animation software for beginners, Pencil 2D would come to mind for many people. It is an excellent animation software for beginners. If you also want to try other tools, Synfig and FlipBook are also great choices. It is your call for the final decision.

03 Is there any free animation software?

For beginners, free animation software includes Synfig, Opentoonz, Maefloresta, and Pencil 2D. For advanced users, you can use Blender and Maya.

Conclusion

Creating a 2D animation video is a lot easier when you have the right software available to you. You already have a script and storyboard in mind, but now you can realize your vision in intricate and unique ways.

If you want to make 3D animation, there are also various 3D animation software options for you. If anyone of the products above will serve you well, you could use Filmora.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

author avatar

Shanoon Cox

Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Shanoon Cox

Shanoon Cox

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

When you are trying to make funny cartoons within seven steps , explainer videos, or informative shorts to post online, 2D animation software can come in handy. With access to a 2D animation maker, you can create intricate and interesting stories that will help you connect with your audience.

Whether you are turning photos into cartoons , teaching a group of kids , showing employees how to do their job, introducing a new product, or trying to elicit an emotional reaction from your audience, 2D cartoon animation can be very useful.

If you are new to the world of 2D animation as a beginner and want to be a professional animation maker, you will be interested in our review of the top 10 free download 2D animation software options that may prove useful to you.

Recommend free download animation maker Filmora

If you want to create a 2D animation video, we recommend using 2D animation software-Filmora.

It is a powerful and straightforward video maker for all levels from middle to advanced. With keyframing, you can make smooth 2D animation quickly. Auto color correction can save you a lot of time to make high-quality animation.

Now free download it on Windows and Mac to make 2D animated videos, and connect with other video creators in the Wondershare Video Community to get more creative ideas.

filmora logo

A cross-platform for making videos anywhere for all creators

filmora-02

Why your video editing isn’t good enough? How about some creative inspo?

  • 100 Million+ Users
  • 150+ Countries and Regions
  • 4 Million+ Social Media Followers
  • 5 Million+ Stock Media for Use

Try It Free Try It Free

Try It Free

Try It Free

* Secure Download

filmora12

Have a Quick Look at The Best 10 Free/Paid 2D Animation Software to Download

No. Product Name Supported OS Price Best for
1 Synfig Windows, Linux, and OSX Free Beginners
2 Opentoonz Windows and OSX Free Beginners
3 Maefloresta iPhone and Android Free Beginners
4 Pencil 2D Windows, Linux, and OSX Free Beginners
5 Toon Boom Harmony Windows, Linux, and OSX $109 per month Professionals
6 CelAction2D Windows, Linux, and OSX $1300 for one single license Professionals
7 Moho (Anime Studio) Pro Windows and OSX $399.99 for the full package Professionals
8 Stop Motion Studio Windows, OSX, Android, and iOS $59.99 for the full package Professionals
9 FlipBook Windows and OSX $19.99/$49.99/$149.99/$199.99 Professionals
10 Reallusion CrazyTalk Animator Windows and OSX $199 for the pipeline, $99 for pro Professionals

Part 1 Best Free 2D Animation Software for Beginners

01 Synfig - Open Source 2D Animation Software for Beginners

Price: Free

Compatibility: Windows, Linux, and OSX

Pro: It offers more than 50 layers to make simple or advanced animation, so you don’t need to worry about its limitation though it is free to use.

Con: Few tutorials are available in the market to start making an animation for beginners.

Synfig Studio is an open-source, free 2D animation software that is the perfect place for beginners to learn about 2D animation. There are two versions available for free download - stable and testing.

The testing version has some experimental features if users want to try those ahead of their introduction into the stable release.

Features:

  • Supports multiple layers of content
  • The bone system allows for the creation of cutout animations from bitmap images
  • Has sound support to allow for the addition and syncing of narration and/or music to the video

02 Opentoonz - Free-to-Use Effects for 2D Animation

Price: Free

Compatibility: Windows and OSX

Pro: You can use a plug-in to make beautiful animation effects automatically without further editing.

Con: The UI design is outdated compared with other animation software, but it won’t affect user experience.

Based on the Toonz software, Opentoonz is the best free alternative that will help you create 2D animated content. Anyone can use the software, free of charge, and download it.

And users can modify the source code to add specific features to this simple animation software.

Features:

  • GTS scanning tool
  • Ability to change picture styles
  • Add distortion and light effects
  • Compatible with black and white and colored scans

03 Maefloresta - Easy-to-Use 2D Animation Software on Phone

Price: Free

Compatibility: iPhone and Android

Pro: It is free to use with easy to start introduction, even for kids.

Con: You need to email its staff to get the installer online, which is inconvenient sometimes.

The beauty of the Maefloresta app is that you can use your Android or iOS tablet and smartphone to create free 2D animated videos.

There is no need to pay for expensive software if you just want to create some fun videos to show your friends. It also offers school solutions for teachers and students.

Features:

  • The free downloadable app that works on smartphones and tablets
  • Easy animation software with tutorials
  • Intuitive interface that beginners can use with ease

04 Pencil 2D - Cross-Platform Software with Intuitive Interface

Price: Free

Compatibility: Windows, Linux, and OSX

Pro: It offers English, Spanish, and Portuguese language tutorials to use.

Con: It doesn’t support the shapes tool. If you like to make shapes and draw something, you’d be disappointed.

Want an open-source and free 2D animation design software to help you create videos? Pencil2D animation is the type of program that can help beginners.

You can get to grips with how 2D animation works, and you can create some very fun and interesting videos along the way.

Features:

  • Minimalist design to let you make animation easily
  • Raster and vector workflow switching
  • Cross-platform compatibility to free download

Part 2: Best Professional 2D Animation Software

05 Toon Boom Harmony - Leading Animation Software for Professional

Price: The first 21 days of using the product are free. After the 21 days are up, you will need to pay $109 per month.

Compatibility: Windows, Linux, and OSX

Pro: You can make 2D and 3D animation, both with models.

Con: It may take some time to learn how to make 2D animation for beginners.

Whether you are trying to create an art piece, showcase a story through 2D images, or craft a unique message for your audience, Toon Boom Harmony will help you immensely.

This professional 2D animation software may take time to learn, but it is worth using. It has bitmap and vector tools for creating art, 3D imported models for hybrid productions, and the option to create multiplane scenes with Z-depth.

You can also check the Toon Boom Harmony Advanced Review from the TopTenReview website for more information.

Features:

  • Revolutionary vector and bitmap drawing technology - Brush Engine
  • Advanced color palettes and paint options
  • 2D and 3D integration to make professional animation
  • Cut-out animation tools
  • Traditional paperless animation.

06 CelAction2D - Low System Requirement for Professional 2D Animation

Price: If you go with the Studio Edition, it costs $1,300 to obtain a single license to use the product for a lifetime. Studio Edition is $1300 for one single license

Compatibility: Windows, Linux, and OSX

Pro: It is fast to use with low system requirements.

Con: You can draw animation in itself, so you need to import all words from third-party software.

Want to create unique and complex 2D animations for your upcoming projects? CelAction2D is the type of product that is going to help you create wonderful and professional animations.

While getting a full license is a financial commitment, you are getting a product that has all the features that you could need.

You can create a palette using up to 16 million colors, and you will have a very easy time getting to grips with the way the software works.

It is designed for beginners and intermediate users, but still has all the advanced features that a pro would want.

Features:

  • Easy and fast to use for professional users
  • Features ergonomic controls
  • Easily handles complex projects with thousands of layers
  • Works with all modern Windows machines - 32 and 64-bit Also work with Macs through Boot Camp
  • The multiplane camera features let you have more controls

07 Moho (Anime Studio) Pro - All-In-One Professional 2D Animation Software

Price: $399.99 for the full package.

Compatibility: Windows and OSX

Pro: Its update is regular with advanced and newest features to use.

Con: It is not user-friendly for beginners as the functions are too advanced a little bit.

Anime Studio Pro is a fantastic option for anyone who is looking to get into professional 2D animation creation. It is affordable and designed for Flash-style animations.

While you cannot create frame-by-frame animations using this program, you will be able to create some fantastic videos nonetheless.

There is an Anime Studio Debut - simple animation software, which is targeted towards the beginner user and free download. But if you want all the features of a high-end 2D animation software, you will want to go with the Pro version.

Features:

  • Enhanced freehand drawing tools
  • Beizer handles to make it easier for you to design your videos the way that you want
  • Smart warp feature helps create custom meshes to bend and twist your animations
  • Realistic motion blur
  • Animation for multiple layers at the same time

08 Stop Motion Studio - Fun and Well Designed 2D Animation Software

Price: $59.99 to download the software onto your PC.

Compatibility: Windows, OSX, Android, and iOS

Pro: You can use a built-in sound to make your animation unique. You can also record voice and use it in the video.

Con: You can only use it to make 2D stop motion animation.

Want to create fun, 2D animated videos? Hoping to impress your bosses with a 2D animated presentation to highlight a product’s features?

Using Stop Motion Studio will help you achieve all that you want in the world of 2D animation.

You can capture content with ease, whether you change up the focus, exposure, or white balance. There is DSLR support, so you can use your high-end camera in conjunction with this professional software.

And with a unique, frame-by-frame editor, you will be able to get the result that you want for your 2D stop animation movie.

Features:

  • Onionskin allows you to view previous frames through a transparent overlay, which helps you create your next frame
  • Comes with Chroma key and audio recording to better narrate and add voice effects to your videos
  • Easy one-click uploading to YouTube and Facebook
  • DSLR camera support for creating perfect 1080p recordings

09 FlipBook - Fun and Well Designed 2D Animation Software

Price: $19.99 for FlipBook Lite, $49.99 for FlipBook Studio, $149.99 for FlipBook Pro, $199.99 for FlipBook ProHD

Compatibility: Windows and OSX

Pro: From drawing, scanning to sound, this 2D animation software can make you powerful video.

Con: You can’t use it to make subtle changes as bone rigging is not available.

FlipBook is easy to use for beginners and pros who want to improve the editing experience. It is a powerful video editor that you can make 2D animation with various functions like syncing sound with animation, scanning cells, and more.

If you like to make a cartoon video like a pro, this 2D animation maker is best for you. It is free to download.

Features:

  • Changes will be made while you change the animation, so FlipBook is fast to use
  • You can use the shift key to make speed painting once you select one color
  • Ten layers in animation for adding extra touches
  • You can use a scanner to import images

10 Reallusion CrazyTalk Animator - Professional 2D Animation/Cartoon Software for Designers

Price: USD199 for the pipeline, USD99 for pro.

Compatibility: Windows and OSX

Pro: You can always find the feature you like for beginners and professionals. You can control characters even in expression levels.

Con: It integrates with PhotoShop to import and export video.

CrazyTalk is a 2D animation maker for professional users, so you can use this one if you don’t know which one to use. It supports controlling characters with your expression and lip-syncing. It is popular among YouTubers, educators and marketers.

Features:

  • Capture real-time facial expression with precise changing
  • Black magic to turn the image into a moving cartoon
  • For advanced users, you can make 2D visual effects

Price: USD199 for the pipeline, USD99 for pro.

You may also like: Best Free Animated Logo Makers >>

Part 3: How to Make 2D Animation

Step 1 Put forward an idea

A story ides is priceless. It is always important to build an essential story frame. Sometimes it is in a blink to have come up with an idea.

It will help if you decide the gist of your 2D animation because the whole process of making animation is evolving. You may need to add or cut some scenes, but the overall concept and story ideas are always the same.

Put forward an idea

Step 2 Make a storyboard

After all the ideas are fixed, you need to make a storyboard for animation . You don’t need to produce every scene, but it is suggested to make a storyboard in some crucial scenes. Storyboarding is probably the best way to show 2D animation to other people and get feedback.

Thus, it is a step that you should not neglect during the preliminary.

make storyboard

Step 3 Produce materials

At this stage, you need to prepare all the 2D animation materials, including characters, background, and props. One thing you need to know is all the preparations in steps 2 and 3 should be ready before proceeding to step 3.

Produce materials

Step 4 Animation

After all, materials are ready, and you need to make animation alive. In this step, you need to make sure all the movements are natural. Stiff moves are not liked by the audience, so you need to think about how to design gestures, movements, and facial expressions.

