![New Unleash Your Creativity 10 Public Domain Image Sites for 2024](https://www.lifewire.com/thmb/8WNeD74C3OD4Hr-lVFvg4bLBeLA=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-140173628BetsieVanDerMeer-5927117e5f9b5859509a476c.jpg)
New Unleash Your Creativity 10 Public Domain Image Sites for 2024
![](/images/site-logo.png)
Unleash Your Creativity: 10 Public Domain Image Sites
10 Best Public Domain Image Websites
Liza Brown
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Finding an image you like on the Internet doesn’t take long, since almost every website you can stumble upon, contains at least one picture. This doesn’t mean that you can just download any photo and use it in your blog, online marketing campaign or for any other purpose. Moreover, stock image websites like Getty Images or iStock let you purchase the right to use a photo commercially. As a reaction to an expanding stock image industry, many photographers, museums and cultural institutions are choosing to forfeit their rights and to publish public domain images. So, in this article, we are going to take you through the ten best public domain image websites where you can download pictures for free.
What Are Public Domain Images?
By definition, public domain images are photos, vectors or clip art that are available to anyone because their copyright has either expired or they never had a copyright owner. Consequently, anyone can use these images for both commercial or private projects without having to purchase the rights to do so. An image can enter a public domain under the following circumstances:
- Scientists, educators or artists can use the Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license to dedicate their images to the public domain
- A picture’s copyright is no longer in effect
- A photo was never the subject to copyright
It is of utmost importance to check if an image is within the public domain before you use it publicly in order to avoid potential legal complications.
How and Where to Find Public Domain Images?
A simple google search will reveal hundreds of websites that let you download public domain and royalty-free images. Which source you’re going to use depends on the type of image you’re looking for, since some websites are dedicated only to photography, while others feature impressive collections of public domain images of artworks. In addition, you’ll only want to download public domain images from the websites that offer information about the author because using a public domain image without crediting its author is strictly prohibited.
Best Websites for Downloading Public Domain Images
We’ve searched the Internet and we utilized our results to compile a collection of the most reliable websites that grant its users access to vast numbers of public domain images. Let’s take a look at some of the best websites that let you download public domain images.
1. Pexels
Graphic designers and all other creatives in constant need of a fresh supply of public domain images don’t need a special introduction to Pexels. The stock image platform is dedicated to photography and video, so you can’t use it to search for vectors or clip art. Even so, you can use Pexles to search for public domain images based on a particular keyword or browse through its collection of free images and discover photos spontaneously. Clicking on the Popular Searches tab will enable you to see the images from Light, Nature or Animals and it will shorten the amount of time you have to spend looking for a photo you want to download.
Pros:
- Neatly organized website
- Free and easy sign-up
- Offers a huge selection of free public domain images and videos according to the CC0 license
- Hand-picked High quality Images
Cons:
- Some categories should contain more images
- Optimizing the search terms can be difficult
2. Pixabay
Besides offering an impressive collection of royalty-free photos, Pixabay also lets you search for public domain vectors, illustrations, and videos. The website hosts more than a million high-resolution photos and videos you can download for free. To make things even better, becoming a member of the Pixabay’s community and creating an account on this platform won’t take more than a few minutes of your time. Pixabay also offers advanced search tools that enable you to combine searches, search for the author of an image or group search terms. In addition, you can also browse through the photographers that contribute their images to the platform on a regular basis.
Pros:
- Powerful search tools and various filters
- Huge collection of public domain images
Cons
- Customer support could be better
3. Wikimedia Commons
This is probably the largest website on the Internet where you can download public domain images. There are more than 49 million images, illustrations, vector graphics and videos available that can be downloaded for free. Some media files on Wikimedia Commons have certain restrictions, but these restrictions are mostly related to image citations, which means that you can use them only if you credit the author. Such a huge selection of media files can be overwhelming for the newcomers to the Wikimedia Commons platform, but once you grow accustomed to the website’s interface discovering images becomes a straightforward process.
Pros:
- All images are available in high resolution
- Nearly all images can be used without any restrictions
Cons:
- Getting used to the website’s interface takes time
- The number of search results can be overwhelming
4. Flickr Commons
For more than a decade Flickr has been a popular online destination for photographers in need of a platform that enables them to present their work. The Flickr Commons is a project that unites more than a hundred institutions in an effort to create a library of public domain images. The project makes available a stunning amount of historical photographs and it grants you access to highly esteemed collections of photographs. Flick Commons is perfectly suited for researchers and scholars in need of public domain photos, they can use in their essays or research papers.
Pros:
- Unlimited access to historical photos
- Extends the knowledge available to the general public
Cons:
- Doesn’t offer videos or illustrations
- Search results are poorly organized
5. Unsplash
With a library that contains over 800,000 photos, Unsplash is easily one of the largest websites that offer public domain images. All pictures on this platform are organized into different categories, which makes finding a photo you want to use in a commercial or non-commercial project a relatively simple process. Alternatively, you can insert a keyword into a search bar and Unsplash will show you the results within seconds. However, the images you can find on this platform are similar to those you can purchase on stock photography websites, although some of them have an artistic touch that is hard to find on the majority of stock photos.
Pros:
- Excellent source of high-resolution photos
- Quick and easy search
Cons:
- Unsplash is dedicated solely to photography
- Limited amount of available public domain images
6. From Old Books
In case you are searching for images from old books you should look no further. This is a private collection of 2,600 images that are hard to find anywhere else on the Internet. You can browse through woodcuts, old texts or old holiday images, which makes this platform an excellent choice for anyone interested in rare images that were featured in old books. All pictures you can find on the From Old Books website are free to use on non-commercial projects, but you must pay a small fee if you want to download a high-resolution image you can use on a commercial project.
- Images are organized into categories
- Access to rare images
Cons
- Some images are not free
- Rudimentary website design
7. Morguefile
Morguefile is a website that offers stock footage to its users, but some of the images can’t be downloaded for free. That’s why you must click on the Free Photos tab before you start searching for public domain images on this website. The website hosts nearly 400.000 photos, videos, and vector graphics, but you must make sure that a file you want to download is within the public domain before you download it. The only downside is that the images aren’t organized into categories which can make finding the images you’re searching for more difficult than it needs to be.
Pros:
- Creating an account on Morguefile is free
- All free photos can be used on commercial projects
Cons:
- Images can be organized better
- Fewer free images than on other public domain image websites
8. Public Domain Archive
As the website’s name indicates, this is an archive of public domain images you can download for free and use in commercial contexts. All photos are organized into categories like abstract, free stock photos, people or wood which makes the search simpler. However, these categories don’t contain more than a few hundred photos and some of them offer as few as five pictures you can download. All photos are in high resolution and ready for professional use. The download process can be completed effortlessly in just a few quick steps. New images are added on a weekly basis.
Pros:
- Professional quality of images
- All images are free
Cons:
- A limited selection of photos
- Doesn’t offer vector graphics
9. NYPL Digital Gallery
NYPL Digital Gallery is an excellent resource for anyone who is not interested in stock photography. The New Your Public Library has made hundreds of thousands of historical images available to the public and you can use it to browse through items, collections or divisions. Before you enter a keyword you should click on the search only public domain materials tick box to ensure that the search results are going to display only images that can be used without restrictions. Additionally, the NYPL Digital Gallery lets you browse through its collection of digital books while its collections of photographs include the work of some of the highly esteemed American photographers.
Pros
- Public domain images are available in different resolutions
- Offers valuable research materials
Cons
- Some images are subject to copyright
- Only aimed at scholars and researchers
10. Viintage
Viintage is a gold mine for graphic designers as it grants them access to hundreds of vintage posters, book covers, and images. However, the amount of public domain images this website offers is limited and if you want to download the images from the collections of works created by famous artists from the late 19th and early 20th centuries you must purchase the premium version of Viintage. The website lacks some basic search options as it only allows you to type in the search term into the search bar. The images are not organized into categories which further complicates the process of finding a public domain image you’re looking for.
