13 Best Animation Software for Mac you should try in 2024

It is 11:11; it isn't. Don't worry, my Mac lovers, even if it is not, we have brought something ELEVENY special.

Now, you must all be thinking, what is it?

So, here I open the surprise box for your art and animation experience. It is nothing else but the 13 best animation software for Mac in 2024,

Yes, you all read it right.

Animation is the trend everyone wants to follow for storytelling, education, entertainment, and digital video marketing and advertising. Still, they only want to do the research work after getting involved,  especially if using a Mac. And keeping that in mind, we have done the homework for you.

So, throw away your worries in the trash and prepare to set your hands and mind in the animation game.  

These software options range from simple, user-friendly programs perfect for beginners to more advanced software with powerful features for professionals.

So, if you were looking for animation software, then with our help, you'll be able to find the perfect tool to suit your needs and bring your creative ideas to life.

Best Animation Software for Macbook [Free & Paid]

While looking for the best animation software for Mac, you will come across plenty of options. However, remember that not all apps are reliable and effective.

This means you need to choose the perfect app that can cater to your animation needs. It also has to support MacBook or your effort will go in vain. Here are the best animation software for Mac you should choose.

1. Pencil2D Animation Software

Pencil2D is undoubtedly one of the most popular animation software for Mac you should try. Not only it's super simple, but also extremely effective at creating 2D hand-drawn videos.

The interface is also super minimal, without any clutter. When I downloaded and installed it, the opening interface was smooth, with proper navigational aspects.

Pencil2D

• Minimal design
• Open-source and free
• Raster and vector
• Cross-platform

The software offers a clear, uncomplicated workspace where users can draw and design 2D animated characters, backgrounds, and objects. This way, you don't need to waste time searching for something you need.

But how about image and audio import? As these two are important aspects of animation, can Pencil2D help you include them? Yes, you can add audio and images to your animations.

You can also adjust the framerate of your animation. Whether you need 30 FPS or 60 FPS, you can control the smoothness of your animations. Also, you can choose between raster and vector workflows.

I often noticed that many animations have distortions, making it look super irritating. With Pencil2D, you can implement special visual effects. These can reduce distortion and improve lighting effects, enhancing your animations.

2. Blender Animation Software

Blender, like its name, blends raw materials with its comprehensive tools to create a delicious Animation Smoothie. It's one of the best animation apps for Mac for creators and pro editors.

Thanks to its high-quality rendering, modeling, and sculpting features, Blender will undoubtedly prove extremely beneficial for your animation needs. The best thing about Blender is that it's perfectly optimized for Macbooks and iMacs.

Blender

• Advanced physics simulations
• 3D modeling
• Python scripting
• 3D scene creation and lighting

This 2D, 2.5D animation, and 3d animation software (free download for Mac) have some specialty as a three-dimensional animation tool. It handles the video production timeline, from creating complex 3D objects, 3d motion, models, and animations to compositing and post-production. 

Blender comes with Cycles. This render engine is a ray-trace-based solution for different types of animation requirements. You will get real-time feedback, which will boost your animation editing process.

Remember that Blender is an open-source program. So, what's the benefit of open-source software? You can modify and use it for anything. Just like Andriod, where you can implement different changes due to its open-source nature.

While testing Blender, I thought I should try the video editing features. Although it's not extensive, it can complete basic actions like splicing and video cuts. It can also handle complex tasks like color grading and video masking.

3. Adobe Character Animator

Character animation video is for which Adobe Character Animator is made. Whether creating a cartoon series, an explainer video, or an interactive experience, this program brings your objects to life as animated characters with minimal effort.

This motion capture and animation tool is extremely beginner-friendly. I also had a fun experience while using this animation software for Mac. Contrary to other Adobe products, it's not bombarded with complicated features.

Adobe Character Animator

• 300+ full-body animation characters
• Beginner-friendly starter mode
• Easy character creation
• Easy animation export

If you've used Adobe products before, you might have an idea regarding their seamless integration. Adobe Character Animator is no exception to that. You can integrate it with other programs.

It uses your MacBook's camera and mic to animate the image you import within the software. It will also use your facial expressions and voice patterns.

Now, that's not the end. There's one more feature that captured my attention – auto lip-synching. This specific feature is super fun to use.

However, fine-tuning your animated videos will be slightly difficult and time-consuming. For instance, you need to devote significant time and effort to customize the animated objects.

4. Stykz

If you're looking for easy computer animation software Mac, Stykz should be your top choice. With this animation software, you can easily make 2D animated videos.

One of the best things about Stykz is its frame-based algorithm. This means you can work on individual frames simultaneously.

Stykz

• Multi-platform animating
• Customizable frames
• 100% free
• Manipulating figures

One specific thing I like about Stykz is its onion skinning. So, what does that mean? This means you can see the previous frame and compare it with the two flows.