Animation

Step 5 Animation editing

In this step, the software is the key to relive the 2D animation. Background audio is essential and needs to be added to the video. Color correction and grading are also necessary. Besides, scene transition, voiceover, and even text credit need to be added.

Above are the five 2D animation steps. If you think there are extra steps, you are free to add them according to your needs.

Bonus tip: Create an Animation Video with Anireel

Anireel provides a faster and smoother animated video creation experience with customizable elements to bring anyone’s imagination to life. All you have to do is choose your script, input the content, and Anireel will instantly match your script to rich animation explainer scenes, convert the text into voice-over, and generate a vivid, complete animation video.

anireel animation software

Download Win Version

Part 3 FAQ about Professional 2D Animation Software

01 What is the best 2D animation software?

It is hard to directly give you an answer and tell you which is the best 2D animation software. However, we can give you some recommendations based on your needs. If you are a beginner, Pencil 2D is a great start. You can use it to make minimalist animation to give you a quick-to-start 2D animation experience. If you are in the middle level, Stop Motion Studio is what we recommend. The interface is intuitive with powerful features like voiceover and Chroma key.

02 What is the best 2D animation software for beginners?

For 2D animation software for beginners, Pencil 2D would come to mind for many people. It is an excellent animation software for beginners. If you also want to try other tools, Synfig and FlipBook are also great choices. It is your call for the final decision.

03 Is there any free animation software?

For beginners, free animation software includes Synfig, Opentoonz, Maefloresta, and Pencil 2D. For advanced users, you can use Blender and Maya.

Conclusion

Creating a 2D animation video is a lot easier when you have the right software available to you. You already have a script and storyboard in mind, but now you can realize your vision in intricate and unique ways.

If you want to make 3D animation, there are also various 3D animation software options for you. If anyone of the products above will serve you well, you could use Filmora.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

author avatar

Shanoon Cox

Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Shanoon Cox

Shanoon Cox

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

When you are trying to make funny cartoons within seven steps , explainer videos, or informative shorts to post online, 2D animation software can come in handy. With access to a 2D animation maker, you can create intricate and interesting stories that will help you connect with your audience.

Whether you are turning photos into cartoons , teaching a group of kids , showing employees how to do their job, introducing a new product, or trying to elicit an emotional reaction from your audience, 2D cartoon animation can be very useful.

If you are new to the world of 2D animation as a beginner and want to be a professional animation maker, you will be interested in our review of the top 10 free download 2D animation software options that may prove useful to you.

Recommend free download animation maker Filmora

If you want to create a 2D animation video, we recommend using 2D animation software-Filmora.

It is a powerful and straightforward video maker for all levels from middle to advanced. With keyframing, you can make smooth 2D animation quickly. Auto color correction can save you a lot of time to make high-quality animation.

Now free download it on Windows and Mac to make 2D animated videos, and connect with other video creators in the Wondershare Video Community to get more creative ideas.

filmora logo

A cross-platform for making videos anywhere for all creators

filmora-02

Why your video editing isn’t good enough? How about some creative inspo?

  • 100 Million+ Users
  • 150+ Countries and Regions
  • 4 Million+ Social Media Followers
  • 5 Million+ Stock Media for Use

Try It Free Try It Free

Try It Free

Try It Free

* Secure Download

filmora12

Have a Quick Look at The Best 10 Free/Paid 2D Animation Software to Download

No. Product Name Supported OS Price Best for
1 Synfig Windows, Linux, and OSX Free Beginners
2 Opentoonz Windows and OSX Free Beginners
3 Maefloresta iPhone and Android Free Beginners
4 Pencil 2D Windows, Linux, and OSX Free Beginners
5 Toon Boom Harmony Windows, Linux, and OSX $109 per month Professionals
6 CelAction2D Windows, Linux, and OSX $1300 for one single license Professionals
7 Moho (Anime Studio) Pro Windows and OSX $399.99 for the full package Professionals
8 Stop Motion Studio Windows, OSX, Android, and iOS $59.99 for the full package Professionals
9 FlipBook Windows and OSX $19.99/$49.99/$149.99/$199.99 Professionals
10 Reallusion CrazyTalk Animator Windows and OSX $199 for the pipeline, $99 for pro Professionals

Part 1 Best Free 2D Animation Software for Beginners

01 Synfig - Open Source 2D Animation Software for Beginners

Price: Free

Compatibility: Windows, Linux, and OSX

Pro: It offers more than 50 layers to make simple or advanced animation, so you don’t need to worry about its limitation though it is free to use.

Con: Few tutorials are available in the market to start making an animation for beginners.

Synfig Studio is an open-source, free 2D animation software that is the perfect place for beginners to learn about 2D animation. There are two versions available for free download - stable and testing.

The testing version has some experimental features if users want to try those ahead of their introduction into the stable release.

Features:

  • Supports multiple layers of content
  • The bone system allows for the creation of cutout animations from bitmap images
  • Has sound support to allow for the addition and syncing of narration and/or music to the video

02 Opentoonz - Free-to-Use Effects for 2D Animation

Price: Free

Compatibility: Windows and OSX

Pro: You can use a plug-in to make beautiful animation effects automatically without further editing.

Con: The UI design is outdated compared with other animation software, but it won’t affect user experience.

Based on the Toonz software, Opentoonz is the best free alternative that will help you create 2D animated content. Anyone can use the software, free of charge, and download it.

And users can modify the source code to add specific features to this simple animation software.

Features:

  • GTS scanning tool
  • Ability to change picture styles
  • Add distortion and light effects
  • Compatible with black and white and colored scans

03 Maefloresta - Easy-to-Use 2D Animation Software on Phone

Price: Free

Compatibility: iPhone and Android

Pro: It is free to use with easy to start introduction, even for kids.

Con: You need to email its staff to get the installer online, which is inconvenient sometimes.

The beauty of the Maefloresta app is that you can use your Android or iOS tablet and smartphone to create free 2D animated videos.

There is no need to pay for expensive software if you just want to create some fun videos to show your friends. It also offers school solutions for teachers and students.

Features:

  • The free downloadable app that works on smartphones and tablets
  • Easy animation software with tutorials
  • Intuitive interface that beginners can use with ease

04 Pencil 2D - Cross-Platform Software with Intuitive Interface

Price: Free

Compatibility: Windows, Linux, and OSX

Pro: It offers English, Spanish, and Portuguese language tutorials to use.

Con: It doesn’t support the shapes tool. If you like to make shapes and draw something, you’d be disappointed.

Want an open-source and free 2D animation design software to help you create videos? Pencil2D animation is the type of program that can help beginners.

You can get to grips with how 2D animation works, and you can create some very fun and interesting videos along the way.

Features:

  • Minimalist design to let you make animation easily
  • Raster and vector workflow switching
  • Cross-platform compatibility to free download

Part 2: Best Professional 2D Animation Software

05 Toon Boom Harmony - Leading Animation Software for Professional

Price: The first 21 days of using the product are free. After the 21 days are up, you will need to pay $109 per month.

Compatibility: Windows, Linux, and OSX

Pro: You can make 2D and 3D animation, both with models.

Con: It may take some time to learn how to make 2D animation for beginners.

Whether you are trying to create an art piece, showcase a story through 2D images, or craft a unique message for your audience, Toon Boom Harmony will help you immensely.

This professional 2D animation software may take time to learn, but it is worth using. It has bitmap and vector tools for creating art, 3D imported models for hybrid productions, and the option to create multiplane scenes with Z-depth.

You can also check the Toon Boom Harmony Advanced Review from the TopTenReview website for more information.

Features:

  • Revolutionary vector and bitmap drawing technology - Brush Engine
  • Advanced color palettes and paint options
  • 2D and 3D integration to make professional animation
  • Cut-out animation tools
  • Traditional paperless animation.

06 CelAction2D - Low System Requirement for Professional 2D Animation

Price: If you go with the Studio Edition, it costs $1,300 to obtain a single license to use the product for a lifetime. Studio Edition is $1300 for one single license

Compatibility: Windows, Linux, and OSX

Pro: It is fast to use with low system requirements.

Con: You can draw animation in itself, so you need to import all words from third-party software.

Want to create unique and complex 2D animations for your upcoming projects? CelAction2D is the type of product that is going to help you create wonderful and professional animations.

While getting a full license is a financial commitment, you are getting a product that has all the features that you could need.

You can create a palette using up to 16 million colors, and you will have a very easy time getting to grips with the way the software works.

It is designed for beginners and intermediate users, but still has all the advanced features that a pro would want.

Features:

  • Easy and fast to use for professional users
  • Features ergonomic controls
  • Easily handles complex projects with thousands of layers
  • Works with all modern Windows machines - 32 and 64-bit Also work with Macs through Boot Camp
  • The multiplane camera features let you have more controls

07 Moho (Anime Studio) Pro - All-In-One Professional 2D Animation Software

Price: $399.99 for the full package.

Compatibility: Windows and OSX

Pro: Its update is regular with advanced and newest features to use.

Con: It is not user-friendly for beginners as the functions are too advanced a little bit.

Anime Studio Pro is a fantastic option for anyone who is looking to get into professional 2D animation creation. It is affordable and designed for Flash-style animations.

While you cannot create frame-by-frame animations using this program, you will be able to create some fantastic videos nonetheless.

There is an Anime Studio Debut - simple animation software, which is targeted towards the beginner user and free download. But if you want all the features of a high-end 2D animation software, you will want to go with the Pro version.

Features:

  • Enhanced freehand drawing tools
  • Beizer handles to make it easier for you to design your videos the way that you want
  • Smart warp feature helps create custom meshes to bend and twist your animations
  • Realistic motion blur
  • Animation for multiple layers at the same time

08 Stop Motion Studio - Fun and Well Designed 2D Animation Software

Price: $59.99 to download the software onto your PC.

Compatibility: Windows, OSX, Android, and iOS

Pro: You can use a built-in sound to make your animation unique. You can also record voice and use it in the video.

Con: You can only use it to make 2D stop motion animation.

Want to create fun, 2D animated videos? Hoping to impress your bosses with a 2D animated presentation to highlight a product’s features?

Using Stop Motion Studio will help you achieve all that you want in the world of 2D animation.

You can capture content with ease, whether you change up the focus, exposure, or white balance. There is DSLR support, so you can use your high-end camera in conjunction with this professional software.

And with a unique, frame-by-frame editor, you will be able to get the result that you want for your 2D stop animation movie.

Features:

  • Onionskin allows you to view previous frames through a transparent overlay, which helps you create your next frame
  • Comes with Chroma key and audio recording to better narrate and add voice effects to your videos
  • Easy one-click uploading to YouTube and Facebook
  • DSLR camera support for creating perfect 1080p recordings

09 FlipBook - Fun and Well Designed 2D Animation Software

Price: $19.99 for FlipBook Lite, $49.99 for FlipBook Studio, $149.99 for FlipBook Pro, $199.99 for FlipBook ProHD

Compatibility: Windows and OSX

Pro: From drawing, scanning to sound, this 2D animation software can make you powerful video.

Con: You can’t use it to make subtle changes as bone rigging is not available.

FlipBook is easy to use for beginners and pros who want to improve the editing experience. It is a powerful video editor that you can make 2D animation with various functions like syncing sound with animation, scanning cells, and more.

If you like to make a cartoon video like a pro, this 2D animation maker is best for you. It is free to download.

Features:

  • Changes will be made while you change the animation, so FlipBook is fast to use
  • You can use the shift key to make speed painting once you select one color
  • Ten layers in animation for adding extra touches
  • You can use a scanner to import images

10 Reallusion CrazyTalk Animator - Professional 2D Animation/Cartoon Software for Designers

Price: USD199 for the pipeline, USD99 for pro.

Compatibility: Windows and OSX

Pro: You can always find the feature you like for beginners and professionals. You can control characters even in expression levels.

Con: It integrates with PhotoShop to import and export video.

CrazyTalk is a 2D animation maker for professional users, so you can use this one if you don’t know which one to use. It supports controlling characters with your expression and lip-syncing. It is popular among YouTubers, educators and marketers.