Pros:
- Offers a collection of rare vintage public domain images
- A great resource for graphic designers
Cons:
- Most images on Viintage can’t be downloaded for free
- Search tools are far from perfect
You may also like: Best Image Hosting Sites >>
How to Cite Public Domain Images Properly?
If you’re planning on using a public domain image in a blog or on your website, you must cite the source from which you acquired a particular image. The image citations should include the following information:
- The title of the image
- Author’s name
- Information about the institution at which an image is kept
- The source from which you acquired an image
In case you don’t have access to all of these information or if the information is simply not available you should include all details about a public domain image you have the access to. Furthermore, there are several styles of image citations that depend on the source from which an image was acquired.
Conclusion
Spending large sums of money on images you can use in commercial or private projects is not always necessary. The public domain images are widely available and they can be used in a broad range of contexts. Which website that lets you download public domain images do you like to use the most? Leave a comment and share your opinions with us.
Dont worry when you forget the syntax of an HTML element, like and iframe, a link, a table, an image or anything else. Visit HTML CheatSheet and generate the code you need.
Liza Brown
Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Liza Brown
Liza Brown
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Finding an image you like on the Internet doesn’t take long, since almost every website you can stumble upon, contains at least one picture. This doesn’t mean that you can just download any photo and use it in your blog, online marketing campaign or for any other purpose. Moreover, stock image websites like Getty Images or iStock let you purchase the right to use a photo commercially. As a reaction to an expanding stock image industry, many photographers, museums and cultural institutions are choosing to forfeit their rights and to publish public domain images. So, in this article, we are going to take you through the ten best public domain image websites where you can download pictures for free.
What Are Public Domain Images?
By definition, public domain images are photos, vectors or clip art that are available to anyone because their copyright has either expired or they never had a copyright owner. Consequently, anyone can use these images for both commercial or private projects without having to purchase the rights to do so. An image can enter a public domain under the following circumstances:
- Scientists, educators or artists can use the Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license to dedicate their images to the public domain
- A picture’s copyright is no longer in effect
- A photo was never the subject to copyright
It is of utmost importance to check if an image is within the public domain before you use it publicly in order to avoid potential legal complications.
How and Where to Find Public Domain Images?
A simple google search will reveal hundreds of websites that let you download public domain and royalty-free images. Which source you’re going to use depends on the type of image you’re looking for, since some websites are dedicated only to photography, while others feature impressive collections of public domain images of artworks. In addition, you’ll only want to download public domain images from the websites that offer information about the author because using a public domain image without crediting its author is strictly prohibited.
Best Websites for Downloading Public Domain Images
We’ve searched the Internet and we utilized our results to compile a collection of the most reliable websites that grant its users access to vast numbers of public domain images. Let’s take a look at some of the best websites that let you download public domain images.
1. Pexels
Graphic designers and all other creatives in constant need of a fresh supply of public domain images don’t need a special introduction to Pexels. The stock image platform is dedicated to photography and video, so you can’t use it to search for vectors or clip art. Even so, you can use Pexles to search for public domain images based on a particular keyword or browse through its collection of free images and discover photos spontaneously. Clicking on the Popular Searches tab will enable you to see the images from Light, Nature or Animals and it will shorten the amount of time you have to spend looking for a photo you want to download.
Pros:
- Neatly organized website
- Free and easy sign-up
- Offers a huge selection of free public domain images and videos according to the CC0 license
- Hand-picked High quality Images
Cons:
- Some categories should contain more images
- Optimizing the search terms can be difficult
2. Pixabay
Besides offering an impressive collection of royalty-free photos, Pixabay also lets you search for public domain vectors, illustrations, and videos. The website hosts more than a million high-resolution photos and videos you can download for free. To make things even better, becoming a member of the Pixabay’s community and creating an account on this platform won’t take more than a few minutes of your time. Pixabay also offers advanced search tools that enable you to combine searches, search for the author of an image or group search terms. In addition, you can also browse through the photographers that contribute their images to the platform on a regular basis.
Pros:
- Powerful search tools and various filters
- Huge collection of public domain images
Cons
- Customer support could be better
3. Wikimedia Commons
This is probably the largest website on the Internet where you can download public domain images. There are more than 49 million images, illustrations, vector graphics and videos available that can be downloaded for free. Some media files on Wikimedia Commons have certain restrictions, but these restrictions are mostly related to image citations, which means that you can use them only if you credit the author. Such a huge selection of media files can be overwhelming for the newcomers to the Wikimedia Commons platform, but once you grow accustomed to the website’s interface discovering images becomes a straightforward process.
Pros:
- All images are available in high resolution
- Nearly all images can be used without any restrictions
Cons:
- Getting used to the website’s interface takes time
- The number of search results can be overwhelming
4. Flickr Commons
For more than a decade Flickr has been a popular online destination for photographers in need of a platform that enables them to present their work. The Flickr Commons is a project that unites more than a hundred institutions in an effort to create a library of public domain images. The project makes available a stunning amount of historical photographs and it grants you access to highly esteemed collections of photographs. Flick Commons is perfectly suited for researchers and scholars in need of public domain photos, they can use in their essays or research papers.
Pros:
- Unlimited access to historical photos
- Extends the knowledge available to the general public
Cons:
- Doesn’t offer videos or illustrations
- Search results are poorly organized
5. Unsplash
With a library that contains over 800,000 photos, Unsplash is easily one of the largest websites that offer public domain images. All pictures on this platform are organized into different categories, which makes finding a photo you want to use in a commercial or non-commercial project a relatively simple process. Alternatively, you can insert a keyword into a search bar and Unsplash will show you the results within seconds. However, the images you can find on this platform are similar to those you can purchase on stock photography websites, although some of them have an artistic touch that is hard to find on the majority of stock photos.
Pros:
- Excellent source of high-resolution photos
- Quick and easy search
Cons:
- Unsplash is dedicated solely to photography
- Limited amount of available public domain images
6. From Old Books
In case you are searching for images from old books you should look no further. This is a private collection of 2,600 images that are hard to find anywhere else on the Internet. You can browse through woodcuts, old texts or old holiday images, which makes this platform an excellent choice for anyone interested in rare images that were featured in old books. All pictures you can find on the From Old Books website are free to use on non-commercial projects, but you must pay a small fee if you want to download a high-resolution image you can use on a commercial project.
- Images are organized into categories
- Access to rare images
Cons
- Some images are not free
- Rudimentary website design
7. Morguefile
Morguefile is a website that offers stock footage to its users, but some of the images can’t be downloaded for free. That’s why you must click on the Free Photos tab before you start searching for public domain images on this website. The website hosts nearly 400.000 photos, videos, and vector graphics, but you must make sure that a file you want to download is within the public domain before you download it. The only downside is that the images aren’t organized into categories which can make finding the images you’re searching for more difficult than it needs to be.
Pros:
- Creating an account on Morguefile is free
- All free photos can be used on commercial projects
Cons:
- Images can be organized better
- Fewer free images than on other public domain image websites
8. Public Domain Archive
As the website’s name indicates, this is an archive of public domain images you can download for free and use in commercial contexts. All photos are organized into categories like abstract, free stock photos, people or wood which makes the search simpler. However, these categories don’t contain more than a few hundred photos and some of them offer as few as five pictures you can download. All photos are in high resolution and ready for professional use. The download process can be completed effortlessly in just a few quick steps. New images are added on a weekly basis.
