18.1
Animation Desk is software for creating animations, cartoons, and animatics on Android, iOS, and Windows.
Free planAndroidiOSmacOS
Best 2D Character Animation Software in 2026
Animation Desk leads this chart of 48 (8.1/10, free plan). Animaze is next (8.1/10, free plan), and FlipaClip is the next highest-placed with a free plan (8.0/10). 2D character animation software helps you draw or rig characters and turn them into animated scenes; the choice depends on your animation workflow and the platforms you need. For phone use, check whether a tool lists Android support. Then compare web, Windows, macOS, Linux and iOS availability, along with bone rigging, mesh deformation, lip sync, export formats and pricing.
28.1
Animaze creates customizable interactive avatars and works with major streaming and meeting services.
Free planAndroidiOSAPI
38.0
FlipaClip is a frame-by-frame animation app for creating animated projects.
Free planAndroidiOSmacOS
- 4
VTube Studio
VTube Studio is an app for Virtual YouTubers to animate Live2D models.
Free planAndroidiOSAPImacOS8.0$14.99 one-time - 5
Animaker
Animaker is a web-based tool for creating animated and live-action videos.
Free planAndroidiOSWebAPI7.8From $15 a month - 6
Adobe Character Animator
Free planmacOSWindows7.5Free plan - 7
Live2D Cubism
Live2D Cubism Editor turns drawn illustrations into animated 2D models, with tools for puppet-style motion, mesh deformation, physics and lip sync.
AndroidiOSWebmacOS7.4 - 8
Pencil2D
Pencil2D is free, open-source desktop software for making hand-drawn 2D animations, including commercial work.
Free planOpen sourceLinuxmacOSWindows7.4Free plan - 9
PNGTuber Plus
PNGTuber Plus adds animated sprites, motion effects, speaking, and blinking to 2D PNG VTubers.
Free planOpen sourceLinuxmacOSWindows7.4Free plan - 10
Stick Nodes
Stick Nodes is an Android and iOS app for creating stickfigure animations and exporting them as GIFs or videos.
Free planAndroidiOS7.2$3.99 one-time - 11
Callipeg
Callipeg is a 2D animation application for frame-by-frame work on tablets and desktop computers.
AndroidiOSLinuxmacOS6.9$5 one-time - 12
Spriter
Windows and Linux tool for 2D game animation using sprite pieces, skeletal rigs and timelines.
Free planLinuxWindows6.9$59.99 one-time - 13
Mango Animate Whiteboard Animation Maker
Mango Animate Whiteboard Animation Maker, also called Mango WM, is a Windows application for making whiteboard and hand-drawn style animation videos.
Free planWindows6.8$59 one-time - 14
Plotagon
Android, iOS and Windows apps for making animated videos from stories and narratives.
AndroidiOSWindows6.8 - 15
RoughAnimator
RoughAnimator is a paid, frame-by-frame app for creating traditional hand-drawn animation on Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows.
AndroidiOSmacOSWindows6.8$7.99 one-time - 16
SpineBones
Free 2D skeletal editor for bone hierarchies, timelines, inverse kinematics, and animation exports.
Free planAPImacOSWindows6.8Free plan - 17
veadotube
veadotube provides avatar tools, including a mini app that switches images with microphone input.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.8From $8 a month - 18
Spine
Windows, macOS and Linux software for 2D animation, character rigging and game exports.
LinuxmacOSWindows6.7From $850 a year - 19
TupiTube
Free planAndroidLinuxmacOSWindows6.7Free plan - 20
Moho
Moho is 2D animation software for creating cartoons, films, vector animation, stop-motion, and cut-out animation.
macOSWindows6.6$59.99 one-time - 21
SkelForm
SkelForm is a free 2D skeletal animator for creating game animations.
Free planWebLinuxmacOSWindows6.6Free plan - 226.5
- 23
Procreate
iOS6.5$5.99 one-time - 24
Adobe Animate
Adobe Animate is a macOS and Windows application for creating 2D animations for cartoons, banners, games, and web projects.
macOSWindows6.4From $22.99 a month - 25
AnvilWiki
AnvilWiki is an open-source game wiki template, not 2D character animation software.
Free planWebmacOSSelf-hostedWindows6.4Free plan
Choosing well
Which platforms does it need to run on?
Choose a tool that lists the platform you plan to use. Check Android first for phone work, then confirm web, Windows, macOS, Linux or iOS support as needed.
If you move between devices, verify that the same project workflow and exports suit those platforms.
Does it offer a free plan or trial?
Check the pricing field for a real free plan, a free trial or a paid starting price before committing.
Pencil2D, OpenToonz, TupiTube and PNGTuber Plus list free plans. Animaze lists a free plan with paid access from $1.67 per month on an annual plan, while FlipaClip lists a free plan and a 7-day trial.
Which animation workflow fits the project?
Compare the listed animation workflow with how you plan to work, such as drawing, rigging or character performance.
Bone rigging can suit articulated characters, while mesh deformation can help reshape artwork. Check the feature fields for the approach you need.
Does it support lip sync?
If dialogue drives the animation, check the lip-sync field before choosing. A tool without the needed lip-sync workflow may require extra manual work.
Which export formats does it support?
Check export formats against the video, image or project files you need to deliver. Confirm that the format works with the platform or editor used after animation.
Questions people ask
Which 2D character animation software has an Android app?
Check the supported-platforms field for Android before choosing. Android support is listed for part of this category, but availability differs by tool.
What free 2D character animation software can I try?
Pencil2D, OpenToonz, TupiTube and PNGTuber Plus list free plans. Other tools, including FlipaClip and Animaze, also list free plans.
Which 2D animation tools work on Windows and Mac?
Windows and macOS are supported platforms in this category. Confirm both platforms on the individual tool entry before installing.
Do 2D character animation apps support bone rigging and mesh deformation?
The comparison records bone rigging and mesh deformation separately. Check those fields for the tool and workflow you want.
Which export formats should I look for in 2D animation software?
Match the listed export formats to the files your next app or editor accepts. The chart includes export formats so you can compare them directly.