Features:

  • Capture real-time facial expression with precise changing
  • Black magic to turn the image into a moving cartoon
  • For advanced users, you can make 2D visual effects

Price: USD199 for the pipeline, USD99 for pro.

You may also like: Best Free Animated Logo Makers >>

Part 3: How to Make 2D Animation

Step 1 Put forward an idea

A story ides is priceless. It is always important to build an essential story frame. Sometimes it is in a blink to have come up with an idea.

It will help if you decide the gist of your 2D animation because the whole process of making animation is evolving. You may need to add or cut some scenes, but the overall concept and story ideas are always the same.

Put forward an idea

Step 2 Make a storyboard

After all the ideas are fixed, you need to make a storyboard for animation . You don’t need to produce every scene, but it is suggested to make a storyboard in some crucial scenes. Storyboarding is probably the best way to show 2D animation to other people and get feedback.

Thus, it is a step that you should not neglect during the preliminary.

make storyboard

Step 3 Produce materials

At this stage, you need to prepare all the 2D animation materials, including characters, background, and props. One thing you need to know is all the preparations in steps 2 and 3 should be ready before proceeding to step 3.

Produce materials

Step 4 Animation

After all, materials are ready, and you need to make animation alive. In this step, you need to make sure all the movements are natural. Stiff moves are not liked by the audience, so you need to think about how to design gestures, movements, and facial expressions.

Animation

Step 5 Animation editing

In this step, the software is the key to relive the 2D animation. Background audio is essential and needs to be added to the video. Color correction and grading are also necessary. Besides, scene transition, voiceover, and even text credit need to be added.

Above are the five 2D animation steps. If you think there are extra steps, you are free to add them according to your needs.

Bonus tip: Create an Animation Video with Anireel

Anireel provides a faster and smoother animated video creation experience with customizable elements to bring anyone’s imagination to life. All you have to do is choose your script, input the content, and Anireel will instantly match your script to rich animation explainer scenes, convert the text into voice-over, and generate a vivid, complete animation video.

anireel animation software

Download Win Version

Part 3 FAQ about Professional 2D Animation Software

01 What is the best 2D animation software?

It is hard to directly give you an answer and tell you which is the best 2D animation software. However, we can give you some recommendations based on your needs. If you are a beginner, Pencil 2D is a great start. You can use it to make minimalist animation to give you a quick-to-start 2D animation experience. If you are in the middle level, Stop Motion Studio is what we recommend. The interface is intuitive with powerful features like voiceover and Chroma key.

02 What is the best 2D animation software for beginners?

For 2D animation software for beginners, Pencil 2D would come to mind for many people. It is an excellent animation software for beginners. If you also want to try other tools, Synfig and FlipBook are also great choices. It is your call for the final decision.

03 Is there any free animation software?

For beginners, free animation software includes Synfig, Opentoonz, Maefloresta, and Pencil 2D. For advanced users, you can use Blender and Maya.

Conclusion

Creating a 2D animation video is a lot easier when you have the right software available to you. You already have a script and storyboard in mind, but now you can realize your vision in intricate and unique ways.

If you want to make 3D animation, there are also various 3D animation software options for you. If anyone of the products above will serve you well, you could use Filmora.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

author avatar

Shanoon Cox

Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Shanoon Cox

Shanoon Cox

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

When you are trying to make funny cartoons within seven steps , explainer videos, or informative shorts to post online, 2D animation software can come in handy. With access to a 2D animation maker, you can create intricate and interesting stories that will help you connect with your audience.

Whether you are turning photos into cartoons , teaching a group of kids , showing employees how to do their job, introducing a new product, or trying to elicit an emotional reaction from your audience, 2D cartoon animation can be very useful.

If you are new to the world of 2D animation as a beginner and want to be a professional animation maker, you will be interested in our review of the top 10 free download 2D animation software options that may prove useful to you.

Recommend free download animation maker Filmora

If you want to create a 2D animation video, we recommend using 2D animation software-Filmora.

It is a powerful and straightforward video maker for all levels from middle to advanced. With keyframing, you can make smooth 2D animation quickly. Auto color correction can save you a lot of time to make high-quality animation.

Now free download it on Windows and Mac to make 2D animated videos, and connect with other video creators in the Wondershare Video Community to get more creative ideas.

filmora logo

A cross-platform for making videos anywhere for all creators

filmora-02

Why your video editing isn’t good enough? How about some creative inspo?

  • 100 Million+ Users
  • 150+ Countries and Regions
  • 4 Million+ Social Media Followers
  • 5 Million+ Stock Media for Use

Try It Free Try It Free

Try It Free

Try It Free

* Secure Download

filmora12

Have a Quick Look at The Best 10 Free/Paid 2D Animation Software to Download

No. Product Name Supported OS Price Best for
1 Synfig Windows, Linux, and OSX Free Beginners
2 Opentoonz Windows and OSX Free Beginners
3 Maefloresta iPhone and Android Free Beginners
4 Pencil 2D Windows, Linux, and OSX Free Beginners
5 Toon Boom Harmony Windows, Linux, and OSX $109 per month Professionals
6 CelAction2D Windows, Linux, and OSX $1300 for one single license Professionals
7 Moho (Anime Studio) Pro Windows and OSX $399.99 for the full package Professionals
8 Stop Motion Studio Windows, OSX, Android, and iOS $59.99 for the full package Professionals
9 FlipBook Windows and OSX $19.99/$49.99/$149.99/$199.99 Professionals
10 Reallusion CrazyTalk Animator Windows and OSX $199 for the pipeline, $99 for pro Professionals

Part 1 Best Free 2D Animation Software for Beginners

01 Synfig - Open Source 2D Animation Software for Beginners

Price: Free

Compatibility: Windows, Linux, and OSX

Pro: It offers more than 50 layers to make simple or advanced animation, so you don’t need to worry about its limitation though it is free to use.

Con: Few tutorials are available in the market to start making an animation for beginners.

Synfig Studio is an open-source, free 2D animation software that is the perfect place for beginners to learn about 2D animation. There are two versions available for free download - stable and testing.

The testing version has some experimental features if users want to try those ahead of their introduction into the stable release.

Features:

  • Supports multiple layers of content
  • The bone system allows for the creation of cutout animations from bitmap images
  • Has sound support to allow for the addition and syncing of narration and/or music to the video

02 Opentoonz - Free-to-Use Effects for 2D Animation

Price: Free

Compatibility: Windows and OSX

Pro: You can use a plug-in to make beautiful animation effects automatically without further editing.

Con: The UI design is outdated compared with other animation software, but it won’t affect user experience.

Based on the Toonz software, Opentoonz is the best free alternative that will help you create 2D animated content. Anyone can use the software, free of charge, and download it.

And users can modify the source code to add specific features to this simple animation software.

Features:

  • GTS scanning tool
  • Ability to change picture styles
  • Add distortion and light effects
  • Compatible with black and white and colored scans

03 Maefloresta - Easy-to-Use 2D Animation Software on Phone

Price: Free

Compatibility: iPhone and Android

Pro: It is free to use with easy to start introduction, even for kids.

Con: You need to email its staff to get the installer online, which is inconvenient sometimes.

The beauty of the Maefloresta app is that you can use your Android or iOS tablet and smartphone to create free 2D animated videos.

There is no need to pay for expensive software if you just want to create some fun videos to show your friends. It also offers school solutions for teachers and students.

Features:

  • The free downloadable app that works on smartphones and tablets
  • Easy animation software with tutorials
  • Intuitive interface that beginners can use with ease

04 Pencil 2D - Cross-Platform Software with Intuitive Interface

Price: Free

Compatibility: Windows, Linux, and OSX

Pro: It offers English, Spanish, and Portuguese language tutorials to use.

Con: It doesn’t support the shapes tool. If you like to make shapes and draw something, you’d be disappointed.

Want an open-source and free 2D animation design software to help you create videos? Pencil2D animation is the type of program that can help beginners.

You can get to grips with how 2D animation works, and you can create some very fun and interesting videos along the way.

Features:

  • Minimalist design to let you make animation easily
  • Raster and vector workflow switching
  • Cross-platform compatibility to free download

Part 2: Best Professional 2D Animation Software

05 Toon Boom Harmony - Leading Animation Software for Professional

Price: The first 21 days of using the product are free. After the 21 days are up, you will need to pay $109 per month.

Compatibility: Windows, Linux, and OSX

Pro: You can make 2D and 3D animation, both with models.

Con: It may take some time to learn how to make 2D animation for beginners.

Whether you are trying to create an art piece, showcase a story through 2D images, or craft a unique message for your audience, Toon Boom Harmony will help you immensely.

This professional 2D animation software may take time to learn, but it is worth using. It has bitmap and vector tools for creating art, 3D imported models for hybrid productions, and the option to create multiplane scenes with Z-depth.

You can also check the Toon Boom Harmony Advanced Review from the TopTenReview website for more information.

Features:

  • Revolutionary vector and bitmap drawing technology - Brush Engine
  • Advanced color palettes and paint options
  • 2D and 3D integration to make professional animation
  • Cut-out animation tools
  • Traditional paperless animation.

06 CelAction2D - Low System Requirement for Professional 2D Animation

Price: If you go with the Studio Edition, it costs $1,300 to obtain a single license to use the product for a lifetime. Studio Edition is $1300 for one single license

Compatibility: Windows, Linux, and OSX

Pro: It is fast to use with low system requirements.

Con: You can draw animation in itself, so you need to import all words from third-party software.

Want to create unique and complex 2D animations for your upcoming projects? CelAction2D is the type of product that is going to help you create wonderful and professional animations.

While getting a full license is a financial commitment, you are getting a product that has all the features that you could need.

You can create a palette using up to 16 million colors, and you will have a very easy time getting to grips with the way the software works.

It is designed for beginners and intermediate users, but still has all the advanced features that a pro would want.

Features:

  • Easy and fast to use for professional users
  • Features ergonomic controls
  • Easily handles complex projects with thousands of layers
  • Works with all modern Windows machines - 32 and 64-bit Also work with Macs through Boot Camp
  • The multiplane camera features let you have more controls

07 Moho (Anime Studio) Pro - All-In-One Professional 2D Animation Software

Price: $399.99 for the full package.

Compatibility: Windows and OSX

Pro: Its update is regular with advanced and newest features to use.

Con: It is not user-friendly for beginners as the functions are too advanced a little bit.

Anime Studio Pro is a fantastic option for anyone who is looking to get into professional 2D animation creation. It is affordable and designed for Flash-style animations.

While you cannot create frame-by-frame animations using this program, you will be able to create some fantastic videos nonetheless.

There is an Anime Studio Debut - simple animation software, which is targeted towards the beginner user and free download. But if you want all the features of a high-end 2D animation software, you will want to go with the Pro version.

Features:

  • Enhanced freehand drawing tools
  • Beizer handles to make it easier for you to design your videos the way that you want
  • Smart warp feature helps create custom meshes to bend and twist your animations
  • Realistic motion blur
  • Animation for multiple layers at the same time

08 Stop Motion Studio - Fun and Well Designed 2D Animation Software

Price: $59.99 to download the software onto your PC.

Compatibility: Windows, OSX, Android, and iOS

Pro: You can use a built-in sound to make your animation unique. You can also record voice and use it in the video.

Con: You can only use it to make 2D stop motion animation.

Want to create fun, 2D animated videos? Hoping to impress your bosses with a 2D animated presentation to highlight a product’s features?

Using Stop Motion Studio will help you achieve all that you want in the world of 2D animation.

You can capture content with ease, whether you change up the focus, exposure, or white balance. There is DSLR support, so you can use your high-end camera in conjunction with this professional software.

And with a unique, frame-by-frame editor, you will be able to get the result that you want for your 2D stop animation movie.

Features:

  • Onionskin allows you to view previous frames through a transparent overlay, which helps you create your next frame
  • Comes with Chroma key and audio recording to better narrate and add voice effects to your videos
  • Easy one-click uploading to YouTube and Facebook
  • DSLR camera support for creating perfect 1080p recordings

09 FlipBook - Fun and Well Designed 2D Animation Software

Price: $19.99 for FlipBook Lite, $49.99 for FlipBook Studio, $149.99 for FlipBook Pro, $199.99 for FlipBook ProHD

Compatibility: Windows and OSX

Pro: From drawing, scanning to sound, this 2D animation software can make you powerful video.

