Ok, so you've seen the animations on this site and (hopefully) you are impressed and amazed! "How can I make animations like this? Do I need to be some big shot web designer or pay big bucks for computer animation or 3D training?" Nope! There are many 3D animation programs available, ranging from incredibly easy to incredibly complicated. Some are used only for 3D titles (letters, numbers, etc), some are are highly advanced and have been used in many popular movies such as Cars, Jurassic Park, etc. For information about the higher end animation programs (3DS Max, Softimage, Houdini, Amorphium, Adobe Dimensions, etc.) see
Movies 13 Gif Animator
A freeware gif animator with 98 animation presets, AVI and GIF converters.
You can easily edit an existing gif animation, or make a new one
with imported images. Great for beginners.
Limitations: None
File Size: 1.1 MB
Download Link:DOWNLOAD
2D And 3D Animation Freeware:
Pivot Stickfigure Animator
Quite possibly the easiest animation program ever made! Just for fun, maybe on a rainy day. Includes a sample animation.
Freeware.
Limitations: None
File Size: 485 KB
Download Link:DOWNLOAD
Animation software, primarily for character animation. If you are just starting out with 3D animation and want to do more than just 3D text effects, this is the program for you. Packed with features, and the best part is, it's freeware! For File Size: 826 KB
Download Link:DOWNLOAD
Many of this software's capabilities rival those found in commercial programs. Some of the highlights include subdivision surface based modelling tools, skeleton based animation, and a graphical language for designing procedural textures and materials. For intermediate to advanced users. Freeware.Limitations: None
File Size: 6.1 MB
Download Link:DOWNLOAD
3D modeling and animation software, recommended for intermediate users, but dedicated beginners may want to try it. Freeware.Limitations: None
File Size: 9.1 MB
Download Link:DOWNLOAD
Very popular open-source 3D software, with many features of popular high end programs. Arguably the best freeware 3D animation software available, with tutorials and help forums available. For intermediate to advanced users. Freeware.Limitations: None
File Size: 8 MB
Download Link:DOWNLOAD
Although these animation and design programs are not freeware, we feel they are exceptional, and deserve a mention. The training version of Maya 7 is included on this list.
Ulead Gif Animator
We love this software, it's very easy to learn, with an intuitive interface. What does this mean? It means that you could probably figure out the software even without an owners manual! This software has a 15 day free trial available, then it's $29.95. You also need to give them your email address to download the trial version.
Limitations: Banner ads in the trial version, software disabled after 15 days.File Size: 10.1 MB
Download Link:DOWNLOAD
