If you are interested in a program for creating cartoons, then you have come to the right place.
Applications and programs that work with animation and video are constantly evolving.
Their number is increasing every day, as are their capabilities.
Previously, it was difficult to imagine that a cartoon could be made at home. Now it is possible.
Among the masses of those suitable for this role, we have selected the top 5 most popular, multifunctional and at the same time easy to use utilities.
Contents:
iClone Pro
One of the leading utilities that includes a full range of .
Using iClone tools you can create not only characters, but also work out the landscape and textures different sizes.
Its functions allow you to create a full-fledged cartoon even without any skills or prior knowledge in this environment.
Along with it, a wide library of details is offered, which contains various blanks that will simplify the work at the initial stage.
Please note: iClone supports the . It allows you to transform the actions of living people directly into an animation project. All you have to do is capture the necessary movements on camera.
Among the advantages are:
As for the minuses, there is only one, but quite serious.
It is free only for the first month of use, then it requires payment for both subsequent months and for proposed updates.
Toon Boom Harmony
It is actively used by such film industry giants as Walt Disney and Warner Bros. They set it apart from the rest due to the presence of a network mode.
It allows a group of people to work on one project or even a scene at once, which greatly speeds up the process of creating a video and makes it better and more thoughtful.
In addition, Toon Boom Harmony supports working with layers, allows you to create smooth transitions between different scenes, has an image capture function with a camera, and many others. The interface is simple, but requires at least minimal knowledge in English, because it has not yet been translated into Russian. Cash payment after trial period an order of magnitude lower than the previous application.
The utility is leading and forces developers to rely on its functionality, but at the same time it has a minus. A huge number of possibilities greatly affects the computer.
If it is not equipped with the latest specifications, problems with and may occur.
Anime Studio Pro
Unlike others presented in the review, Anime Studio is not replete with its capabilities in working with 3D objects.
However, this completely compensates for its functionality, which allows you to do vector animation on high level.
It is the best option for creating cartoons, which is what it is aimed at.
Libraries with ready-made characters and basic textures are connected to it, and in addition there are a lot of scripts.
One of the key advantages of the program is pairing with other software.
Using Anime Studio, you can easily import and export presets and even share created textures or finished scenes with those who worked in a completely different development environment.
Please note: when you add an audio track to a scene, characters are automatically enabled to move their lips.
Among the shortcomings is the fact that it has not yet been translated into Russian. There are a lot of crackers on the Internet, but they are usually superficial and only change some menu items.
The application is appreciated both among professionals and among beginners. Its interface is very clear and flexible, and the list of options is built logically, which simplifies the work on creating animation.
Possibility of drawing up to the smallest details any object – that’s why it is so loved and popular.
A well-known fact connects the utility with a full-length film "Pirates of the Caribbean". At one time, it was used to create tentacles on the face of Davy Jones, which repeatedly made viewers shudder just by looking at them, they were so realistically created.
The positive aspects include:
- wide selection of brushes and paints;
- unique functions in building models that are not available in other options;
- imitation of the creation of 3D models;
- maximum detail;
- availability of additional modules;
- relative requirements for computer capabilities.
If we talk about the difficulties when working with it, then the user will take a lot of time to study all the options that ZBrush provides.
But on the other hand, the software is so undemanding that it can easily be installed on computers for which you can find good options among the most recent - a great rarity.
CrazyTalk contains a small training course that will help you understand all the intricacies of the utility, eliminating the need to search the Internet for special lessons or instructions.
If we compare 3D with other areas of graphics and design, then not only creative people will find a place here, but also avid techies, I would even say that creative people will have to face technical approach– if you compare Photoshop, for example, with Maya, then it’s the same as taking a couple of pencils and a pen against the assortment of an entire artist’s supply store. When you have to study a large amount of materials, you don’t want to waste time and from the very beginning you should choose the best program for creating 3D models and 3D animation.
I used to work in 2D and when I first opened a 3D package I was surprised by 5 menu options with a huge list of different tools, commands for modeling and animation. In Illustrator or Photoshop, one row of menus and then a small part from its list were enough for the main work.
You will be lucky if you immediately sit down with the 3D package that you will use further in your profession; relearning will be long and painful. First of all, you should choose a specialization and a suitable program for it. You should pay attention to well-known and more commonly used products, this will make it easier to find lessons to study, plugins, scripts and, most importantly, work.
The best programs for 3D modeling and animation.