Con: You can’t use it to make subtle changes as bone rigging is not available.

FlipBook is easy to use for beginners and pros who want to improve the editing experience. It is a powerful video editor that you can make 2D animation with various functions like syncing sound with animation, scanning cells, and more.

If you like to make a cartoon video like a pro, this 2D animation maker is best for you. It is free to download.

Features:

  • Changes will be made while you change the animation, so FlipBook is fast to use
  • You can use the shift key to make speed painting once you select one color
  • Ten layers in animation for adding extra touches
  • You can use a scanner to import images

10 Reallusion CrazyTalk Animator - Professional 2D Animation/Cartoon Software for Designers

Price: USD199 for the pipeline, USD99 for pro.

Compatibility: Windows and OSX

Pro: You can always find the feature you like for beginners and professionals. You can control characters even in expression levels.

Con: It integrates with PhotoShop to import and export video.

CrazyTalk is a 2D animation maker for professional users, so you can use this one if you don’t know which one to use. It supports controlling characters with your expression and lip-syncing. It is popular among YouTubers, educators and marketers.

Features:

  • Capture real-time facial expression with precise changing
  • Black magic to turn the image into a moving cartoon
  • For advanced users, you can make 2D visual effects

Price: USD199 for the pipeline, USD99 for pro.

You may also like: Best Free Animated Logo Makers >>

Part 3: How to Make 2D Animation

Step 1 Put forward an idea

A story ides is priceless. It is always important to build an essential story frame. Sometimes it is in a blink to have come up with an idea.

It will help if you decide the gist of your 2D animation because the whole process of making animation is evolving. You may need to add or cut some scenes, but the overall concept and story ideas are always the same.

Put forward an idea

Step 2 Make a storyboard

After all the ideas are fixed, you need to make a storyboard for animation . You don’t need to produce every scene, but it is suggested to make a storyboard in some crucial scenes. Storyboarding is probably the best way to show 2D animation to other people and get feedback.

Thus, it is a step that you should not neglect during the preliminary.

make storyboard

Step 3 Produce materials

At this stage, you need to prepare all the 2D animation materials, including characters, background, and props. One thing you need to know is all the preparations in steps 2 and 3 should be ready before proceeding to step 3.

Produce materials

Step 4 Animation

After all, materials are ready, and you need to make animation alive. In this step, you need to make sure all the movements are natural. Stiff moves are not liked by the audience, so you need to think about how to design gestures, movements, and facial expressions.

Animation

Step 5 Animation editing

In this step, the software is the key to relive the 2D animation. Background audio is essential and needs to be added to the video. Color correction and grading are also necessary. Besides, scene transition, voiceover, and even text credit need to be added.

Above are the five 2D animation steps. If you think there are extra steps, you are free to add them according to your needs.

Bonus tip: Create an Animation Video with Anireel

Anireel provides a faster and smoother animated video creation experience with customizable elements to bring anyone’s imagination to life. All you have to do is choose your script, input the content, and Anireel will instantly match your script to rich animation explainer scenes, convert the text into voice-over, and generate a vivid, complete animation video.

anireel animation software

Download Win Version

Part 3 FAQ about Professional 2D Animation Software

01 What is the best 2D animation software?

It is hard to directly give you an answer and tell you which is the best 2D animation software. However, we can give you some recommendations based on your needs. If you are a beginner, Pencil 2D is a great start. You can use it to make minimalist animation to give you a quick-to-start 2D animation experience. If you are in the middle level, Stop Motion Studio is what we recommend. The interface is intuitive with powerful features like voiceover and Chroma key.

02 What is the best 2D animation software for beginners?

For 2D animation software for beginners, Pencil 2D would come to mind for many people. It is an excellent animation software for beginners. If you also want to try other tools, Synfig and FlipBook are also great choices. It is your call for the final decision.

03 Is there any free animation software?

For beginners, free animation software includes Synfig, Opentoonz, Maefloresta, and Pencil 2D. For advanced users, you can use Blender and Maya.

Conclusion

Creating a 2D animation video is a lot easier when you have the right software available to you. You already have a script and storyboard in mind, but now you can realize your vision in intricate and unique ways.

If you want to make 3D animation, there are also various 3D animation software options for you. If anyone of the products above will serve you well, you could use Filmora.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

author avatar

Shanoon Cox

Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Shanoon Cox

DVD Burning Made Easy: 3 Methods for Windows and Mac Users

Best Video to DVD Burners - Get Video to DVD on Windows / Mac (Maveric)

author avatar

Ollie Mattison

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Want to burn your home movies and downloaded videos to DVD, regardless of format and with zero quality loss? You are in the right place. This article will recommend you with 3 best DVD burning tools to let you easily burn video to DVD. Just read through the article to get them.

You may also like: Best Free DVD Player Software >>

Recommendation 1 A Great Video Editing Program to Export Video to DVD

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version

Recommend Wondershare Filmora video editor to burn video to DVD

  • Support different video and audio input and output formats.
  • Share your video by uploading to YouTube, Facebook, and burning to DVD.
  • Make your own Hollywood movie by applying 300+ Effects to your video.
  • Supported OS: Windows 10/8/7, Mac OS X 10.11 (El Capitan) and later

Why Choose Filmora Video Editor to burn video to DVD

1. Burn Video to DVD with Ease
Though it is designed for editing videos, it lets you share your video by simply burning it to DVD when exporting. You can burn video to DVD in DVD disc, DVD folder, and ISO disc image file format.

 Filmora 9 Export to DVD

2. Easy to Use
The intuitive and user friendly interface makes it much easier to burn DVD. You don’t need to possess any technical knowledge about DVD burning. Just drag and drop your videos to the timeline and then click the Export button to save the video to DVD.

 Filmora 9 Import

3. Support Various Video Formats
You can use Filmora video editor as a DVD burner without file format limitation. Any video or audio can be directly imported into Filmora and then save to DVD.

Click to check the supported video formats of Filmora

4. Touch Up Video with Filmora
Just grab this video editor to enrich your video with its powerful video editing function. Making a video with magic effects has never been easier. You can add royalty free music from the audio library, write text and titles to the video with some cool effects in the Title library, add transitions between clips and filters, overlays and interesting elements to the video with drag-n-drop.

 Filmora 9 Effects

If you want to know more details about how to add this effects and elements to video, you can check our ultimate guide about how to edit videos >>

Recommendation 2 Professional DVD Burner for Windows / Mac: Wondershare DVD Creator

burn mp4 to dvd

  • Burn video, audio, image into a DVD, making a great DVD masterpiece.
  • Make a great photo slideshow with background music and funny effects.
  • Perfect your DVD with many free DVD menu templates in different themes.
  • Touch up your video and photo before burning with the built-in editor.
  • Burn video to different formats, DVD disc, DVD folder and ISO files.
  • Supported OS: Windows 10/8/7/XP/Vista/2003, Mac OS X 10.11 (El Capitan), 10.10, 10.9, 10.8, 10.7, 10.6

Why Choose DVD Creator

dvd creator for Windows and Mac

1. Burn Video to / from Different Formats
You can import any video, audio and image into this DVD burner, and then easily burn your files to DVD Disc, DVD folder, ISO image file.

dvd menu templates

2. Massive Built-in DVD menu Templates
This DVD burning software has 40 free static and dynamic DVD menu templates. You can even customize the menu templates according to your tastes.

3. Make Photo Slideshow
You can combine photos and music in any format together to make a photo slideshow for better preserving your memory.

touch up video

4. Personalize Video&Photo
You can enhance your video by trimming, adding watermark or subtitle, applying transitions, adjusting video brightness, contrast, saturation, etc

Recommendation 3 The most Powerful DVD burner, Video Converter, Video Editor & Video Downloader: Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate

wondershare video converter

  • Burn video almost in any format,customize your DVD with free DVD menu templates.
  • Edit, Enhance & Personalize Your Videos File.
  • Convert to Over 150 Formats Including 4K/3D.
  • Download videos from another 1000+ video sharing sites with One Click!
  • Easily record streaming online videos
  • Streaming Your Media to TV.
  • Supported OS: Windows 10/8/7/XP/Vista, Mac OS X 10.11 (El Capitan), 10.10, 10.9, 10.8, 10.7, 10.6

Why Choose Video Converter Ultimate

support any video format

1. Burn Video to DVD
Drag and drop your media files into the converter, choose menu templates, and then batch convert video to DVD in high quality.

vcu converter

2. Fastest Speed
It performs at 30X faster speed than any tool. You can finish the video to DVD burning process in just a few minutes.

vcu burn to dvd

3. Wide Video Format Support
This video to DVD converter lets you burn any format videos. Just import your files into it and directly burn to DVD.

add metadata

4. Download YouTube videos
Download videos from many video sharing sites including Netflix, YouTube, Facebook, etc.

DVD Burner Comparison:

vcu to dc

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version

author avatar

Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Want to burn your home movies and downloaded videos to DVD, regardless of format and with zero quality loss? You are in the right place. This article will recommend you with 3 best DVD burning tools to let you easily burn video to DVD. Just read through the article to get them.

You may also like: Best Free DVD Player Software >>

Recommendation 1 A Great Video Editing Program to Export Video to DVD

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version

Recommend Wondershare Filmora video editor to burn video to DVD

  • Support different video and audio input and output formats.
  • Share your video by uploading to YouTube, Facebook, and burning to DVD.
  • Make your own Hollywood movie by applying 300+ Effects to your video.
  • Supported OS: Windows 10/8/7, Mac OS X 10.11 (El Capitan) and later

Why Choose Filmora Video Editor to burn video to DVD

1. Burn Video to DVD with Ease
Though it is designed for editing videos, it lets you share your video by simply burning it to DVD when exporting. You can burn video to DVD in DVD disc, DVD folder, and ISO disc image file format.

 Filmora 9 Export to DVD

2. Easy to Use
The intuitive and user friendly interface makes it much easier to burn DVD. You don’t need to possess any technical knowledge about DVD burning. Just drag and drop your videos to the timeline and then click the Export button to save the video to DVD.

 Filmora 9 Import

3. Support Various Video Formats
You can use Filmora video editor as a DVD burner without file format limitation. Any video or audio can be directly imported into Filmora and then save to DVD.

Click to check the supported video formats of Filmora

4. Touch Up Video with Filmora
Just grab this video editor to enrich your video with its powerful video editing function. Making a video with magic effects has never been easier. You can add royalty free music from the audio library, write text and titles to the video with some cool effects in the Title library, add transitions between clips and filters, overlays and interesting elements to the video with drag-n-drop.

 Filmora 9 Effects

If you want to know more details about how to add this effects and elements to video, you can check our ultimate guide about how to edit videos >>

Recommendation 2 Professional DVD Burner for Windows / Mac: Wondershare DVD Creator

burn mp4 to dvd

  • Burn video, audio, image into a DVD, making a great DVD masterpiece.
  • Make a great photo slideshow with background music and funny effects.
  • Perfect your DVD with many free DVD menu templates in different themes.
  • Touch up your video and photo before burning with the built-in editor.
  • Burn video to different formats, DVD disc, DVD folder and ISO files.
  • Supported OS: Windows 10/8/7/XP/Vista/2003, Mac OS X 10.11 (El Capitan), 10.10, 10.9, 10.8, 10.7, 10.6

Why Choose DVD Creator

dvd creator for Windows and Mac

1. Burn Video to / from Different Formats
You can import any video, audio and image into this DVD burner, and then easily burn your files to DVD Disc, DVD folder, ISO image file.

dvd menu templates

2. Massive Built-in DVD menu Templates
This DVD burning software has 40 free static and dynamic DVD menu templates. You can even customize the menu templates according to your tastes.