Pros:
- Professional quality of images
- All images are free
Cons:
- A limited selection of photos
- Doesn’t offer vector graphics
9. NYPL Digital Gallery
NYPL Digital Gallery is an excellent resource for anyone who is not interested in stock photography. The New Your Public Library has made hundreds of thousands of historical images available to the public and you can use it to browse through items, collections or divisions. Before you enter a keyword you should click on the search only public domain materials tick box to ensure that the search results are going to display only images that can be used without restrictions. Additionally, the NYPL Digital Gallery lets you browse through its collection of digital books while its collections of photographs include the work of some of the highly esteemed American photographers.
Pros
- Public domain images are available in different resolutions
- Offers valuable research materials
Cons
- Some images are subject to copyright
- Only aimed at scholars and researchers
10. Viintage
Viintage is a gold mine for graphic designers as it grants them access to hundreds of vintage posters, book covers, and images. However, the amount of public domain images this website offers is limited and if you want to download the images from the collections of works created by famous artists from the late 19th and early 20th centuries you must purchase the premium version of Viintage. The website lacks some basic search options as it only allows you to type in the search term into the search bar. The images are not organized into categories which further complicates the process of finding a public domain image you’re looking for.
Pros:
- Offers a collection of rare vintage public domain images
- A great resource for graphic designers
Cons:
- Most images on Viintage can’t be downloaded for free
- Search tools are far from perfect
You may also like: Best Image Hosting Sites >>
How to Cite Public Domain Images Properly?
If you’re planning on using a public domain image in a blog or on your website, you must cite the source from which you acquired a particular image. The image citations should include the following information:
- The title of the image
- Author’s name
- Information about the institution at which an image is kept
- The source from which you acquired an image
In case you don’t have access to all of these information or if the information is simply not available you should include all details about a public domain image you have the access to. Furthermore, there are several styles of image citations that depend on the source from which an image was acquired.
Conclusion
Spending large sums of money on images you can use in commercial or private projects is not always necessary. The public domain images are widely available and they can be used in a broad range of contexts. Which website that lets you download public domain images do you like to use the most? Leave a comment and share your opinions with us.
Dont worry when you forget the syntax of an HTML element, like and iframe, a link, a table, an image or anything else. Visit HTML CheatSheet and generate the code you need.
Liza Brown
Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Liza Brown
Liza Brown
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Finding an image you like on the Internet doesn’t take long, since almost every website you can stumble upon, contains at least one picture. This doesn’t mean that you can just download any photo and use it in your blog, online marketing campaign or for any other purpose. Moreover, stock image websites like Getty Images or iStock let you purchase the right to use a photo commercially. As a reaction to an expanding stock image industry, many photographers, museums and cultural institutions are choosing to forfeit their rights and to publish public domain images. So, in this article, we are going to take you through the ten best public domain image websites where you can download pictures for free.
What Are Public Domain Images?
By definition, public domain images are photos, vectors or clip art that are available to anyone because their copyright has either expired or they never had a copyright owner. Consequently, anyone can use these images for both commercial or private projects without having to purchase the rights to do so. An image can enter a public domain under the following circumstances:
- Scientists, educators or artists can use the Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license to dedicate their images to the public domain
- A picture’s copyright is no longer in effect
- A photo was never the subject to copyright
It is of utmost importance to check if an image is within the public domain before you use it publicly in order to avoid potential legal complications.
How and Where to Find Public Domain Images?
A simple google search will reveal hundreds of websites that let you download public domain and royalty-free images. Which source you’re going to use depends on the type of image you’re looking for, since some websites are dedicated only to photography, while others feature impressive collections of public domain images of artworks. In addition, you’ll only want to download public domain images from the websites that offer information about the author because using a public domain image without crediting its author is strictly prohibited.
Best Websites for Downloading Public Domain Images
We’ve searched the Internet and we utilized our results to compile a collection of the most reliable websites that grant its users access to vast numbers of public domain images. Let’s take a look at some of the best websites that let you download public domain images.
1. Pexels
Graphic designers and all other creatives in constant need of a fresh supply of public domain images don’t need a special introduction to Pexels. The stock image platform is dedicated to photography and video, so you can’t use it to search for vectors or clip art. Even so, you can use Pexles to search for public domain images based on a particular keyword or browse through its collection of free images and discover photos spontaneously. Clicking on the Popular Searches tab will enable you to see the images from Light, Nature or Animals and it will shorten the amount of time you have to spend looking for a photo you want to download.
Pros:
- Neatly organized website
- Free and easy sign-up
- Offers a huge selection of free public domain images and videos according to the CC0 license
- Hand-picked High quality Images
Cons:
- Some categories should contain more images
- Optimizing the search terms can be difficult
2. Pixabay
Besides offering an impressive collection of royalty-free photos, Pixabay also lets you search for public domain vectors, illustrations, and videos. The website hosts more than a million high-resolution photos and videos you can download for free. To make things even better, becoming a member of the Pixabay’s community and creating an account on this platform won’t take more than a few minutes of your time. Pixabay also offers advanced search tools that enable you to combine searches, search for the author of an image or group search terms. In addition, you can also browse through the photographers that contribute their images to the platform on a regular basis.
Pros:
- Powerful search tools and various filters
- Huge collection of public domain images
Cons
- Customer support could be better
3. Wikimedia Commons
This is probably the largest website on the Internet where you can download public domain images. There are more than 49 million images, illustrations, vector graphics and videos available that can be downloaded for free. Some media files on Wikimedia Commons have certain restrictions, but these restrictions are mostly related to image citations, which means that you can use them only if you credit the author. Such a huge selection of media files can be overwhelming for the newcomers to the Wikimedia Commons platform, but once you grow accustomed to the website’s interface discovering images becomes a straightforward process.
Pros:
- All images are available in high resolution
- Nearly all images can be used without any restrictions
Cons:
- Getting used to the website’s interface takes time
- The number of search results can be overwhelming
4. Flickr Commons
For more than a decade Flickr has been a popular online destination for photographers in need of a platform that enables them to present their work. The Flickr Commons is a project that unites more than a hundred institutions in an effort to create a library of public domain images. The project makes available a stunning amount of historical photographs and it grants you access to highly esteemed collections of photographs. Flick Commons is perfectly suited for researchers and scholars in need of public domain photos, they can use in their essays or research papers.
Pros:
- Unlimited access to historical photos
- Extends the knowledge available to the general public
Cons:
- Doesn’t offer videos or illustrations
- Search results are poorly organized
5. Unsplash
With a library that contains over 800,000 photos, Unsplash is easily one of the largest websites that offer public domain images. All pictures on this platform are organized into different categories, which makes finding a photo you want to use in a commercial or non-commercial project a relatively simple process. Alternatively, you can insert a keyword into a search bar and Unsplash will show you the results within seconds. However, the images you can find on this platform are similar to those you can purchase on stock photography websites, although some of them have an artistic touch that is hard to find on the majority of stock photos.
Pros:
- Excellent source of high-resolution photos
- Quick and easy search
Cons:
- Unsplash is dedicated solely to photography
- Limited amount of available public domain images
6. From Old Books
In case you are searching for images from old books you should look no further. This is a private collection of 2,600 images that are hard to find anywhere else on the Internet. You can browse through woodcuts, old texts or old holiday images, which makes this platform an excellent choice for anyone interested in rare images that were featured in old books. All pictures you can find on the From Old Books website are free to use on non-commercial projects, but you must pay a small fee if you want to download a high-resolution image you can use on a commercial project.
- Images are organized into categories
- Access to rare images
Cons
- Some images are not free
- Rudimentary website design
7. Morguefile
Morguefile is a website that offers stock footage to its users, but some of the images can’t be downloaded for free. That’s why you must click on the Free Photos tab before you start searching for public domain images on this website. The website hosts nearly 400.000 photos, videos, and vector graphics, but you must make sure that a file you want to download is within the public domain before you download it. The only downside is that the images aren’t organized into categories which can make finding the images you’re searching for more difficult than it needs to be.