There are a number of programs that successfully perform most of the everyday 3D work tasks; moreover, their functionality already includes specific tools, for example, Sculpting, 3D painting (3DPaint) And visual effects (VFX). In the article these are the first 3 programs for 3D modeling. I’ll talk about more specialized programs at the end.
I'm an animator who likes to model sometimes, so I use Cinema4D, Autodesk Maya and Zbrush.
3Ds Max is the very first 3D modeling and animation package that I saw in my life. I was about 9 years old when I watched my father study with teapots, spheres and cubes. Then it seemed to me inconvenient to use orthogonal cameras when there is one, perspective one.
This program is chosen by modellers, interior designers and those associated with industry and architecture. On this moment the most common 3D modeling package of all. Many new versions of plugins and render engines are released for it earlier than for other programs.
The main advantage of modeling is the presence of modifiers, thanks to which you can layer changes to the geometry and in the future remove, change or reduce the strength of the effect of the modifier you need on the object. Frees you from the problem of overwriting history and the inability to roll back changes.
Afterwards, I switched to it as my main program for 3D modeling and animation, especially since Extension 2 added animation tools for motion design (the beauty of C4D).
It has a node structure (what does it look like?) and allows you to connect things that are not connected in the ordinary world with each other, for example, by changing the color of the sphere you can change the speed of rotation of the cube around it. This flexibility of relationships opens up a lot of options for the use of creative imagination. Maya is used by major animation studios to create games, cartoons and movies.
Often new 3D technologies are written first for Maya and only then adapted for other packages, so they work in Maya the way the developer intended. It slows down less heavy scenes, and is great for both modeling and animation, it also has VFX tools, but most importantly, “T-shirt” is a leader in character animation, which is actually why I switched to it.
I started mastering 3D modeling and animation with this program. It captivates with its simple and user-friendly interface; many say that it is easier to learn. It is used primarily by motion designers and animators who make commercial videos. Costs cheaper than analogues and is developing quite actively, catching up with the gap in functionality from dinosaurs of the 3D industry – and . The main beauty of Mograph effectors, which allow you to animate a large number of objects simultaneously with just a couple of mouse movements, is great for creating unusual visual effects. It also has several built-in render engines that cope well with the main tasks of users of this program.
Patrimony VFX. If you want to create atmospheric phenomena, destruction of objects, tornadoes, storms, flames, smoke and other parametric effects, then this is the place for you. Basically, the work process will be tied to programming and working with a tree of nodes. Modeling is also possible here, but it is not as convenient and pleasant as in other packages, so it is better to keep another program in combination.
– this is the maximum of creativity – best program for high-poly 3D modeling or sculpting. The work process is structured in such a way that in front of you there is an imaginary piece of clay from which you sculpt the object you need.
Here you can also model equipment (Hard-surface), but I, like many others, prefer to use for these purposes Maya or Max. In you will be able to create fantastic creatures, animals, people with maximum detail down to the pores on the skin. It has a unique interface that is very different from anything else on the 3D market, but you will get used to it over time.
To work you will need to buy Graphics tablet, mouse precision is not enough. The most interesting thing is that in order to sculpt well, you don’t have to be able to draw well. ZBrush includes ways to simplify initial modeling, similar to real work with sculpture. You can use a frame, set the initial volume, bend, cut, mold various parts. It is an essential part of the quality character modeling process.
Be prepared for a lot of information and constant improvement of your skills, the same things can often be done in 3D different ways and the correct one is the one that solves the problem fastest.
What we have?
So if you want model buildings, equipment, parts, create Interior Design, then start your journey with .
If you Worried about the price and difficulty of learning 3D, and in the future you want to be a motion designer and create advertising videos, then it will suit you Cinema 4D.
If you don't be afraid of long learning curves and want in the future engage in 3D character animation, animation for games and films, while having all the opportunities for full 3D modeling put .
For those who want to go to deep specialization in 3D VFX (visual effects), customizing every day destruction or the whirlwinds of a tornado blowing away a house, create parametric materials
Having considered the most popular utilities, you can do right choice when developing your own cartoons and their further promotion. There are many options, and each has its advantages.
Autodesk Maya is an incredibly cool program for creating cartoons. By downloading it and activating the trial period, you are touching the tool that created characters and effects in world-famous cartoons and films: “Frozen”, “Wall-e”, “South Park”, “Smeshariki”, “Fixies”, “Masha” and Bear", "Shrek", "Zootopia", "The Matrix", "The Lord of the Rings", "Spider-Man", "King Kong", "Pirates of the Caribbean", "The Golden Compass". The list can be continued for a very long time, but the names of the paintings speak for themselves.