Stykz has an intuitive interface known as “stage”. From this interface, you can easily edit your animated videos. You will be able to make any change you want based on your needs.

The same window will also let you view the changes. You don't need to toggle between two different views. However, make sure you try not to juggle between the views too fast.

All you need to do is edit the stick objects, fill shapes, and then import your 2D animated figures. You can auto-save everything as you go. Hence, you won't lose your hard work.

5. VideoScribe

VideoScribe is a software program designed specifically for creating whiteboard animations and explainer videos. It allows users to create animations that look like they're being hand-drawn on a whiteboard or a similar background.

Creativity is the other name of VideoScribe – the powerful whiteboard animation tool that makes creating explainer videos a child's play. This app has all the tools to make your animations stand out.

VideoScribe

• Focused on whiteboard animations
• Multiple animation styles
• Scene management and transitions
• Audio integration

Whether you're a marketer or entrepreneur, VideoScribe entitles you to easily convey your message and engage your audience like never before. 

With VideoScribe, you can create whiteboard animations flawlessly. It offers a library of hand-drawn elements, animations, and sound effects specifically designed for this type of animation.

You will also find the user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality super beneficial. You can easily add elements, text, and animations to your project. Moreover, you don't need to worry about extensive designing experience.

You can also include audio elements like voice-over narration, background music, and sound effects into your animations to enhance their engagement.

6. Adobe After Effects

Adobe After Effects is the ideal tool for creating 3D animation and motion design. There is no denying that it is a powerful program.

It is capable of performing both simple operations, such as text rotation, and more complicated duties, such as full-fledged postproduction editing.

Adobe After Effects

• Powerful animation tool
• Excellent motion graphics
• Integration with Adobe software
• Large online community

The UI is user-friendly, but it requires a significant learning curve to fully utilize its functionality. You can also install plugins for specialized functions. However, the plugins are paid.

Adobe After Effects works nicely with the company's software suite and some third-party tools, such as Cinema 4D. So, you will be able to take your animated videos to a new height.

You can subscribe to either this animation app or all of the Creative Cloud apps. Subscribing to Creative Cloud grants access to more advanced capabilities. Unfortunately, that may make it expensive for individual customers and small enterprises.

After effects has an excellent set of preloaded effects, presets, and Adobe fonts. I used to use After Effects to create my gaming videos, and the results were mind-blowing.

7. SideFX: Houdini Animation Software

SideFX Houdini is a wonderful alternative for complex productions like virtual reality, motion graphics, and even movies.

Professional animators used it during the development of Frozen. Like similar animation apps and software programs, SideFX has a high learning curve.

Houdini

• Excellent VFX and animation
• Asset creation tools
• Flexible node-based workflow
• Artist-friendly tools

Fortunately, there are plenty of tutorials to help you overcome the hurdle. It contains several automated functionalities, making it more user-friendly.

Houdini's strength is its node-based workflow, which allows you to design actions that can be reused and reordered effortlessly.

However, this is technical software. A coding background is beneficial, but not necessary. If you devote the necessary time to learning it, you will reap the benefits of producing film-quality visual effects and rendering capabilities.

Houdini comes with Pyro FX to showcase natural fire expressions. This is beneficial when you're creating high-quality and detailed animated videos.

8. Autodesk Maya

Many believe Autodesk Maya to be the industry standard. After all, what more can you say about a corporation that also invented AutoCAD?

It is the program of choice for Disney. Enough said. Autodesk Maya is a comprehensive 3D production suite that can be enhanced with plugins and scripts to make it more user-friendly.

Autodesk Maya

• Excellent 3D models
• Impecabble animation experience
• Transparent pricing
• Professional-grade animation

Autodesk Maya's development is focused on the professional industry. It's pricey, making it out of reach for small firms.

However, the company does offer three-year licenses, which can save you some money if you enjoy using this software. It is undeniably powerful, capable of producing a wide range of animations.

Whether you're modeling characters, creating environments, animating complex movements, or adding realistic visual effects, Maya has the tools you need.

Being familiar with Maya is a valuable skill for aspiring 3D artists as it's often a requirement for many professional animation and VFX positions.

9. Synfig Studio

The next animation software for Mac is Synfig Studio. This open-source platform can prove highly beneficial in creating eye-catching and unique 2D animated videos.

From free images to vector images, Synfig Studio will let you create highly customized animated videos. Furthermore, the timeline-based animations you create can be done within a few minutes.

Synfig Studio

• Vector tweening
• Full-featured bone system
• Advanced features
• Layers and filters

Like many other animation programs for Mac, Synfig Studio comes with solid animation controls. With the boning system, you can create natural movements for your animated characters.

You can also use bitmap images to create cutout animation. With the Skeleton Distortion layer, you can implement complex deformations for your bitmap artwork.