Pros:
- Creating an account on Morguefile is free
- All free photos can be used on commercial projects
Cons:
- Images can be organized better
- Fewer free images than on other public domain image websites
8. Public Domain Archive
As the website’s name indicates, this is an archive of public domain images you can download for free and use in commercial contexts. All photos are organized into categories like abstract, free stock photos, people or wood which makes the search simpler. However, these categories don’t contain more than a few hundred photos and some of them offer as few as five pictures you can download. All photos are in high resolution and ready for professional use. The download process can be completed effortlessly in just a few quick steps. New images are added on a weekly basis.
Pros:
- Professional quality of images
- All images are free
Cons:
- A limited selection of photos
- Doesn’t offer vector graphics
9. NYPL Digital Gallery
NYPL Digital Gallery is an excellent resource for anyone who is not interested in stock photography. The New Your Public Library has made hundreds of thousands of historical images available to the public and you can use it to browse through items, collections or divisions. Before you enter a keyword you should click on the search only public domain materials tick box to ensure that the search results are going to display only images that can be used without restrictions. Additionally, the NYPL Digital Gallery lets you browse through its collection of digital books while its collections of photographs include the work of some of the highly esteemed American photographers.
Pros
- Public domain images are available in different resolutions
- Offers valuable research materials
Cons
- Some images are subject to copyright
- Only aimed at scholars and researchers
10. Viintage
Viintage is a gold mine for graphic designers as it grants them access to hundreds of vintage posters, book covers, and images. However, the amount of public domain images this website offers is limited and if you want to download the images from the collections of works created by famous artists from the late 19th and early 20th centuries you must purchase the premium version of Viintage. The website lacks some basic search options as it only allows you to type in the search term into the search bar. The images are not organized into categories which further complicates the process of finding a public domain image you’re looking for.
Pros:
- Offers a collection of rare vintage public domain images
- A great resource for graphic designers
Cons:
- Most images on Viintage can’t be downloaded for free
- Search tools are far from perfect
You may also like: Best Image Hosting Sites >>
How to Cite Public Domain Images Properly?
If you’re planning on using a public domain image in a blog or on your website, you must cite the source from which you acquired a particular image. The image citations should include the following information:
- The title of the image
- Author’s name
- Information about the institution at which an image is kept
- The source from which you acquired an image
In case you don’t have access to all of these information or if the information is simply not available you should include all details about a public domain image you have the access to. Furthermore, there are several styles of image citations that depend on the source from which an image was acquired.
Conclusion
Spending large sums of money on images you can use in commercial or private projects is not always necessary. The public domain images are widely available and they can be used in a broad range of contexts. Which website that lets you download public domain images do you like to use the most? Leave a comment and share your opinions with us.
Dont worry when you forget the syntax of an HTML element, like and iframe, a link, a table, an image or anything else. Visit HTML CheatSheet and generate the code you need.
Liza Brown
Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Liza Brown
Liza Brown
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Finding an image you like on the Internet doesn’t take long, since almost every website you can stumble upon, contains at least one picture. This doesn’t mean that you can just download any photo and use it in your blog, online marketing campaign or for any other purpose. Moreover, stock image websites like Getty Images or iStock let you purchase the right to use a photo commercially. As a reaction to an expanding stock image industry, many photographers, museums and cultural institutions are choosing to forfeit their rights and to publish public domain images. So, in this article, we are going to take you through the ten best public domain image websites where you can download pictures for free.
What Are Public Domain Images?
By definition, public domain images are photos, vectors or clip art that are available to anyone because their copyright has either expired or they never had a copyright owner. Consequently, anyone can use these images for both commercial or private projects without having to purchase the rights to do so. An image can enter a public domain under the following circumstances:
- Scientists, educators or artists can use the Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license to dedicate their images to the public domain
- A picture’s copyright is no longer in effect
- A photo was never the subject to copyright
It is of utmost importance to check if an image is within the public domain before you use it publicly in order to avoid potential legal complications.
How and Where to Find Public Domain Images?
A simple google search will reveal hundreds of websites that let you download public domain and royalty-free images. Which source you’re going to use depends on the type of image you’re looking for, since some websites are dedicated only to photography, while others feature impressive collections of public domain images of artworks. In addition, you’ll only want to download public domain images from the websites that offer information about the author because using a public domain image without crediting its author is strictly prohibited.
Best Websites for Downloading Public Domain Images
We’ve searched the Internet and we utilized our results to compile a collection of the most reliable websites that grant its users access to vast numbers of public domain images. Let’s take a look at some of the best websites that let you download public domain images.
1. Pexels
Graphic designers and all other creatives in constant need of a fresh supply of public domain images don’t need a special introduction to Pexels. The stock image platform is dedicated to photography and video, so you can’t use it to search for vectors or clip art. Even so, you can use Pexles to search for public domain images based on a particular keyword or browse through its collection of free images and discover photos spontaneously. Clicking on the Popular Searches tab will enable you to see the images from Light, Nature or Animals and it will shorten the amount of time you have to spend looking for a photo you want to download.
Pros:
- Neatly organized website
- Free and easy sign-up
- Offers a huge selection of free public domain images and videos according to the CC0 license
- Hand-picked High quality Images
Cons:
- Some categories should contain more images
- Optimizing the search terms can be difficult
2. Pixabay
Besides offering an impressive collection of royalty-free photos, Pixabay also lets you search for public domain vectors, illustrations, and videos. The website hosts more than a million high-resolution photos and videos you can download for free. To make things even better, becoming a member of the Pixabay’s community and creating an account on this platform won’t take more than a few minutes of your time. Pixabay also offers advanced search tools that enable you to combine searches, search for the author of an image or group search terms. In addition, you can also browse through the photographers that contribute their images to the platform on a regular basis.
Pros:
- Powerful search tools and various filters
- Huge collection of public domain images
Cons
- Customer support could be better
3. Wikimedia Commons
This is probably the largest website on the Internet where you can download public domain images. There are more than 49 million images, illustrations, vector graphics and videos available that can be downloaded for free. Some media files on Wikimedia Commons have certain restrictions, but these restrictions are mostly related to image citations, which means that you can use them only if you credit the author. Such a huge selection of media files can be overwhelming for the newcomers to the Wikimedia Commons platform, but once you grow accustomed to the website’s interface discovering images becomes a straightforward process.
Pros:
- All images are available in high resolution
- Nearly all images can be used without any restrictions
Cons:
- Getting used to the website’s interface takes time
- The number of search results can be overwhelming
4. Flickr Commons
For more than a decade Flickr has been a popular online destination for photographers in need of a platform that enables them to present their work. The Flickr Commons is a project that unites more than a hundred institutions in an effort to create a library of public domain images. The project makes available a stunning amount of historical photographs and it grants you access to highly esteemed collections of photographs. Flick Commons is perfectly suited for researchers and scholars in need of public domain photos, they can use in their essays or research papers.
Pros:
- Unlimited access to historical photos
- Extends the knowledge available to the general public
Cons:
- Doesn’t offer videos or illustrations
- Search results are poorly organized
5. Unsplash
With a library that contains over 800,000 photos, Unsplash is easily one of the largest websites that offer public domain images. All pictures on this platform are organized into different categories, which makes finding a photo you want to use in a commercial or non-commercial project a relatively simple process. Alternatively, you can insert a keyword into a search bar and Unsplash will show you the results within seconds. However, the images you can find on this platform are similar to those you can purchase on stock photography websites, although some of them have an artistic touch that is hard to find on the majority of stock photos.
Pros:
- Excellent source of high-resolution photos
- Quick and easy search
Cons:
- Unsplash is dedicated solely to photography
- Limited amount of available public domain images
6. From Old Books
In case you are searching for images from old books you should look no further. This is a private collection of 2,600 images that are hard to find anywhere else on the Internet. You can browse through woodcuts, old texts or old holiday images, which makes this platform an excellent choice for anyone interested in rare images that were featured in old books. All pictures you can find on the From Old Books website are free to use on non-commercial projects, but you must pay a small fee if you want to download a high-resolution image you can use on a commercial project.