3. Make Photo Slideshow
You can combine photos and music in any format together to make a photo slideshow for better preserving your memory.

touch up video

4. Personalize Video&Photo
You can enhance your video by trimming, adding watermark or subtitle, applying transitions, adjusting video brightness, contrast, saturation, etc

Recommendation 3 The most Powerful DVD burner, Video Converter, Video Editor & Video Downloader: Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate

wondershare video converter

  • Burn video almost in any format,customize your DVD with free DVD menu templates.
  • Edit, Enhance & Personalize Your Videos File.
  • Convert to Over 150 Formats Including 4K/3D.
  • Download videos from another 1000+ video sharing sites with One Click!
  • Easily record streaming online videos
  • Streaming Your Media to TV.
  • Supported OS: Windows 10/8/7/XP/Vista, Mac OS X 10.11 (El Capitan), 10.10, 10.9, 10.8, 10.7, 10.6

Why Choose Video Converter Ultimate

support any video format

1. Burn Video to DVD
Drag and drop your media files into the converter, choose menu templates, and then batch convert video to DVD in high quality.

vcu converter

2. Fastest Speed
It performs at 30X faster speed than any tool. You can finish the video to DVD burning process in just a few minutes.

vcu burn to dvd

3. Wide Video Format Support
This video to DVD converter lets you burn any format videos. Just import your files into it and directly burn to DVD.

add metadata

4. Download YouTube videos
Download videos from many video sharing sites including Netflix, YouTube, Facebook, etc.

DVD Burner Comparison:

vcu to dc

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version

author avatar

Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Want to burn your home movies and downloaded videos to DVD, regardless of format and with zero quality loss? You are in the right place. This article will recommend you with 3 best DVD burning tools to let you easily burn video to DVD. Just read through the article to get them.

You may also like: Best Free DVD Player Software >>

Recommendation 1 A Great Video Editing Program to Export Video to DVD

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version

Recommend Wondershare Filmora video editor to burn video to DVD

  • Support different video and audio input and output formats.
  • Share your video by uploading to YouTube, Facebook, and burning to DVD.
  • Make your own Hollywood movie by applying 300+ Effects to your video.
  • Supported OS: Windows 10/8/7, Mac OS X 10.11 (El Capitan) and later

Why Choose Filmora Video Editor to burn video to DVD

1. Burn Video to DVD with Ease
Though it is designed for editing videos, it lets you share your video by simply burning it to DVD when exporting. You can burn video to DVD in DVD disc, DVD folder, and ISO disc image file format.

 Filmora 9 Export to DVD

2. Easy to Use
The intuitive and user friendly interface makes it much easier to burn DVD. You don’t need to possess any technical knowledge about DVD burning. Just drag and drop your videos to the timeline and then click the Export button to save the video to DVD.

 Filmora 9 Import

3. Support Various Video Formats
You can use Filmora video editor as a DVD burner without file format limitation. Any video or audio can be directly imported into Filmora and then save to DVD.

Click to check the supported video formats of Filmora

4. Touch Up Video with Filmora
Just grab this video editor to enrich your video with its powerful video editing function. Making a video with magic effects has never been easier. You can add royalty free music from the audio library, write text and titles to the video with some cool effects in the Title library, add transitions between clips and filters, overlays and interesting elements to the video with drag-n-drop.

 Filmora 9 Effects

If you want to know more details about how to add this effects and elements to video, you can check our ultimate guide about how to edit videos >>

Recommendation 2 Professional DVD Burner for Windows / Mac: Wondershare DVD Creator

burn mp4 to dvd

  • Burn video, audio, image into a DVD, making a great DVD masterpiece.
  • Make a great photo slideshow with background music and funny effects.
  • Perfect your DVD with many free DVD menu templates in different themes.
  • Touch up your video and photo before burning with the built-in editor.
  • Burn video to different formats, DVD disc, DVD folder and ISO files.
  • Supported OS: Windows 10/8/7/XP/Vista/2003, Mac OS X 10.11 (El Capitan), 10.10, 10.9, 10.8, 10.7, 10.6

Why Choose DVD Creator

dvd creator for Windows and Mac

1. Burn Video to / from Different Formats
You can import any video, audio and image into this DVD burner, and then easily burn your files to DVD Disc, DVD folder, ISO image file.

dvd menu templates

2. Massive Built-in DVD menu Templates
This DVD burning software has 40 free static and dynamic DVD menu templates. You can even customize the menu templates according to your tastes.

3. Make Photo Slideshow
You can combine photos and music in any format together to make a photo slideshow for better preserving your memory.

touch up video

4. Personalize Video&Photo
You can enhance your video by trimming, adding watermark or subtitle, applying transitions, adjusting video brightness, contrast, saturation, etc

Recommendation 3 The most Powerful DVD burner, Video Converter, Video Editor & Video Downloader: Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate

wondershare video converter

  • Burn video almost in any format,customize your DVD with free DVD menu templates.
  • Edit, Enhance & Personalize Your Videos File.
  • Convert to Over 150 Formats Including 4K/3D.
  • Download videos from another 1000+ video sharing sites with One Click!
  • Easily record streaming online videos
  • Streaming Your Media to TV.
  • Supported OS: Windows 10/8/7/XP/Vista, Mac OS X 10.11 (El Capitan), 10.10, 10.9, 10.8, 10.7, 10.6

Why Choose Video Converter Ultimate

support any video format

1. Burn Video to DVD
Drag and drop your media files into the converter, choose menu templates, and then batch convert video to DVD in high quality.

vcu converter

2. Fastest Speed
It performs at 30X faster speed than any tool. You can finish the video to DVD burning process in just a few minutes.

vcu burn to dvd

3. Wide Video Format Support
This video to DVD converter lets you burn any format videos. Just import your files into it and directly burn to DVD.

add metadata

4. Download YouTube videos
Download videos from many video sharing sites including Netflix, YouTube, Facebook, etc.

DVD Burner Comparison:

vcu to dc

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version

author avatar

Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Want to burn your home movies and downloaded videos to DVD, regardless of format and with zero quality loss? You are in the right place. This article will recommend you with 3 best DVD burning tools to let you easily burn video to DVD. Just read through the article to get them.

You may also like: Best Free DVD Player Software >>

Recommendation 1 A Great Video Editing Program to Export Video to DVD

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version

Recommend Wondershare Filmora video editor to burn video to DVD

  • Support different video and audio input and output formats.
  • Share your video by uploading to YouTube, Facebook, and burning to DVD.
  • Make your own Hollywood movie by applying 300+ Effects to your video.
  • Supported OS: Windows 10/8/7, Mac OS X 10.11 (El Capitan) and later

Why Choose Filmora Video Editor to burn video to DVD

1. Burn Video to DVD with Ease
Though it is designed for editing videos, it lets you share your video by simply burning it to DVD when exporting. You can burn video to DVD in DVD disc, DVD folder, and ISO disc image file format.

 Filmora 9 Export to DVD

2. Easy to Use
The intuitive and user friendly interface makes it much easier to burn DVD. You don’t need to possess any technical knowledge about DVD burning. Just drag and drop your videos to the timeline and then click the Export button to save the video to DVD.

 Filmora 9 Import

3. Support Various Video Formats
You can use Filmora video editor as a DVD burner without file format limitation. Any video or audio can be directly imported into Filmora and then save to DVD.

Click to check the supported video formats of Filmora

4. Touch Up Video with Filmora
Just grab this video editor to enrich your video with its powerful video editing function. Making a video with magic effects has never been easier. You can add royalty free music from the audio library, write text and titles to the video with some cool effects in the Title library, add transitions between clips and filters, overlays and interesting elements to the video with drag-n-drop.

 Filmora 9 Effects

If you want to know more details about how to add this effects and elements to video, you can check our ultimate guide about how to edit videos >>

Recommendation 2 Professional DVD Burner for Windows / Mac: Wondershare DVD Creator

burn mp4 to dvd

  • Burn video, audio, image into a DVD, making a great DVD masterpiece.
  • Make a great photo slideshow with background music and funny effects.
  • Perfect your DVD with many free DVD menu templates in different themes.
  • Touch up your video and photo before burning with the built-in editor.
  • Burn video to different formats, DVD disc, DVD folder and ISO files.
  • Supported OS: Windows 10/8/7/XP/Vista/2003, Mac OS X 10.11 (El Capitan), 10.10, 10.9, 10.8, 10.7, 10.6

Why Choose DVD Creator

dvd creator for Windows and Mac

1. Burn Video to / from Different Formats
You can import any video, audio and image into this DVD burner, and then easily burn your files to DVD Disc, DVD folder, ISO image file.

dvd menu templates

2. Massive Built-in DVD menu Templates
This DVD burning software has 40 free static and dynamic DVD menu templates. You can even customize the menu templates according to your tastes.

3. Make Photo Slideshow
You can combine photos and music in any format together to make a photo slideshow for better preserving your memory.

touch up video

4. Personalize Video&Photo
You can enhance your video by trimming, adding watermark or subtitle, applying transitions, adjusting video brightness, contrast, saturation, etc

Recommendation 3 The most Powerful DVD burner, Video Converter, Video Editor & Video Downloader: Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate

wondershare video converter

  • Burn video almost in any format,customize your DVD with free DVD menu templates.
  • Edit, Enhance & Personalize Your Videos File.
  • Convert to Over 150 Formats Including 4K/3D.
  • Download videos from another 1000+ video sharing sites with One Click!
  • Easily record streaming online videos
  • Streaming Your Media to TV.
  • Supported OS: Windows 10/8/7/XP/Vista, Mac OS X 10.11 (El Capitan), 10.10, 10.9, 10.8, 10.7, 10.6

Why Choose Video Converter Ultimate

support any video format

1. Burn Video to DVD
Drag and drop your media files into the converter, choose menu templates, and then batch convert video to DVD in high quality.

vcu converter

2. Fastest Speed
It performs at 30X faster speed than any tool. You can finish the video to DVD burning process in just a few minutes.

vcu burn to dvd

3. Wide Video Format Support
This video to DVD converter lets you burn any format videos. Just import your files into it and directly burn to DVD.

add metadata

4. Download YouTube videos
Download videos from many video sharing sites including Netflix, YouTube, Facebook, etc.

DVD Burner Comparison:

vcu to dc

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version

author avatar

Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Ollie Mattison

Flip and Rotate: The Top Free iPhone Video Editing Apps

Top 5 Best Free iPhone Video Rotators

author avatar

Shanoon Cox

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

With more people using their mobile devices as video cameras, one of the bigger issues is not noticing the proper orientation of the video. So, when the final recording is completed the video itself become completely inverted.

Fortunately, there are a number of simple, free tools that you can easily correct the orientation and bring it back to where you want.

#1. Filmora for iOS

Filmora for iOS is a free video editing app running on iOS system. It is one of the best free iPhone video editors you can find on the market. Primarily, this is a full featured editing program that allows you to cut/trim videos, merge videos, add video effects/sound effects to your videos, add background music etc easily and quickly. However, it can also rotate video clips 90 degrees either clockwise or counter-clockwise.

Download filmora

#2. iMovie

One of the most successful of the video rotating programs, iMovie lets you pull in different video clips, edit, rotate and create what you want simply and easily for your iPhone and other Apple devices. This is a complete system that will have you taking all types of videos to create full length films and even trailers as well.

Pros

  • Complete editing system;
  • Intuitive controls;
  • Lots of effects, titles and features.

Cons

  • Somewhat complicated.

#3. Video Rotator

As the name implies, you can rotate video with this free software program. It can handle a number of popular formats and let you turn videos 90 degrees either clockwise or counter-clockwise. In addition, the controls are simple and easy to follow, allowing you to make quick changes when needed. In fact, just a click of the button will let you turn a video instantly.

free iphone video rotator

Pros

  • Supports various video formats;

  • Straightforward and easy-to-use;

  • Quick, One-touch rotation.

Cons

  • Crashed occasionally;
  • Few editing controls.

#4. Free Video Flip and Rotate

As the name implies, this is a fairly straightforward tool to flip and rotate the video into pre-determined positions. You can choose 90 and 180 in a clockwise or counter-clockwise fashion. Plus, you can flip the video horizontally as well.

free iphone video roator

Pros

  • Easy to Use;
  • A number of presets;
  • Intuitive design.

Cons

  • Cannot create presets;
  • AVI output only.