Easy Gif Animator is one of the most popular tools for creating animated cartoons, it contains a simple and intuitive interface in Russian, and also allows you to save your work as part of a video. AVI formats and Flash. You will be able to receive both story videos and high-quality slide shows or presentations.
Toon Boom Harmony occupies one of the leading positions in its field. The application is designed for serious animation classes; it is noteworthy that the series “The Simpsons” was created on its basis. Toon Boom can offer the benefits of collaborating on your project with friends and colleagues using online mode.
Anime Studio Pro will export your materials to video high resolution. It is widespread among fans of the formation of 2D animated images; it boasts a good built-in database with blank elements and characters. Easily imports files from Photoshop.
iClone is another professional program that can easily create cartoons or various banners, and contains unique capabilities for converting the movements of a real person into animation. Before operating the iPhone, it is recommended that you first read the training instructions. Any hero can be assigned a photo of your appearance, thanks to the "FaceTrix" technology incorporated by the developers.
Express Animate is a free cartoon development software that has a fairly simple and effective set of tools and can process your content in batch mode. The main advantage is the very compact space it takes up on your computer's hard drive and relatively high-quality computer graphics.
Plastic Animation Paper plays a vital role in making pencil-drawn videos. In this program, the artist creates and animates characters. All that remains is to put them on the background and mount the material. As for free application, Plastic Animation Paper pleases with its excellent quality.
The computer program Pivot Animator is usually used to produce small comic animations based on photographs. You add a person or several people to the plot of a photo, apply captions, effects, change appearance heroes, etc. It turns out to be a funny and cute cartoon. The program deserves respect for its highly realistic physics. Every movement of the character looks natural - computer animation very realistic.
Many often after watching, or while watching, wanted to change the plot or course of action in the cartoon, so to speak, create their own cartoon. In this article we will look at programs that will help both novice users and professionals create their own cartoons, based on their own plots, with their own characters.
Programs for creating 2D and 3D cartoons and their main capabilities will be considered. When considering programs, we will take into account those applications in which it will be possible to create a cartoon, starting with the creation of a character and ending with the publication of the cartoon.
The presented programs have the ability to create a full-fledged cartoon with the creation of character graphics, animation and plot. Each utility has its own unique set of tools that will help create a cartoon for both a novice and inexperienced user, and a professional.
It is worth noting that all presentations of the program are available free of charge in trial mode. You can try out the functionality of each application and choose the one that suits you. After the trial period ends, you will be offered to purchase a license.
Programs:
- Pencil
- Anime Studio Pro
- Toon Boom Harmony
- iClone Pro
- Autodesk Maya
Pencil
This utility is one of the easiest to learn and is suitable for creating simple animated videos with drawn characters. The familiar interface of the standard Windows OS utility Paint is implemented in this program; one might say it is identical except for the timeline.
Pencil is a great choice for beginners who want to try out what it's like to create cartoons. For large projects, this utility will, of course, not be enough, since it does not allow you to create 3D cartoons with high graphic components and has a limited set of tools and functions.
The operating principle of this utility is very simple: draw frame-by-frame animation for your character and combine it all into one video. The program supports working with multiple layers and frame-by-frame animation.
Tools and features:
- Tools for working with layers.
- Frame-by-frame editing tool.
- Drawing tools.
- Function for setting up frame-by-frame reproduction of pictures.
- Possibility of loading ready-made drawings and pictures.
This set of tools is ideal for creating a very simple cartoon or 2D hand-drawn animation. 
Pros:
- the program is completely free.
- very simple interface.
- Ideal for creating small animated videos.
- No special skills or knowledge are required to work with the program.
- possibility of Russification.
Minuses:
- not suitable for creating complex cartoons with high quality graphics.
- there is no possibility of creating 3D cartoons.
- small set of tools.
Anime Studio Pro 
This program is already a more powerful editor for creating cartoon or animated videos. This utility may be of interest not only to beginners in this field, but also to professionals, as it has a fairly large set of tools and options. But the presence of a large set of functions does not complicate it, since the interface remains very simple.
Anime Studio Pro makes it possible not only to create animated videos, but also to create separate animations, and add the same animation or object to simple videos. You can also use this utility to convert a video into a cartoon.
The program contains functions and tools for working with sound, as well as a separate environment for recording and processing sound directly in the program.
The program provides many possibilities and has a large number of functions, which are described below.
Tools and features:
Pros:
- a large set of tools and functions.