- Images are organized into categories
- Access to rare images
Cons
- Some images are not free
- Rudimentary website design
7. Morguefile
Morguefile is a website that offers stock footage to its users, but some of the images can’t be downloaded for free. That’s why you must click on the Free Photos tab before you start searching for public domain images on this website. The website hosts nearly 400.000 photos, videos, and vector graphics, but you must make sure that a file you want to download is within the public domain before you download it. The only downside is that the images aren’t organized into categories which can make finding the images you’re searching for more difficult than it needs to be.
Pros:
- Creating an account on Morguefile is free
- All free photos can be used on commercial projects
Cons:
- Images can be organized better
- Fewer free images than on other public domain image websites
8. Public Domain Archive
As the website’s name indicates, this is an archive of public domain images you can download for free and use in commercial contexts. All photos are organized into categories like abstract, free stock photos, people or wood which makes the search simpler. However, these categories don’t contain more than a few hundred photos and some of them offer as few as five pictures you can download. All photos are in high resolution and ready for professional use. The download process can be completed effortlessly in just a few quick steps. New images are added on a weekly basis.
Pros:
- Professional quality of images
- All images are free
Cons:
- A limited selection of photos
- Doesn’t offer vector graphics
9. NYPL Digital Gallery
NYPL Digital Gallery is an excellent resource for anyone who is not interested in stock photography. The New Your Public Library has made hundreds of thousands of historical images available to the public and you can use it to browse through items, collections or divisions. Before you enter a keyword you should click on the search only public domain materials tick box to ensure that the search results are going to display only images that can be used without restrictions. Additionally, the NYPL Digital Gallery lets you browse through its collection of digital books while its collections of photographs include the work of some of the highly esteemed American photographers.
Pros
- Public domain images are available in different resolutions
- Offers valuable research materials
Cons
- Some images are subject to copyright
- Only aimed at scholars and researchers
10. Viintage
Viintage is a gold mine for graphic designers as it grants them access to hundreds of vintage posters, book covers, and images. However, the amount of public domain images this website offers is limited and if you want to download the images from the collections of works created by famous artists from the late 19th and early 20th centuries you must purchase the premium version of Viintage. The website lacks some basic search options as it only allows you to type in the search term into the search bar. The images are not organized into categories which further complicates the process of finding a public domain image you’re looking for.
Pros:
- Offers a collection of rare vintage public domain images
- A great resource for graphic designers
Cons:
- Most images on Viintage can’t be downloaded for free
- Search tools are far from perfect
You may also like: Best Image Hosting Sites >>
How to Cite Public Domain Images Properly?
If you’re planning on using a public domain image in a blog or on your website, you must cite the source from which you acquired a particular image. The image citations should include the following information:
- The title of the image
- Author’s name
- Information about the institution at which an image is kept
- The source from which you acquired an image
In case you don’t have access to all of these information or if the information is simply not available you should include all details about a public domain image you have the access to. Furthermore, there are several styles of image citations that depend on the source from which an image was acquired.
Conclusion
Spending large sums of money on images you can use in commercial or private projects is not always necessary. The public domain images are widely available and they can be used in a broad range of contexts. Which website that lets you download public domain images do you like to use the most? Leave a comment and share your opinions with us.
Dont worry when you forget the syntax of an HTML element, like and iframe, a link, a table, an image or anything else. Visit HTML CheatSheet and generate the code you need.
Liza Brown
Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Liza Brown
The Best of the Best: Top 8 Video Animation Apps for Android, iOS, and iPad
8 Best Video Animation App for Android/iPhone/iPad [2024]
Shanoon Cox
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
Secure Download
For macOS 10.14 or later
Secure Download
Click here to get Filmora for PC by email
or Try Filmora App for mobile >>>
download filmora app for ios ](https://app.adjust.com/b0k9hf2%5F4bsu85t ) download filmora app for android ](https://app.adjust.com/b0k9hf2%5F4bsu85t )
With the advent of the great range of video animation app, drawing or art is no longer limited to artists. If you are tired of using free animaiton software on PC , a video animation app might be a choice. In fact, Anyone having the knowledge of the animation maker app can create professional and mind-boggling animated movies and videos.
Usually, people are aware of the heavy animation software on the computer. But, are you aware of the animation app that can help you create animated videos on your phone? In fact, you can also easily make an amazing video with the best animated graphic maker . In this article, you will learn about some of the best video animation apps on Android, iPhone, and iPad.
You might also like: 10 Best 2D Animation Software in 2024 [Free/Paid]
- Part1: Best Animation Apps For Android
- Part2: Best Animation Apps For iPhone
- Part3: Best Animation Apps For iPad
Part 1: Best Animation Apps For Android
1. Animate it
Whether drawing sketches or manikin poses, Animate it is one of the best video animation app for creating animations on your smartphone or tab. Whether you are a student, gamer or a professional animator, Animate it is useful for all who love animation and looking for an animation creator app on the go. The features of this animation maker app include-
- Customize, create, and edit scenes and characters
- Edit up to 32 keyframes in each clip and up to 20 files
- Reset, mirroring, pose or copy available
- Skin and character selection
- Create buildings and select from a range of props
2. Stick Fighter
You get a touchscreen interface in the Stick Fighter video animation app which lets you animate frame by frame in a flipbook style. You can use props like bows, swords, arrows on your stick image to create an animated cartoon battle. The features of this animation app include-
- Change color and size of the objects
- Use props to create the effect
- Edit clips frame by frame
- Save and export to share with other Stick Fighter users
3. Stick Draw
This is just a wow video animation app that lets you draw with your finger on your phone. Start with each frame and move to the next by saving and within a few minutes the animation can be up and running. Create stop-motion animations or draw stick figures with Stick Draw cartoon maker app. The features are-
- Several graphics- rectangular, circular, line, freeform and more
- Allows drawing with hands
- Advanced copy pasting options
- Use drawings or background images
- Easily accessible interface
- Mp4 and gif export options
Part 2: Best Animation Apps For iPhone
4. Animation Desk
Start from the scratch and create an animation frame by frame or use videos, images, or PSD layers for creating animation with the Animation Desk video animation app for iPhone. Now, creating an animation on your iPad or iPhone is easy with this animation creator app. The features are-
- Several import and export formats
- More than 46 brush options
- Rotoscoping or transforming videos into line drawing allowed
- Music addition to your animation
- 16:9 and 3:4 export video screen ratio
- Apple pencil integration
5. FlipaClip
This is the coolest cartoon maker app to relive your childhood with cartoons and animations. Create some of the best cartoon characters and explore your creativity by drawing cartoon frame by frame. It is basically the school flipbook having a contemporary twist. FlipaClip video animation software is ideal for the iPhone users and offers the best intuitive tools for storyboarding, sketching, animating or just playing around. The features are-
- Supports several popular formats like SEQ, IMAGE, GIF
- Share on a social platform like Tumblr, Facebook, YouTube
- Add videos and draw over it
- Text insertion from the choice of several fonts
- Different layers of drawing
- Grid overlay drawing
Part 3: Best Animation Apps For iPad
6. Animation Desk Classic
Create hand-drawn images with the Animation desk classic animation app for iPad users. Explore your creative ideas with this animation maker app in a short span of time. The features of Animation Desk Classic are-
- Add soundtrack or recordings
- Insert motion backgrounds, shapes, or graphics stickers
- Cut, copy, paste tool
- Pigment cans
7. Animation Creator HD
It is a combination of the best drawing app and the best animation app for iPad. With Animation Creator HD video animation app one can create animated movies on the go. Whether iPad or iPad mini, this cartoon maker app offers great drawing tools, frame management and color options to make the best out of your creativity. The features of this video animation app are-
- Retina quality and the high frame rate playback
- Infinite frames and animations
- Cineverse browsing
- Powerful drawing tools
- Easy frame management
- Life-like animation
8. Animation & Drawing by Do Ink
The simple yet powerful Animation & Drawing by Do Ink video animation app is counted amongst the best app for iPad. Even if you are a beginner, this animation app creator makes your animation creating experience, a pleasant one. The features of Animation & Drawing by Do Ink includes-
- Powerful vector tools
- Bezier curve editing
- Flipbook-style animation
- Create motion paths by dragging your finger
- Reusable art props collection
- Freehand drawing option with fill tools, pen, pencil, brushes
- Geometric shape tools
- Adjustable frame rates
Conclusion
Animation has become a vital part of any video marketing strategy. The knowledge of the right video animation app can help you to create great videos on the go. You don’t need to reach your home or office to work on your computer for animating videos. With a range of great animation app available, you just need to download and install on your Android, iPhone, or iPad, to give wings to your creative imaginations and create perfect animations always. If you want to make animation video on PC, try to use Filmora that will give you more controls on editing!