#5. Freemake Video Converter

This free and complete version supports over 250 video formats from MP4 to FLV, DVD and more. You also get a basic video editor as well that allows you to easily flip and rotate videos on your iPhone. With the Freemake, you can go 90 to 180 degrees clockwise or 90 degrees counter-clockwise.

free iphone video rotator

Pros

  • Easy & intuitive to Use;
  • Simple features;
  • Impressive number of video formats.

Cons

  • Limited editing abilities;
  • Few Extra Features.

If you want to know more about the best video editor for you iOS device, you can check more in Top 10 Best Video Editors for iPad, iPhone .

If you want a more professional video editor and edit your video clips on the computer, Wondershare Video Editor is a great choice. With just some clicks, you are not only able to rotate your videos 90 degrees clockwise or anticlockwise, but also spin them vertically and horizontally. After rotating, you may need to crop your video clips accordingly. Check How to Crop Videos to Full Screen now. Watch the video below to check how to rotate your video in Filmora.

Learn detailed information about how to rotate/flip a video quickly and easily

With Filmora, you can do more editing other than rotating. You can add filters, effects, and titles etc to make your video more fantastic. What’s more, there are 300+ effects and themes available, and more in the Effects Store . It is now available both in Mac and Windows, so let’s check what Filmora can do now.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

author avatar

Shanoon Cox

Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Shanoon Cox

Shanoon Cox

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

With more people using their mobile devices as video cameras, one of the bigger issues is not noticing the proper orientation of the video. So, when the final recording is completed the video itself become completely inverted.

Fortunately, there are a number of simple, free tools that you can easily correct the orientation and bring it back to where you want.

#1. Filmora for iOS

Filmora for iOS is a free video editing app running on iOS system. It is one of the best free iPhone video editors you can find on the market. Primarily, this is a full featured editing program that allows you to cut/trim videos, merge videos, add video effects/sound effects to your videos, add background music etc easily and quickly. However, it can also rotate video clips 90 degrees either clockwise or counter-clockwise.

Download filmora

#2. iMovie

One of the most successful of the video rotating programs, iMovie lets you pull in different video clips, edit, rotate and create what you want simply and easily for your iPhone and other Apple devices. This is a complete system that will have you taking all types of videos to create full length films and even trailers as well.

Pros

  • Complete editing system;
  • Intuitive controls;
  • Lots of effects, titles and features.

Cons

  • Somewhat complicated.

#3. Video Rotator

As the name implies, you can rotate video with this free software program. It can handle a number of popular formats and let you turn videos 90 degrees either clockwise or counter-clockwise. In addition, the controls are simple and easy to follow, allowing you to make quick changes when needed. In fact, just a click of the button will let you turn a video instantly.

free iphone video rotator

Pros

  • Supports various video formats;

  • Straightforward and easy-to-use;

  • Quick, One-touch rotation.

Cons

  • Crashed occasionally;
  • Few editing controls.

#4. Free Video Flip and Rotate

As the name implies, this is a fairly straightforward tool to flip and rotate the video into pre-determined positions. You can choose 90 and 180 in a clockwise or counter-clockwise fashion. Plus, you can flip the video horizontally as well.

free iphone video roator

Pros

  • Easy to Use;
  • A number of presets;
  • Intuitive design.

Cons

  • Cannot create presets;
  • AVI output only.

#5. Freemake Video Converter

This free and complete version supports over 250 video formats from MP4 to FLV, DVD and more. You also get a basic video editor as well that allows you to easily flip and rotate videos on your iPhone. With the Freemake, you can go 90 to 180 degrees clockwise or 90 degrees counter-clockwise.

free iphone video rotator

Pros

  • Easy & intuitive to Use;
  • Simple features;
  • Impressive number of video formats.

Cons

  • Limited editing abilities;
  • Few Extra Features.

If you want to know more about the best video editor for you iOS device, you can check more in Top 10 Best Video Editors for iPad, iPhone .

If you want a more professional video editor and edit your video clips on the computer, Wondershare Video Editor is a great choice. With just some clicks, you are not only able to rotate your videos 90 degrees clockwise or anticlockwise, but also spin them vertically and horizontally. After rotating, you may need to crop your video clips accordingly. Check How to Crop Videos to Full Screen now. Watch the video below to check how to rotate your video in Filmora.

Learn detailed information about how to rotate/flip a video quickly and easily

With Filmora, you can do more editing other than rotating. You can add filters, effects, and titles etc to make your video more fantastic. What’s more, there are 300+ effects and themes available, and more in the Effects Store . It is now available both in Mac and Windows, so let’s check what Filmora can do now.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

author avatar

Shanoon Cox

Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Shanoon Cox

Shanoon Cox

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

With more people using their mobile devices as video cameras, one of the bigger issues is not noticing the proper orientation of the video. So, when the final recording is completed the video itself become completely inverted.

Fortunately, there are a number of simple, free tools that you can easily correct the orientation and bring it back to where you want.

#1. Filmora for iOS

Filmora for iOS is a free video editing app running on iOS system. It is one of the best free iPhone video editors you can find on the market. Primarily, this is a full featured editing program that allows you to cut/trim videos, merge videos, add video effects/sound effects to your videos, add background music etc easily and quickly. However, it can also rotate video clips 90 degrees either clockwise or counter-clockwise.

Download filmora

#2. iMovie

One of the most successful of the video rotating programs, iMovie lets you pull in different video clips, edit, rotate and create what you want simply and easily for your iPhone and other Apple devices. This is a complete system that will have you taking all types of videos to create full length films and even trailers as well.

Pros

  • Complete editing system;
  • Intuitive controls;
  • Lots of effects, titles and features.

Cons

  • Somewhat complicated.

#3. Video Rotator

As the name implies, you can rotate video with this free software program. It can handle a number of popular formats and let you turn videos 90 degrees either clockwise or counter-clockwise. In addition, the controls are simple and easy to follow, allowing you to make quick changes when needed. In fact, just a click of the button will let you turn a video instantly.

free iphone video rotator

Pros

  • Supports various video formats;

  • Straightforward and easy-to-use;

  • Quick, One-touch rotation.

Cons

  • Crashed occasionally;
  • Few editing controls.

#4. Free Video Flip and Rotate

As the name implies, this is a fairly straightforward tool to flip and rotate the video into pre-determined positions. You can choose 90 and 180 in a clockwise or counter-clockwise fashion. Plus, you can flip the video horizontally as well.

free iphone video roator

Pros

  • Easy to Use;
  • A number of presets;
  • Intuitive design.

Cons

  • Cannot create presets;
  • AVI output only.

#5. Freemake Video Converter

This free and complete version supports over 250 video formats from MP4 to FLV, DVD and more. You also get a basic video editor as well that allows you to easily flip and rotate videos on your iPhone. With the Freemake, you can go 90 to 180 degrees clockwise or 90 degrees counter-clockwise.

free iphone video rotator

Pros

  • Easy & intuitive to Use;
  • Simple features;
  • Impressive number of video formats.

Cons

  • Limited editing abilities;
  • Few Extra Features.

If you want to know more about the best video editor for you iOS device, you can check more in Top 10 Best Video Editors for iPad, iPhone .

If you want a more professional video editor and edit your video clips on the computer, Wondershare Video Editor is a great choice. With just some clicks, you are not only able to rotate your videos 90 degrees clockwise or anticlockwise, but also spin them vertically and horizontally. After rotating, you may need to crop your video clips accordingly. Check How to Crop Videos to Full Screen now. Watch the video below to check how to rotate your video in Filmora.

Learn detailed information about how to rotate/flip a video quickly and easily

With Filmora, you can do more editing other than rotating. You can add filters, effects, and titles etc to make your video more fantastic. What’s more, there are 300+ effects and themes available, and more in the Effects Store . It is now available both in Mac and Windows, so let’s check what Filmora can do now.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

author avatar

Shanoon Cox

Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Shanoon Cox

Shanoon Cox

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

With more people using their mobile devices as video cameras, one of the bigger issues is not noticing the proper orientation of the video. So, when the final recording is completed the video itself become completely inverted.

Fortunately, there are a number of simple, free tools that you can easily correct the orientation and bring it back to where you want.

#1. Filmora for iOS

Filmora for iOS is a free video editing app running on iOS system. It is one of the best free iPhone video editors you can find on the market. Primarily, this is a full featured editing program that allows you to cut/trim videos, merge videos, add video effects/sound effects to your videos, add background music etc easily and quickly. However, it can also rotate video clips 90 degrees either clockwise or counter-clockwise.

Download filmora

#2. iMovie

One of the most successful of the video rotating programs, iMovie lets you pull in different video clips, edit, rotate and create what you want simply and easily for your iPhone and other Apple devices. This is a complete system that will have you taking all types of videos to create full length films and even trailers as well.

Pros

  • Complete editing system;
  • Intuitive controls;
  • Lots of effects, titles and features.

Cons

  • Somewhat complicated.

#3. Video Rotator

As the name implies, you can rotate video with this free software program. It can handle a number of popular formats and let you turn videos 90 degrees either clockwise or counter-clockwise. In addition, the controls are simple and easy to follow, allowing you to make quick changes when needed. In fact, just a click of the button will let you turn a video instantly.

free iphone video rotator

Pros

  • Supports various video formats;

  • Straightforward and easy-to-use;

  • Quick, One-touch rotation.

Cons

  • Crashed occasionally;
  • Few editing controls.

#4. Free Video Flip and Rotate

As the name implies, this is a fairly straightforward tool to flip and rotate the video into pre-determined positions. You can choose 90 and 180 in a clockwise or counter-clockwise fashion. Plus, you can flip the video horizontally as well.

free iphone video roator

Pros

  • Easy to Use;
  • A number of presets;
  • Intuitive design.

Cons

  • Cannot create presets;
  • AVI output only.

#5. Freemake Video Converter

This free and complete version supports over 250 video formats from MP4 to FLV, DVD and more. You also get a basic video editor as well that allows you to easily flip and rotate videos on your iPhone. With the Freemake, you can go 90 to 180 degrees clockwise or 90 degrees counter-clockwise.

free iphone video rotator

Pros

  • Easy & intuitive to Use;
  • Simple features;
  • Impressive number of video formats.

Cons

  • Limited editing abilities;
  • Few Extra Features.

If you want to know more about the best video editor for you iOS device, you can check more in Top 10 Best Video Editors for iPad, iPhone .

If you want a more professional video editor and edit your video clips on the computer, Wondershare Video Editor is a great choice. With just some clicks, you are not only able to rotate your videos 90 degrees clockwise or anticlockwise, but also spin them vertically and horizontally. After rotating, you may need to crop your video clips accordingly. Check How to Crop Videos to Full Screen now. Watch the video below to check how to rotate your video in Filmora.

Learn detailed information about how to rotate/flip a video quickly and easily

With Filmora, you can do more editing other than rotating. You can add filters, effects, and titles etc to make your video more fantastic. What’s more, there are 300+ effects and themes available, and more in the Effects Store . It is now available both in Mac and Windows, so let’s check what Filmora can do now.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

author avatar

Shanoon Cox

Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Shanoon Cox

The Ultimate Showdown: Final Cut Pro Vs. Final Cut Express

Why Final Cut Pro Beats Final Cut Express

author avatar

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Boring and unexciting videos may turn off your mode. You need something special or wonderful that could turn you on and make your memories worth watching.

To let users give a new look to their pictures and videos, Apple Inc. released its first video editing software Final Cut Express in 2003. Over the next few years, various improvements were made in its updated versions.

Final-Cut-Express

However, after multiple inconveniences, Apple Inc. discontinued Final Cut Express in 2011 and launched its new version Final Cut Pro with advanced video editing features. Final Cut Pro was customized for video editing professionals with advanced knowledge of video editing. It is available for just $299.99 with 90 days free trial.

Some alternatives to Final Cut Express are also available in the market such as Final Cut Pro of crouse, iMovie, a low-end alternative, and Filmora, popular among beginners and pros. Let’s look at these tools individually in this article.

Part 1: What is Final Cut Express?

Final Cut Express was a video editing software designed by Apple Inc. for advanced editing of digital and HD videos. It was a consumer version of Final Cut Pro liked by professional photographers, due to its better capabilities than iMovie.

