1 Drawing and sketching tools

Before you start animating, you need to draw and sketch your characters, backgrounds, and props. Drawing and sketching tools are software applications that let you create digital art with a stylus, mouse, or touch screen. Some of the most popular drawing and sketching tools for 2D animators are Photoshop, Illustrator, Clip Studio Paint, and Procreate. These tools offer a variety of brushes, layers, colors, and effects that you can use to create your own style and mood.

2 Animation software

Animation software is the core tool for 2D animators, as it allows you to create and edit frames, add motion, and export your animations. Animation software can be divided into two main types: vector-based and bitmap-based. Vector-based animation software uses mathematical formulas to create smooth and scalable shapes and movements. Some examples are Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, and Synfig Studio. Bitmap-based animation software uses pixels to create more detailed and realistic images and textures. Some examples are TVPaint, Krita, and OpenToonz. Depending on your project and preference, you can choose the animation software that suits your needs and budget.

3 Rigging and puppet tools

Rigging and puppet tools are software applications that let you create and manipulate 2D characters as if they were 3D models. Rigging and puppet tools allow you to add bones, joints, and controllers to your characters, and then animate them with keyframes, curves, or motion capture. Some of the benefits of using rigging and puppet tools are that they can save you time, reduce the number of frames you need to draw, and create more realistic and expressive movements. Some of the most popular rigging and puppet tools for 2D animators are Spine, Moho, and Adobe Character Animator.

4 Compositing and editing tools

Compositing and editing tools are software applications that let you combine and modify different elements of your animation, such as layers, effects, transitions, audio, and text. Compositing and editing tools can help you enhance the quality, style, and mood of your animation, as well as fix any errors or inconsistencies. Some of the most common compositing and editing tools for 2D animators are After Effects, Premiere Pro, and DaVinci Resolve.

5 Asset and library tools

Asset and library tools are software applications that let you store, organize, and access your animation assets, such as images, sounds, fonts, and presets. Asset and library tools can help you speed up your workflow, avoid duplication, and share your resources with other animators or collaborators. Some of the most useful asset and library tools for 2D animators are Creative Cloud Libraries, Google Drive, and Dropbox.

6 Learning and inspiration tools

Learning and inspiration tools are software applications that let you learn new skills, techniques, and trends in 2D animation, as well as find inspiration from other animators and artists. Learning and inspiration tools can help you improve your craft, expand your creativity, and stay motivated and updated. Some of the most recommended learning and inspiration tools for 2D animators are Skillshare, YouTube, and Pinterest.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?