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
Secure Download
For macOS 10.14 or later
Secure Download
Click here to get Filmora for PC by email
or Try Filmora App for mobile >>>
download filmora app for ios ](https://app.adjust.com/b0k9hf2%5F4bsu85t ) download filmora app for android ](https://app.adjust.com/b0k9hf2%5F4bsu85t )
Shanoon Cox
Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Shanoon Cox
Shanoon Cox
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
Secure Download
For macOS 10.14 or later
Secure Download
Click here to get Filmora for PC by email
or Try Filmora App for mobile >>>
download filmora app for ios ](https://app.adjust.com/b0k9hf2%5F4bsu85t ) download filmora app for android ](https://app.adjust.com/b0k9hf2%5F4bsu85t )
With the advent of the great range of video animation app, drawing or art is no longer limited to artists. If you are tired of using free animaiton software on PC , a video animation app might be a choice. In fact, Anyone having the knowledge of the animation maker app can create professional and mind-boggling animated movies and videos.
Usually, people are aware of the heavy animation software on the computer. But, are you aware of the animation app that can help you create animated videos on your phone? In fact, you can also easily make an amazing video with the best animated graphic maker . In this article, you will learn about some of the best video animation apps on Android, iPhone, and iPad.
You might also like: 10 Best 2D Animation Software in 2024 [Free/Paid]
- Part1: Best Animation Apps For Android
- Part2: Best Animation Apps For iPhone
- Part3: Best Animation Apps For iPad
Part 1: Best Animation Apps For Android
1. Animate it
Whether drawing sketches or manikin poses, Animate it is one of the best video animation app for creating animations on your smartphone or tab. Whether you are a student, gamer or a professional animator, Animate it is useful for all who love animation and looking for an animation creator app on the go. The features of this animation maker app include-
- Customize, create, and edit scenes and characters
- Edit up to 32 keyframes in each clip and up to 20 files
- Reset, mirroring, pose or copy available
- Skin and character selection
- Create buildings and select from a range of props
2. Stick Fighter
You get a touchscreen interface in the Stick Fighter video animation app which lets you animate frame by frame in a flipbook style. You can use props like bows, swords, arrows on your stick image to create an animated cartoon battle. The features of this animation app include-
- Change color and size of the objects
- Use props to create the effect
- Edit clips frame by frame
- Save and export to share with other Stick Fighter users
3. Stick Draw
This is just a wow video animation app that lets you draw with your finger on your phone. Start with each frame and move to the next by saving and within a few minutes the animation can be up and running. Create stop-motion animations or draw stick figures with Stick Draw cartoon maker app. The features are-
- Several graphics- rectangular, circular, line, freeform and more
- Allows drawing with hands
- Advanced copy pasting options
- Use drawings or background images
- Easily accessible interface
- Mp4 and gif export options
Part 2: Best Animation Apps For iPhone
4. Animation Desk
Start from the scratch and create an animation frame by frame or use videos, images, or PSD layers for creating animation with the Animation Desk video animation app for iPhone. Now, creating an animation on your iPad or iPhone is easy with this animation creator app. The features are-
- Several import and export formats
- More than 46 brush options
- Rotoscoping or transforming videos into line drawing allowed
- Music addition to your animation
- 16:9 and 3:4 export video screen ratio
- Apple pencil integration
5. FlipaClip
This is the coolest cartoon maker app to relive your childhood with cartoons and animations. Create some of the best cartoon characters and explore your creativity by drawing cartoon frame by frame. It is basically the school flipbook having a contemporary twist. FlipaClip video animation software is ideal for the iPhone users and offers the best intuitive tools for storyboarding, sketching, animating or just playing around. The features are-
- Supports several popular formats like SEQ, IMAGE, GIF
- Share on a social platform like Tumblr, Facebook, YouTube
- Add videos and draw over it
- Text insertion from the choice of several fonts
- Different layers of drawing
- Grid overlay drawing
Part 3: Best Animation Apps For iPad
6. Animation Desk Classic
Create hand-drawn images with the Animation desk classic animation app for iPad users. Explore your creative ideas with this animation maker app in a short span of time. The features of Animation Desk Classic are-
- Add soundtrack or recordings
- Insert motion backgrounds, shapes, or graphics stickers
- Cut, copy, paste tool
- Pigment cans
7. Animation Creator HD
It is a combination of the best drawing app and the best animation app for iPad. With Animation Creator HD video animation app one can create animated movies on the go. Whether iPad or iPad mini, this cartoon maker app offers great drawing tools, frame management and color options to make the best out of your creativity. The features of this video animation app are-
- Retina quality and the high frame rate playback
- Infinite frames and animations
- Cineverse browsing
- Powerful drawing tools
- Easy frame management
- Life-like animation
8. Animation & Drawing by Do Ink
The simple yet powerful Animation & Drawing by Do Ink video animation app is counted amongst the best app for iPad. Even if you are a beginner, this animation app creator makes your animation creating experience, a pleasant one. The features of Animation & Drawing by Do Ink includes-
- Powerful vector tools
- Bezier curve editing
- Flipbook-style animation
- Create motion paths by dragging your finger
- Reusable art props collection
- Freehand drawing option with fill tools, pen, pencil, brushes
- Geometric shape tools
- Adjustable frame rates
Conclusion
Animation has become a vital part of any video marketing strategy. The knowledge of the right video animation app can help you to create great videos on the go. You don’t need to reach your home or office to work on your computer for animating videos. With a range of great animation app available, you just need to download and install on your Android, iPhone, or iPad, to give wings to your creative imaginations and create perfect animations always. If you want to make animation video on PC, try to use Filmora that will give you more controls on editing!
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
Secure Download
For macOS 10.14 or later
Secure Download
Click here to get Filmora for PC by email
or Try Filmora App for mobile >>>
download filmora app for ios ](https://app.adjust.com/b0k9hf2%5F4bsu85t ) download filmora app for android ](https://app.adjust.com/b0k9hf2%5F4bsu85t )
Shanoon Cox
Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Shanoon Cox
Shanoon Cox
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
Secure Download
For macOS 10.14 or later
Secure Download
Click here to get Filmora for PC by email
or Try Filmora App for mobile >>>
download filmora app for ios ](https://app.adjust.com/b0k9hf2%5F4bsu85t ) download filmora app for android ](https://app.adjust.com/b0k9hf2%5F4bsu85t )
With the advent of the great range of video animation app, drawing or art is no longer limited to artists. If you are tired of using free animaiton software on PC , a video animation app might be a choice. In fact, Anyone having the knowledge of the animation maker app can create professional and mind-boggling animated movies and videos.