Final Cut Express used to have many features like two-way color correction, dynamic RT, Chroma key, 99 audio tracks, split-screen, and picture-in-picture effects, motion path keyframing, 23 compositing modes, and opacity keyframing.

It also allowed the users to keyframe the filters and perform slide and blade edits. Eight years after its release, Apple discontinued Final Cut Express in 2011 in favor of Final Cut Pro X.

fina-cut-express-update

Part 2: Is Final Cut Express Still Available?

No, concurrent with the launch of Final Cut Pro X on June 21, 2011, Final Cut Express was discontinued and removed from the Apple online store.

You might be wondering what prompted Apple to do this. Well, the primary cause of the discontinuation of Final Cut Express was that Apple Inc. wanted to launch an advanced video editing software Final Cut Pro.

Besides, despite several attempts to improve the software’s performance, Final Cut Express kept on causing multiple inconveniences. The company eventually decided to discontinue Final Cut Express and introduce a new product to meet the ever-evolving needs of its customers.

As Final Cut Express withdrawal from the stage, many other editors still update to this day. For example, Filmora, an editor trusted by many beginners and pros, updates every month. Click download to try it for free!

Download Win Version Download Mac Version

Part 3: Major Differences between Final Cut Pro and Final Cut Express

Both Final Cut Express and Final Cut Pro were two high-performance, user-friendly, and advanced video editing software developed by Apple Inc. Both had amazing features and were liked by professional photographers, filmmakers, and editors. However, Apple Inc. discontinued Final Cut Express in 2011.

Today, Final Cut Pro incorporates all features of Final Cut Express plus some additional functions added by Apple Inc. later.

Given below are some of the key differences between these two software:

Final Cut Pro Final Cut Express
The software is currently available on Apple Store and is supported by all iOS devices. The software was discontinued in 2011 and can no longer be downloaded from Apple Store.
Effectiveness is guaranteed as the user will receive application updates. Untrusted and unreliable software because no application updates are available.
Original version with advanced features The consumer version of Final Cut Pro with limited features
The application performance keeps improving with new versions The application performance kept on declining due to downgraded features
Heavyweight editing tools for better results Simple editing tools
Costs $299 Costs $199
Recommended for experts and professionals Recommended for beginners
Requires a system with better hardware and enhanced performance Compatible with systems with less-advanced hardware

Part 4: iMovie, Final Cut Express, and Final Cut Pro, Which is the Best?

All these video editing software, iMovie, Final Cut Express, and Final Cut Pro are developed by Apple Inc. with different features and functions. However, they have different target audiences and offer diverse pricing plans according to the user’s needs.

The following table offers a detailed comparison of iMovie, Final Cut Express, and Final Cut Pro to help you choose the best one for advanced video editing.

No. Parameter of Comparison iMovie Final Cut Express Final Cut Pro
1 Target Audience It is aimed at home users and who are beginners with no video editing skills It is ideal for a bit advanced users with moderate knowledge of video editing It is a professional product and targets professional photographers and video editors.
2 Features Automated video editing video support Audio & music editing HD & 4K Video color settings Crop & rotate video clip Stabilization Video effects & transitions Timeline Photo & music import Pre-built themes & backdrops simultaneously Two-way color correction Dynamic RT Chroma key 99 audio tracks Split-screen Picture-in-picture effects Motion path keyframing 23 compositing modes Opacity keyframing Moving & Trimming Clips Multicam Editing 360 Degree VR Editing Effects VR Headset Playback Advanced Color Grading HDR Video Support Motion Graphics Templates Asset Management Plug-Ins
3 Interface User-friendly and easy to understand Complicated for beginners Very complicated
4 Skill Set Required Beginner Moderate Advanced
5 Advanced Sharing Yes No No
6 Text Implementation Limited Tools Limited Tools Advanced tools for easy text customization
7 Compatible OS Mac OS X 10.10.2 or later Mac OS X 10.10.2 or later Mac OS X 10.10.2 or later, 64-bit processor
8 Workflow Advanced Moderate Advanced
9 Supported HD Format 1080 1080 UHD 4K
10 iCloud sync Yes No No
9 Operating Speed Fast due to limited tools Fast due to limited tools Moderate due to advanced tools and effects
10 Advanced Effects Presets Presets with moderate effects An array of advanced effects
11 Plugins and Integrations Limited Limited Several third-party plugins
12 Color Correction Features Focus on Image Improvement Small editing of pictures Total customization to match the footage tone
13 Pricing Free of Cost $199 90 days free trial then $299.99

Part 5: Best Alternative to Final Cut Express

Now, as Final Cut Express is no longer available, you may want to try the other two editors of Apple. While iMovie mainly targeted beginners, Final Cut Express and Pro targeted users with moderate to advanced knowledge of video editing.

For those beginners who wanted to make professional-looking videos without any editing skills, Wondershare launched Filmora as an alternative to Final Cut Express and Pro.

This user-friendly made video editing as simple as ABC. From offering multiple hand-picked effects to advanced editing options, Filmora allows you to range markers, perfect your audio, group timeline clips, and perform detailed color correction with auto-correction and color wheels for free.

Key Features

  • Advanced video editing options;
  • 300+ free handcrafted effects
  • User-friendly video editing tools; and
  • Video conversion options to multiple formats.

author avatar

Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Liza Brown

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Boring and unexciting videos may turn off your mode. You need something special or wonderful that could turn you on and make your memories worth watching.

To let users give a new look to their pictures and videos, Apple Inc. released its first video editing software Final Cut Express in 2003. Over the next few years, various improvements were made in its updated versions.

Final-Cut-Express

However, after multiple inconveniences, Apple Inc. discontinued Final Cut Express in 2011 and launched its new version Final Cut Pro with advanced video editing features. Final Cut Pro was customized for video editing professionals with advanced knowledge of video editing. It is available for just $299.99 with 90 days free trial.

Some alternatives to Final Cut Express are also available in the market such as Final Cut Pro of crouse, iMovie, a low-end alternative, and Filmora, popular among beginners and pros. Let’s look at these tools individually in this article.

Part 1: What is Final Cut Express?

Final Cut Express was a video editing software designed by Apple Inc. for advanced editing of digital and HD videos. It was a consumer version of Final Cut Pro liked by professional photographers, due to its better capabilities than iMovie.

Final Cut Express used to have many features like two-way color correction, dynamic RT, Chroma key, 99 audio tracks, split-screen, and picture-in-picture effects, motion path keyframing, 23 compositing modes, and opacity keyframing.

It also allowed the users to keyframe the filters and perform slide and blade edits. Eight years after its release, Apple discontinued Final Cut Express in 2011 in favor of Final Cut Pro X.

fina-cut-express-update

Part 2: Is Final Cut Express Still Available?

No, concurrent with the launch of Final Cut Pro X on June 21, 2011, Final Cut Express was discontinued and removed from the Apple online store.

You might be wondering what prompted Apple to do this. Well, the primary cause of the discontinuation of Final Cut Express was that Apple Inc. wanted to launch an advanced video editing software Final Cut Pro.

Besides, despite several attempts to improve the software’s performance, Final Cut Express kept on causing multiple inconveniences. The company eventually decided to discontinue Final Cut Express and introduce a new product to meet the ever-evolving needs of its customers.

As Final Cut Express withdrawal from the stage, many other editors still update to this day. For example, Filmora, an editor trusted by many beginners and pros, updates every month. Click download to try it for free!

Download Win Version Download Mac Version

Part 3: Major Differences between Final Cut Pro and Final Cut Express

Both Final Cut Express and Final Cut Pro were two high-performance, user-friendly, and advanced video editing software developed by Apple Inc. Both had amazing features and were liked by professional photographers, filmmakers, and editors. However, Apple Inc. discontinued Final Cut Express in 2011.

Today, Final Cut Pro incorporates all features of Final Cut Express plus some additional functions added by Apple Inc. later.

Given below are some of the key differences between these two software:

Final Cut Pro Final Cut Express
The software is currently available on Apple Store and is supported by all iOS devices. The software was discontinued in 2011 and can no longer be downloaded from Apple Store.
Effectiveness is guaranteed as the user will receive application updates. Untrusted and unreliable software because no application updates are available.
Original version with advanced features The consumer version of Final Cut Pro with limited features
The application performance keeps improving with new versions The application performance kept on declining due to downgraded features
Heavyweight editing tools for better results Simple editing tools
Costs $299 Costs $199
Recommended for experts and professionals Recommended for beginners
Requires a system with better hardware and enhanced performance Compatible with systems with less-advanced hardware

Part 4: iMovie, Final Cut Express, and Final Cut Pro, Which is the Best?

All these video editing software, iMovie, Final Cut Express, and Final Cut Pro are developed by Apple Inc. with different features and functions. However, they have different target audiences and offer diverse pricing plans according to the user’s needs.

The following table offers a detailed comparison of iMovie, Final Cut Express, and Final Cut Pro to help you choose the best one for advanced video editing.

No. Parameter of Comparison iMovie Final Cut Express Final Cut Pro
1 Target Audience It is aimed at home users and who are beginners with no video editing skills It is ideal for a bit advanced users with moderate knowledge of video editing It is a professional product and targets professional photographers and video editors.
2 Features Automated video editing video support Audio & music editing HD & 4K Video color settings Crop & rotate video clip Stabilization Video effects & transitions Timeline Photo & music import Pre-built themes & backdrops simultaneously Two-way color correction Dynamic RT Chroma key 99 audio tracks Split-screen Picture-in-picture effects Motion path keyframing 23 compositing modes Opacity keyframing Moving & Trimming Clips Multicam Editing 360 Degree VR Editing Effects VR Headset Playback Advanced Color Grading HDR Video Support Motion Graphics Templates Asset Management Plug-Ins
3 Interface User-friendly and easy to understand Complicated for beginners Very complicated
4 Skill Set Required Beginner Moderate Advanced
5 Advanced Sharing Yes No No
6 Text Implementation Limited Tools Limited Tools Advanced tools for easy text customization
7 Compatible OS Mac OS X 10.10.2 or later Mac OS X 10.10.2 or later Mac OS X 10.10.2 or later, 64-bit processor
8 Workflow Advanced Moderate Advanced
9 Supported HD Format 1080 1080 UHD 4K
10 iCloud sync Yes No No
9 Operating Speed Fast due to limited tools Fast due to limited tools Moderate due to advanced tools and effects
10 Advanced Effects Presets Presets with moderate effects An array of advanced effects
11 Plugins and Integrations Limited Limited Several third-party plugins
12 Color Correction Features Focus on Image Improvement Small editing of pictures Total customization to match the footage tone
13 Pricing Free of Cost $199 90 days free trial then $299.99

Part 5: Best Alternative to Final Cut Express

Now, as Final Cut Express is no longer available, you may want to try the other two editors of Apple. While iMovie mainly targeted beginners, Final Cut Express and Pro targeted users with moderate to advanced knowledge of video editing.

For those beginners who wanted to make professional-looking videos without any editing skills, Wondershare launched Filmora as an alternative to Final Cut Express and Pro.

This user-friendly made video editing as simple as ABC. From offering multiple hand-picked effects to advanced editing options, Filmora allows you to range markers, perfect your audio, group timeline clips, and perform detailed color correction with auto-correction and color wheels for free.

Key Features

  • Advanced video editing options;
  • 300+ free handcrafted effects
  • User-friendly video editing tools; and
  • Video conversion options to multiple formats.

author avatar

Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Liza Brown

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Boring and unexciting videos may turn off your mode. You need something special or wonderful that could turn you on and make your memories worth watching.

To let users give a new look to their pictures and videos, Apple Inc. released its first video editing software Final Cut Express in 2003. Over the next few years, various improvements were made in its updated versions.

Final-Cut-Express

However, after multiple inconveniences, Apple Inc. discontinued Final Cut Express in 2011 and launched its new version Final Cut Pro with advanced video editing features. Final Cut Pro was customized for video editing professionals with advanced knowledge of video editing. It is available for just $299.99 with 90 days free trial.

Some alternatives to Final Cut Express are also available in the market such as Final Cut Pro of crouse, iMovie, a low-end alternative, and Filmora, popular among beginners and pros. Let’s look at these tools individually in this article.