- the ability to record and work with audio tracks.
- availability of tools for working with 3D objects and animation.
- possibility of Russification.
- creating cartoons in HD quality.
Minuses:
- no free version.
- no visualization function.
- The interface is simple, but due to the large set of tools it is difficult to navigate.
Toon Boom Harmony
This software was released by Toon Boom, a Canadian company that produces and supports animation software. The products of this company are used by such studios as: Walt Disney Animation Studios, Warner Bros. Animation, China Central Television and many other popular studios.
Toon Boom Harmony is the company's most powerful and advanced product. The program has a large number of tools and functions that make it easier and faster to work on cartoons and animation creation.
This utility is undoubtedly the leader among animation software. Suffice it to say that such masterpieces as “The Little Mermaid” and “The Lion King” were created with the help of this software.
The program has functions for working with 3D animation, but still it is more suitable for creating high-quality and professional cartoons in 2D format.
It is worth noting a very useful and the desired function True Pencil, which allows you to animate an image, set points and fully animate it.
Toon Boom Harmony has many features that allow multiple artists and animators located in different locations to work on the same project simultaneously. The program implements all sets of professional applications that make it possible to work over the network.
Due to such a large set of tools and powerful functionality, the program is quite demanding on the computer hardware, namely the performance of the video adapter. Therefore, if you decide to delve into this area and work with the Toon Boom Harmony program, then you should think about buying or upgrading your computer for these purposes.
Tools and features:
Pros:
- excellent functionality.
- A huge set of additional applications.
- Possibility of working over the network.
- Possibility of Russification.
Minuses:
- Difficult interface for beginners.
- no free version.
- poor implementation of creating 3D cartoons and animation.
iClone Pro 
iClone Pro software is a utility that allows you to create 3D animations with high quality textures and graphics. The program allows you to work with complex 3D animation with diverse characters.
The program has the FaceTrix function. This feature allows you to use real photos of people to create 3D animations, instead of manually drawing textures and objects.
The program has a powerful engine that makes it possible to work with physics and thereby give objects more realistic behavior.
By choosing this utility, you can create high-quality dynamic cartoons using modern graphic processing and textures.
The application has tools for layer-by-layer processing of elements, changing textures, editing the location of props, transforming the terrain and performing other tasks. When creating jobs, you can use components from the integrated container.
The program has a rather complex interface, so working with it will require prior training.
Tools and features:
Pros:
- support for multiple animation creation methods
- a large number of functions.
- shadow drawing function.
- Availability of documentation, training videos and forums on working with the program.
Minuses:
- demands on computer resources.
- Highlights are not always displayed correctly.
- complex interface.
- no free version.
- There is no way to Russify the interface.
MODO
The MODO program is another powerful editor that allows you to create 3D cartoons and animations. This utility is popular due to its extensive customization capabilities.
You can fully customize this program for yourself, set hotkeys, create your own set of brushes and tools. The program has a large set of well-made libraries that will help you create animations. If these libraries are not enough for you, then you can create or modify existing libraries to suit your needs.
The MODO program has functions that allow you to create very quality models The image quality is not inferior to Autodesk Maya. At the moment, the program has one of the best Visualizers for creating realistic pictures.
Unfortunately, to work and create cartoons in this program you will need a powerful video card and processor. Therefore, before starting work on the project, check the hardware of your computer for comfortable work in the program.
Tools and features:
Pros:
- a large number of functions.
- high-quality implementation of movements.
- shadow drawing function.
- support for working with high-quality textures.
- availability of documentation, training videos and forums on working with the program.
- possibility of Russification.
Minuses:
- demands on computer resources.
- complex interface.
- no free version.
- The rendering process is not optimized.
Autodesk Maya
Autodesk Maya software is a professional tool for working with 3D images and animation. The program is used for work in professional studios. We can say that the possibilities of this program are not limited.
It’s worth noting right away that Autodesk Maya is not suitable for beginners who want to create a regular two-dimensional cartoon, as it has a rather complex interface and requires experience with similar programs.
This software has the largest set of tools, and therefore provides great opportunities for creating cartoons and various animated videos.
Using this software, you get the ability to create high-quality animation using various textures. The ability to create realistic three-dimensional models and calculate the behavior of materials, the dynamics of soft and hard bodies.
You can also create characters with realistic animation and movement in Autodesk Maya.
Such a large number of tools and the requirement for some knowledge should not intimidate beginners, since this is compensated by the same large amount of training material.