Usually, people are aware of the heavy animation software on the computer. But, are you aware of the animation app that can help you create animated videos on your phone? In fact, you can also easily make an amazing video with the best animated graphic maker . In this article, you will learn about some of the best video animation apps on Android, iPhone, and iPad.
You might also like: 10 Best 2D Animation Software in 2024 [Free/Paid]
- Part1: Best Animation Apps For Android
- Part2: Best Animation Apps For iPhone
- Part3: Best Animation Apps For iPad
Part 1: Best Animation Apps For Android
1. Animate it
Whether drawing sketches or manikin poses, Animate it is one of the best video animation app for creating animations on your smartphone or tab. Whether you are a student, gamer or a professional animator, Animate it is useful for all who love animation and looking for an animation creator app on the go. The features of this animation maker app include-
- Customize, create, and edit scenes and characters
- Edit up to 32 keyframes in each clip and up to 20 files
- Reset, mirroring, pose or copy available
- Skin and character selection
- Create buildings and select from a range of props
2. Stick Fighter
You get a touchscreen interface in the Stick Fighter video animation app which lets you animate frame by frame in a flipbook style. You can use props like bows, swords, arrows on your stick image to create an animated cartoon battle. The features of this animation app include-
- Change color and size of the objects
- Use props to create the effect
- Edit clips frame by frame
- Save and export to share with other Stick Fighter users
3. Stick Draw
This is just a wow video animation app that lets you draw with your finger on your phone. Start with each frame and move to the next by saving and within a few minutes the animation can be up and running. Create stop-motion animations or draw stick figures with Stick Draw cartoon maker app. The features are-
- Several graphics- rectangular, circular, line, freeform and more
- Allows drawing with hands
- Advanced copy pasting options
- Use drawings or background images
- Easily accessible interface
- Mp4 and gif export options
Part 2: Best Animation Apps For iPhone
4. Animation Desk
Start from the scratch and create an animation frame by frame or use videos, images, or PSD layers for creating animation with the Animation Desk video animation app for iPhone. Now, creating an animation on your iPad or iPhone is easy with this animation creator app. The features are-
- Several import and export formats
- More than 46 brush options
- Rotoscoping or transforming videos into line drawing allowed
- Music addition to your animation
- 16:9 and 3:4 export video screen ratio
- Apple pencil integration
5. FlipaClip
This is the coolest cartoon maker app to relive your childhood with cartoons and animations. Create some of the best cartoon characters and explore your creativity by drawing cartoon frame by frame. It is basically the school flipbook having a contemporary twist. FlipaClip video animation software is ideal for the iPhone users and offers the best intuitive tools for storyboarding, sketching, animating or just playing around. The features are-
- Supports several popular formats like SEQ, IMAGE, GIF
- Share on a social platform like Tumblr, Facebook, YouTube
- Add videos and draw over it
- Text insertion from the choice of several fonts
- Different layers of drawing
- Grid overlay drawing
Part 3: Best Animation Apps For iPad
6. Animation Desk Classic
Create hand-drawn images with the Animation desk classic animation app for iPad users. Explore your creative ideas with this animation maker app in a short span of time. The features of Animation Desk Classic are-
- Add soundtrack or recordings
- Insert motion backgrounds, shapes, or graphics stickers
- Cut, copy, paste tool
- Pigment cans
7. Animation Creator HD
It is a combination of the best drawing app and the best animation app for iPad. With Animation Creator HD video animation app one can create animated movies on the go. Whether iPad or iPad mini, this cartoon maker app offers great drawing tools, frame management and color options to make the best out of your creativity. The features of this video animation app are-
- Retina quality and the high frame rate playback
- Infinite frames and animations
- Cineverse browsing
- Powerful drawing tools
- Easy frame management
- Life-like animation
8. Animation & Drawing by Do Ink
The simple yet powerful Animation & Drawing by Do Ink video animation app is counted amongst the best app for iPad. Even if you are a beginner, this animation app creator makes your animation creating experience, a pleasant one. The features of Animation & Drawing by Do Ink includes-
- Powerful vector tools
- Bezier curve editing
- Flipbook-style animation
- Create motion paths by dragging your finger
- Reusable art props collection
- Freehand drawing option with fill tools, pen, pencil, brushes
- Geometric shape tools
- Adjustable frame rates
Conclusion
Animation has become a vital part of any video marketing strategy. The knowledge of the right video animation app can help you to create great videos on the go. You don’t need to reach your home or office to work on your computer for animating videos. With a range of great animation app available, you just need to download and install on your Android, iPhone, or iPad, to give wings to your creative imaginations and create perfect animations always. If you want to make animation video on PC, try to use Filmora that will give you more controls on editing!
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
Secure Download
For macOS 10.14 or later
Secure Download
Click here to get Filmora for PC by email
or Try Filmora App for mobile >>>
download filmora app for ios ](https://app.adjust.com/b0k9hf2%5F4bsu85t ) download filmora app for android ](https://app.adjust.com/b0k9hf2%5F4bsu85t )
Shanoon Cox
Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Shanoon Cox
Shanoon Cox
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
Secure Download
For macOS 10.14 or later
Secure Download
Click here to get Filmora for PC by email
or Try Filmora App for mobile >>>
download filmora app for ios ](https://app.adjust.com/b0k9hf2%5F4bsu85t ) download filmora app for android ](https://app.adjust.com/b0k9hf2%5F4bsu85t )
With the advent of the great range of video animation app, drawing or art is no longer limited to artists. If you are tired of using free animaiton software on PC , a video animation app might be a choice. In fact, Anyone having the knowledge of the animation maker app can create professional and mind-boggling animated movies and videos.
Usually, people are aware of the heavy animation software on the computer. But, are you aware of the animation app that can help you create animated videos on your phone? In fact, you can also easily make an amazing video with the best animated graphic maker . In this article, you will learn about some of the best video animation apps on Android, iPhone, and iPad.