Part 1: What is Final Cut Express?

Final Cut Express was a video editing software designed by Apple Inc. for advanced editing of digital and HD videos. It was a consumer version of Final Cut Pro liked by professional photographers, due to its better capabilities than iMovie.

Final Cut Express used to have many features like two-way color correction, dynamic RT, Chroma key, 99 audio tracks, split-screen, and picture-in-picture effects, motion path keyframing, 23 compositing modes, and opacity keyframing.

It also allowed the users to keyframe the filters and perform slide and blade edits. Eight years after its release, Apple discontinued Final Cut Express in 2011 in favor of Final Cut Pro X.

fina-cut-express-update

Part 2: Is Final Cut Express Still Available?

No, concurrent with the launch of Final Cut Pro X on June 21, 2011, Final Cut Express was discontinued and removed from the Apple online store.

You might be wondering what prompted Apple to do this. Well, the primary cause of the discontinuation of Final Cut Express was that Apple Inc. wanted to launch an advanced video editing software Final Cut Pro.

Besides, despite several attempts to improve the software’s performance, Final Cut Express kept on causing multiple inconveniences. The company eventually decided to discontinue Final Cut Express and introduce a new product to meet the ever-evolving needs of its customers.

As Final Cut Express withdrawal from the stage, many other editors still update to this day. For example, Filmora, an editor trusted by many beginners and pros, updates every month. Click download to try it for free!

Download Win Version Download Mac Version

Part 3: Major Differences between Final Cut Pro and Final Cut Express

Both Final Cut Express and Final Cut Pro were two high-performance, user-friendly, and advanced video editing software developed by Apple Inc. Both had amazing features and were liked by professional photographers, filmmakers, and editors. However, Apple Inc. discontinued Final Cut Express in 2011.

Today, Final Cut Pro incorporates all features of Final Cut Express plus some additional functions added by Apple Inc. later.

Given below are some of the key differences between these two software:

Final Cut Pro Final Cut Express
The software is currently available on Apple Store and is supported by all iOS devices. The software was discontinued in 2011 and can no longer be downloaded from Apple Store.
Effectiveness is guaranteed as the user will receive application updates. Untrusted and unreliable software because no application updates are available.
Original version with advanced features The consumer version of Final Cut Pro with limited features
The application performance keeps improving with new versions The application performance kept on declining due to downgraded features
Heavyweight editing tools for better results Simple editing tools
Costs $299 Costs $199
Recommended for experts and professionals Recommended for beginners
Requires a system with better hardware and enhanced performance Compatible with systems with less-advanced hardware

Part 4: iMovie, Final Cut Express, and Final Cut Pro, Which is the Best?

All these video editing software, iMovie, Final Cut Express, and Final Cut Pro are developed by Apple Inc. with different features and functions. However, they have different target audiences and offer diverse pricing plans according to the user’s needs.

The following table offers a detailed comparison of iMovie, Final Cut Express, and Final Cut Pro to help you choose the best one for advanced video editing.

No. Parameter of Comparison iMovie Final Cut Express Final Cut Pro
1 Target Audience It is aimed at home users and who are beginners with no video editing skills It is ideal for a bit advanced users with moderate knowledge of video editing It is a professional product and targets professional photographers and video editors.
2 Features Automated video editing video support Audio & music editing HD & 4K Video color settings Crop & rotate video clip Stabilization Video effects & transitions Timeline Photo & music import Pre-built themes & backdrops simultaneously Two-way color correction Dynamic RT Chroma key 99 audio tracks Split-screen Picture-in-picture effects Motion path keyframing 23 compositing modes Opacity keyframing Moving & Trimming Clips Multicam Editing 360 Degree VR Editing Effects VR Headset Playback Advanced Color Grading HDR Video Support Motion Graphics Templates Asset Management Plug-Ins
3 Interface User-friendly and easy to understand Complicated for beginners Very complicated
4 Skill Set Required Beginner Moderate Advanced
5 Advanced Sharing Yes No No
6 Text Implementation Limited Tools Limited Tools Advanced tools for easy text customization
7 Compatible OS Mac OS X 10.10.2 or later Mac OS X 10.10.2 or later Mac OS X 10.10.2 or later, 64-bit processor
8 Workflow Advanced Moderate Advanced
9 Supported HD Format 1080 1080 UHD 4K
10 iCloud sync Yes No No
9 Operating Speed Fast due to limited tools Fast due to limited tools Moderate due to advanced tools and effects
10 Advanced Effects Presets Presets with moderate effects An array of advanced effects
11 Plugins and Integrations Limited Limited Several third-party plugins
12 Color Correction Features Focus on Image Improvement Small editing of pictures Total customization to match the footage tone
13 Pricing Free of Cost $199 90 days free trial then $299.99

Part 5: Best Alternative to Final Cut Express

Now, as Final Cut Express is no longer available, you may want to try the other two editors of Apple. While iMovie mainly targeted beginners, Final Cut Express and Pro targeted users with moderate to advanced knowledge of video editing.

For those beginners who wanted to make professional-looking videos without any editing skills, Wondershare launched Filmora as an alternative to Final Cut Express and Pro.

This user-friendly made video editing as simple as ABC. From offering multiple hand-picked effects to advanced editing options, Filmora allows you to range markers, perfect your audio, group timeline clips, and perform detailed color correction with auto-correction and color wheels for free.

Key Features

  • Advanced video editing options;
  • 300+ free handcrafted effects
  • User-friendly video editing tools; and
  • Video conversion options to multiple formats.

author avatar

Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Liza Brown

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Boring and unexciting videos may turn off your mode. You need something special or wonderful that could turn you on and make your memories worth watching.

To let users give a new look to their pictures and videos, Apple Inc. released its first video editing software Final Cut Express in 2003. Over the next few years, various improvements were made in its updated versions.

Final-Cut-Express

However, after multiple inconveniences, Apple Inc. discontinued Final Cut Express in 2011 and launched its new version Final Cut Pro with advanced video editing features. Final Cut Pro was customized for video editing professionals with advanced knowledge of video editing. It is available for just $299.99 with 90 days free trial.

Some alternatives to Final Cut Express are also available in the market such as Final Cut Pro of crouse, iMovie, a low-end alternative, and Filmora, popular among beginners and pros. Let’s look at these tools individually in this article.

Part 1: What is Final Cut Express?

Final Cut Express was a video editing software designed by Apple Inc. for advanced editing of digital and HD videos. It was a consumer version of Final Cut Pro liked by professional photographers, due to its better capabilities than iMovie.

Final Cut Express used to have many features like two-way color correction, dynamic RT, Chroma key, 99 audio tracks, split-screen, and picture-in-picture effects, motion path keyframing, 23 compositing modes, and opacity keyframing.

It also allowed the users to keyframe the filters and perform slide and blade edits. Eight years after its release, Apple discontinued Final Cut Express in 2011 in favor of Final Cut Pro X.

fina-cut-express-update

Part 2: Is Final Cut Express Still Available?

No, concurrent with the launch of Final Cut Pro X on June 21, 2011, Final Cut Express was discontinued and removed from the Apple online store.

You might be wondering what prompted Apple to do this. Well, the primary cause of the discontinuation of Final Cut Express was that Apple Inc. wanted to launch an advanced video editing software Final Cut Pro.

Besides, despite several attempts to improve the software’s performance, Final Cut Express kept on causing multiple inconveniences. The company eventually decided to discontinue Final Cut Express and introduce a new product to meet the ever-evolving needs of its customers.

As Final Cut Express withdrawal from the stage, many other editors still update to this day. For example, Filmora, an editor trusted by many beginners and pros, updates every month. Click download to try it for free!

Download Win Version Download Mac Version

Part 3: Major Differences between Final Cut Pro and Final Cut Express

Both Final Cut Express and Final Cut Pro were two high-performance, user-friendly, and advanced video editing software developed by Apple Inc. Both had amazing features and were liked by professional photographers, filmmakers, and editors. However, Apple Inc. discontinued Final Cut Express in 2011.

Today, Final Cut Pro incorporates all features of Final Cut Express plus some additional functions added by Apple Inc. later.

Given below are some of the key differences between these two software:

Final Cut Pro Final Cut Express
The software is currently available on Apple Store and is supported by all iOS devices. The software was discontinued in 2011 and can no longer be downloaded from Apple Store.
Effectiveness is guaranteed as the user will receive application updates. Untrusted and unreliable software because no application updates are available.
Original version with advanced features The consumer version of Final Cut Pro with limited features
The application performance keeps improving with new versions The application performance kept on declining due to downgraded features
Heavyweight editing tools for better results Simple editing tools
Costs $299 Costs $199
Recommended for experts and professionals Recommended for beginners
Requires a system with better hardware and enhanced performance Compatible with systems with less-advanced hardware

Part 4: iMovie, Final Cut Express, and Final Cut Pro, Which is the Best?

All these video editing software, iMovie, Final Cut Express, and Final Cut Pro are developed by Apple Inc. with different features and functions. However, they have different target audiences and offer diverse pricing plans according to the user’s needs.

The following table offers a detailed comparison of iMovie, Final Cut Express, and Final Cut Pro to help you choose the best one for advanced video editing.

No. Parameter of Comparison iMovie Final Cut Express Final Cut Pro
1 Target Audience It is aimed at home users and who are beginners with no video editing skills It is ideal for a bit advanced users with moderate knowledge of video editing It is a professional product and targets professional photographers and video editors.
2 Features Automated video editing video support Audio & music editing HD & 4K Video color settings Crop & rotate video clip Stabilization Video effects & transitions Timeline Photo & music import Pre-built themes & backdrops simultaneously Two-way color correction Dynamic RT Chroma key 99 audio tracks Split-screen Picture-in-picture effects Motion path keyframing 23 compositing modes Opacity keyframing Moving & Trimming Clips Multicam Editing 360 Degree VR Editing Effects VR Headset Playback Advanced Color Grading HDR Video Support Motion Graphics Templates Asset Management Plug-Ins
3 Interface User-friendly and easy to understand Complicated for beginners Very complicated
4 Skill Set Required Beginner Moderate Advanced
5 Advanced Sharing Yes No No
6 Text Implementation Limited Tools Limited Tools Advanced tools for easy text customization
7 Compatible OS Mac OS X 10.10.2 or later Mac OS X 10.10.2 or later Mac OS X 10.10.2 or later, 64-bit processor
8 Workflow Advanced Moderate Advanced
9 Supported HD Format 1080 1080 UHD 4K
10 iCloud sync Yes No No
9 Operating Speed Fast due to limited tools Fast due to limited tools Moderate due to advanced tools and effects
10 Advanced Effects Presets Presets with moderate effects An array of advanced effects
11 Plugins and Integrations Limited Limited Several third-party plugins
12 Color Correction Features Focus on Image Improvement Small editing of pictures Total customization to match the footage tone
13 Pricing Free of Cost $199 90 days free trial then $299.99

Part 5: Best Alternative to Final Cut Express

Now, as Final Cut Express is no longer available, you may want to try the other two editors of Apple. While iMovie mainly targeted beginners, Final Cut Express and Pro targeted users with moderate to advanced knowledge of video editing.

For those beginners who wanted to make professional-looking videos without any editing skills, Wondershare launched Filmora as an alternative to Final Cut Express and Pro.

This user-friendly made video editing as simple as ABC. From offering multiple hand-picked effects to advanced editing options, Filmora allows you to range markers, perfect your audio, group timeline clips, and perform detailed color correction with auto-correction and color wheels for free.

Key Features

  • Advanced video editing options;
  • 300+ free handcrafted effects
  • User-friendly video editing tools; and
  • Video conversion options to multiple formats.

author avatar

Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Liza Brown

Also read:

  • Title: 2024 Approved Unleash Your Creativity Top 10 2D Animation Tools for Artists
  • Author: Emma
  • Created at : 2024-05-19 05:48:14
  • Updated at : 2024-05-20 05:48:14
  • Link: https://video-ai-editor.techidaily.com/2024-approved-unleash-your-creativity-top-10-2d-animation-tools-for-artists/
  • License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
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2024 Approved Unleash Your Creativity Top 10 2D Animation Tools for Artists