Synfig Studio provides both basic and advanced features. Some of the most effective advanced features include layer parameters, dynamic structures, building characters, etc.

However, remember that this animation software for Mac is certainly not for beginners. Therefore, make sure you consider an easier alternative to get started.

10. Moho Animation Software

Moho Animation Software has been operating since 1982. It uses a complicated bone system to create 2D animation via copy-and-paste functionality.

This means you will get smooth motion and less distortions. It does an excellent job at rendering realistic-looking animals thanks to its extensive set of optimized drawing tools.

Moho Animation Software

• Powerful 2D rigging system
• Smart bones
• New graphics design
• Optimized drawing tools

It also includes decent customization options for settings and brushes, which I appreciate a lot. The customization options are also highly beneficial, especially when you're creating detail-oriented animated characters.

With the Moho 13, the firm changed ownership and added a ton of new features. With the addition of wind and other automatic dynamics, together with a 3D space and camera, it provided a significant advancement for Unity game creators by supporting FBX.

Moho has a user-friendly rigging system that lets you create skeletons and control the movement of your characters. This is essential for creating realistic and expressive animations.

The software provides a wide range of animation tools, including keyframe animation, tweening (automatic in-between frames), onion skinning (viewing previous and next frames for smooth transitions), and inverse kinematics.

11. TupiTube

TupiTube is one of the few animation software for Mac that is completely beginner-friendly. Even if you don't have any animation creating experience, you can still use TupiTube without any roadblocks.

But how is TupiTube so user-friendly, especially when most competitors target professional animators? For starters, it provides a simple and clean user interface.

TupiTube

• Completely free
• Intuitive dashboard
• Advanced features
• Supports MacOS

This means that you start creating and editing animations right from the dashboard. As there are no complicated controls, you can create appealing animations without worrying about any learning curve.

TupiTube provides different types of amazing 2D animation solutions. This includes drawing tools, painting, manual scaling, image importing, opacity, and rotation.

Make sure you leverage the best benefit of these features, especially the manual scaling and image importing. While changing opacity may seem a little challenging as you need to find the perfect one, it's still less complicated.

TupiTube has a “GPL” license. Apart from being highly flexible, it's also perfect for beginners who want to get their work done without budget constraints.

12. iStopMotion

iStopMotion is a stop-motion animation software designed for creating stop-motion animations, claymations, or cartoons on Macs, iPads, and iPhones.

It caters to a wide range of users, from beginners to professionals. The features make it easy to learn and use while also offering powerful animation tools.

iStopMotion

• Time-lapse
• Rotoscoping
• Chroma-key feature
• Remote camera app

I like iStopMotion's simple and intuitive interface. This way, you can focus on the creative aspects of animation rather. As a result, it's one of the best choices for beginners new to stop-motion animation.

With the onion skinning feature, you can see the previous and next frames overlaid on your current frame. This way, you can maintain consistency in your animation.

As mentioned earlier, iStopMotion works seamlessly on Macs, iPads, and iPhones. You will have the flexibility to create animations on whichever device you want. However, it works best on MacBooks and iMacs.

Once you've completed your animation, you can export it in various formats. You will be able to share your animations across different platforms and devices.

13. Dragonframe

Dragonframe is another animation software for Mac that can help you create catchy animations. While it's more suitable to animation studios and professional animators, beginners can also use it.

Thanks to its powerful functionality and features, you will never face any problems creating 2D and 3D animated videos. To sweeten the deal, the animated videos will be of higher quality.

Dragonframe

• Customizable controls
• Precise control over animation tools
• Live view and capture option
• Sound synchronization

With Dragonframem I could capture high-quality images for my animation. It integrates with various DSLR cameras, allowing you to control aperture, focus, and other camera settings. This level of control is ideal for professional productions requiring precise image quality.

It also offers advanced motion control features. You can change the camera movements as well as lightning effects. The best part is that you don't even need to leave the software.

As everything can be controlled directly from the dashboard, you can easily complete complex animation sequences. This will help you save a significant amount of time and effort compared to the manual process.

If you want to create special effects like stereo animation or backlighting, Dragonframe also lets you complete it with ease. But how? Well, Dragonframe allows you to shoot multiple exposures for each frame.

Ready to use Animation Software for Mac?

Now you know the best animation software for Mac that lets you rule the animation universe. However, on the same side, determining your specific needs and goals is the key to finding the proper animation software.

If you're starting, free options like Blender and Pencil2d may be great software for beginners and professionals, as you can experiment and learn the basics without committing to a paid subscription.

Ultimately, the best animation software for you will depend on your unique needs, goals, and preferences, whether you want to create animations for fun, work, or a personal project. Saving your research time was the primary goal of preparing this list.

Frequently Asked Questions