Tools and features:
Pros:
- a large number of functions.
- implementation of the full production cycle when creating a cartoon.
- high detail
- various rendering engines
- a large amount of educational material.
- possibility of Russification.
Minuses:
- demands on computer resources.
- complex interface.
- no free version.
Conclusion
This list of programs presented programs for creating the most simple animations through ordinary drawing, and professional programs to create complex, high-quality 3D cartoons.
If you want to quickly draw a two-dimensional cartoon without applying special effort, then the Pencil program is ideal for you, since it does not require any knowledge or time. But if you plan to create a cartoon using 3D graphics and special effects, then you should consider four other programs and choose the one that you want to work with and are willing to spend time learning how it works.
It is worth noting that some of the described software are used by major animation and film studios to create cartoons with multi-million dollar budgets.
If you are interested in a program for creating cartoons, then you have come to the right place.
Applications and programs that work with animation and video are constantly evolving.
Their number is increasing every day, as are their capabilities.
Previously, it was difficult to imagine that a cartoon could be made at home. Now it is possible.
Among the masses of those suitable for this role, we have selected the top 5 most popular, multifunctional and at the same time easy to use utilities.
iClone Pro
One of the leading utilities that covers the full range of work with animation. Using iClone tools, you can not only create characters, but also work out landscapes and textures of different sizes.
Its functions allow you to create a full-fledged cartoon even without any skills or prior knowledge in this environment. Along with it, a wide library of details is offered, which contains various blanks that will simplify the work at the initial stage.
Please note: iClone supports the Kinect option developed by by Microsoft. It allows you to transform the actions of living people directly into an animation project. All you have to do is capture the necessary movements on camera.
Among the advantages are:
- the ability to adjust the transparency of created parts;
- the presence of the FaceTrix option, which allows you to convert a regular photo into a 3D model;
- elaboration of textures down to the most minimal details.
As for the minuses, there is only one, but quite serious. It is free only for the first month of use, then it requires payment for both subsequent months and for proposed updates.
Toon Boom Harmony
It is actively used by such film industry giants as Walt Disney and Warner Bros. They set it apart from the rest due to the presence of a network mode. It allows a group of people to work on one project or even a scene at once, which greatly speeds up the process of creating a video and makes it better and more thoughtful.
In addition, Toon Boom Harmony supports working with layers, allows you to create smooth transitions between different scenes, has an image capture function with a camera, and many others. The interface is simple, but requires at least minimal knowledge of English, because it has not yet been translated into Russian. The cash payment after the trial period is an order of magnitude lower than that of the previous application.
The utility is leading and forces developers to rely on its functionality, but at the same time it has a minus. A huge number of possibilities greatly affects the computer. If it is not equipped with the latest specifications, you may experience problems with overheating of the graphics card and processor.
Anime Studio Pro
Unlike others presented in the review, Anime Studio is not replete with its capabilities in working with 3D objects. However, this completely compensates for its functionality, which allows you to do vector animation at a high level.
It is the best option when creating cartoons in the anime genre, which is what it is aimed at. Libraries with ready-made characters and basic textures are connected to it, and in addition there are a lot of scripts.
One of the key advantages of the program is pairing with other software. Using Anime Studio, you can easily import and export PSD format blanks and even exchange created textures or finished scenes with those who worked in a completely different development environment.
Please note: when you add an audio track to a scene, characters are automatically enabled to move their lips.
Among the shortcomings is the fact that it has not yet been translated into Russian. There are a lot of crackers on the Internet, but they are usually superficial and only change some menu items. On the other hand, there are many video tutorials on this software on YouTube, and if you wish, you can easily master it.
ZBrush
The application is appreciated both among professionals and among beginners. Its interface is very clear and flexible, and the list of options is built logically, which simplifies the work on creating animation. The ability to draw any object down to the smallest detail is why it is so loved and popular.
A well-known fact connects the utility with the full-length film “Pirates of the Caribbean”. At one time, it was used to create tentacles on the face of Davy Jones, which repeatedly made viewers shudder just by looking at them, they were so realistically created.
The positive aspects include:
- wide selection of brushes and paints;
- unique functions in building models that are not available in other options;
- imitation of the creation of 3D models;
- maximum detail;
- availability of additional modules;
- relative requirements for computer capabilities.
If we talk about the difficulties when working with it, then the user will take a lot of time to study all the options that ZBrush provides. But on the other hand, the software is so undemanding that it can easily be installed on 32-bit systems, for which it is very rare to find good options from among the latest ones.
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