You might also like: 10 Best 2D Animation Software in 2024 [Free/Paid]
- Part1: Best Animation Apps For Android
- Part2: Best Animation Apps For iPhone
- Part3: Best Animation Apps For iPad
Part 1: Best Animation Apps For Android
1. Animate it
Whether drawing sketches or manikin poses, Animate it is one of the best video animation app for creating animations on your smartphone or tab. Whether you are a student, gamer or a professional animator, Animate it is useful for all who love animation and looking for an animation creator app on the go. The features of this animation maker app include-
- Customize, create, and edit scenes and characters
- Edit up to 32 keyframes in each clip and up to 20 files
- Reset, mirroring, pose or copy available
- Skin and character selection
- Create buildings and select from a range of props
2. Stick Fighter
You get a touchscreen interface in the Stick Fighter video animation app which lets you animate frame by frame in a flipbook style. You can use props like bows, swords, arrows on your stick image to create an animated cartoon battle. The features of this animation app include-
- Change color and size of the objects
- Use props to create the effect
- Edit clips frame by frame
- Save and export to share with other Stick Fighter users
3. Stick Draw
This is just a wow video animation app that lets you draw with your finger on your phone. Start with each frame and move to the next by saving and within a few minutes the animation can be up and running. Create stop-motion animations or draw stick figures with Stick Draw cartoon maker app. The features are-
- Several graphics- rectangular, circular, line, freeform and more
- Allows drawing with hands
- Advanced copy pasting options
- Use drawings or background images
- Easily accessible interface
- Mp4 and gif export options
Part 2: Best Animation Apps For iPhone
4. Animation Desk
Start from the scratch and create an animation frame by frame or use videos, images, or PSD layers for creating animation with the Animation Desk video animation app for iPhone. Now, creating an animation on your iPad or iPhone is easy with this animation creator app. The features are-
- Several import and export formats
- More than 46 brush options
- Rotoscoping or transforming videos into line drawing allowed
- Music addition to your animation
- 16:9 and 3:4 export video screen ratio
- Apple pencil integration
5. FlipaClip
This is the coolest cartoon maker app to relive your childhood with cartoons and animations. Create some of the best cartoon characters and explore your creativity by drawing cartoon frame by frame. It is basically the school flipbook having a contemporary twist. FlipaClip video animation software is ideal for the iPhone users and offers the best intuitive tools for storyboarding, sketching, animating or just playing around. The features are-
- Supports several popular formats like SEQ, IMAGE, GIF
- Share on a social platform like Tumblr, Facebook, YouTube
- Add videos and draw over it
- Text insertion from the choice of several fonts
- Different layers of drawing
- Grid overlay drawing
Part 3: Best Animation Apps For iPad
6. Animation Desk Classic
Create hand-drawn images with the Animation desk classic animation app for iPad users. Explore your creative ideas with this animation maker app in a short span of time. The features of Animation Desk Classic are-
- Add soundtrack or recordings
- Insert motion backgrounds, shapes, or graphics stickers
- Cut, copy, paste tool
- Pigment cans
7. Animation Creator HD
It is a combination of the best drawing app and the best animation app for iPad. With Animation Creator HD video animation app one can create animated movies on the go. Whether iPad or iPad mini, this cartoon maker app offers great drawing tools, frame management and color options to make the best out of your creativity. The features of this video animation app are-
- Retina quality and the high frame rate playback
- Infinite frames and animations
- Cineverse browsing
- Powerful drawing tools
- Easy frame management
- Life-like animation
8. Animation & Drawing by Do Ink
The simple yet powerful Animation & Drawing by Do Ink video animation app is counted amongst the best app for iPad. Even if you are a beginner, this animation app creator makes your animation creating experience, a pleasant one. The features of Animation & Drawing by Do Ink includes-
- Powerful vector tools
- Bezier curve editing
- Flipbook-style animation
- Create motion paths by dragging your finger
- Reusable art props collection
- Freehand drawing option with fill tools, pen, pencil, brushes
- Geometric shape tools
- Adjustable frame rates
Conclusion
Animation has become a vital part of any video marketing strategy. The knowledge of the right video animation app can help you to create great videos on the go. You don’t need to reach your home or office to work on your computer for animating videos. With a range of great animation app available, you just need to download and install on your Android, iPhone, or iPad, to give wings to your creative imaginations and create perfect animations always. If you want to make animation video on PC, try to use Filmora that will give you more controls on editing!
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
Secure Download
For macOS 10.14 or later
Secure Download
Click here to get Filmora for PC by email
or Try Filmora App for mobile >>>
download filmora app for ios ](https://app.adjust.com/b0k9hf2%5F4bsu85t ) download filmora app for android ](https://app.adjust.com/b0k9hf2%5F4bsu85t )
Shanoon Cox
Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Shanoon Cox
Best : Top-Rated 2D Animation Programs for Beginners and Pros
10 Best 2D Animation Software in 2024 [Free/Paid]
Shanoon Cox
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
When you are trying to make funny cartoons within seven steps , explainer videos, or informative shorts to post online, 2D animation software can come in handy. With access to a 2D animation maker, you can create intricate and interesting stories that will help you connect with your audience.
Whether you are turning photos into cartoons , teaching a group of kids , showing employees how to do their job, introducing a new product, or trying to elicit an emotional reaction from your audience, 2D cartoon animation can be very useful.
If you are new to the world of 2D animation as a beginner and want to be a professional animation maker, you will be interested in our review of the top 10 free download 2D animation software options that may prove useful to you.
- Part 1: Best Free 2D Animation Software for Beginners
- Part 2: Best Professional 2D Animation Software
- Part 3: How to Make 2D Animation
- Part 4: FAQ about Professional 2D Animation Software
Recommend free download animation maker Filmora
If you want to create a 2D animation video, we recommend using 2D animation software-Filmora.
It is a powerful and straightforward video maker for all levels from middle to advanced. With keyframing, you can make smooth 2D animation quickly. Auto color correction can save you a lot of time to make high-quality animation.
Now free download it on Windows and Mac to make 2D animated videos, and connect with other video creators in the Wondershare Video Community to get more creative ideas.
A cross-platform for making videos anywhere for all creators
Why your video editing isn’t good enough? How about some creative inspo?
- 100 Million+ Users
- 150+ Countries and Regions
- 4 Million+ Social Media Followers
- 5 Million+ Stock Media for Use
* Secure Download
Have a Quick Look at The Best 10 Free/Paid 2D Animation Software to Download
No. | Product Name | Supported OS | Price | Best for |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Synfig | Windows, Linux, and OSX | Free | Beginners |
2 | Opentoonz | Windows and OSX | Free | Beginners |
3 | Maefloresta | iPhone and Android | Free | Beginners |
4 | Pencil 2D | Windows, Linux, and OSX | Free | Beginners |
5 | Toon Boom Harmony | Windows, Linux, and OSX | $109 per month | Professionals |
6 | CelAction2D | Windows, Linux, and OSX | $1300 for one single license | Professionals |
7 | Moho (Anime Studio) Pro | Windows and OSX | $399.99 for the full package | Professionals |
8 | Stop Motion Studio | Windows, OSX, Android, and iOS | $59.99 for the full package | Professionals |
9 | FlipBook | Windows and OSX | $19.99/$49.99/$149.99/$199.99 | Professionals |
10 | Reallusion CrazyTalk Animator | Windows and OSX | $199 for the pipeline, $99 for pro | Professionals |
Part 1 Best Free 2D Animation Software for Beginners
01 Synfig - Open Source 2D Animation Software for Beginners
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows, Linux, and OSX
Pro: It offers more than 50 layers to make simple or advanced animation, so you don’t need to worry about its limitation though it is free to use.
Con: Few tutorials are available in the market to start making an animation for beginners.
Synfig Studio is an open-source, free 2D animation software that is the perfect place for beginners to learn about 2D animation. There are two versions available for free download - stable and testing.
The testing version has some experimental features if users want to try those ahead of their introduction into the stable release.
Features:
- Supports multiple layers of content
- The bone system allows for the creation of cutout animations from bitmap images
- Has sound support to allow for the addition and syncing of narration and/or music to the video
02 Opentoonz - Free-to-Use Effects for 2D Animation
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows and OSX
Pro: You can use a plug-in to make beautiful animation effects automatically without further editing.
Con: The UI design is outdated compared with other animation software, but it won’t affect user experience.
Based on the Toonz software, Opentoonz is the best free alternative that will help you create 2D animated content. Anyone can use the software, free of charge, and download it.
And users can modify the source code to add specific features to this simple animation software.
Features:
- GTS scanning tool
- Ability to change picture styles
- Add distortion and light effects
- Compatible with black and white and colored scans
03 Maefloresta - Easy-to-Use 2D Animation Software on Phone
Price: Free
Compatibility: iPhone and Android
Pro: It is free to use with easy to start introduction, even for kids.
Con: You need to email its staff to get the installer online, which is inconvenient sometimes.
The beauty of the Maefloresta app is that you can use your Android or iOS tablet and smartphone to create free 2D animated videos.
There is no need to pay for expensive software if you just want to create some fun videos to show your friends. It also offers school solutions for teachers and students.
Features:
- The free downloadable app that works on smartphones and tablets
- Easy animation software with tutorials
- Intuitive interface that beginners can use with ease
04 Pencil 2D - Cross-Platform Software with Intuitive Interface
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows, Linux, and OSX
Pro: It offers English, Spanish, and Portuguese language tutorials to use.
Con: It doesn’t support the shapes tool. If you like to make shapes and draw something, you’d be disappointed.
Want an open-source and free 2D animation design software to help you create videos? Pencil2D animation is the type of program that can help beginners.
You can get to grips with how 2D animation works, and you can create some very fun and interesting videos along the way.
Features:
- Minimalist design to let you make animation easily
- Raster and vector workflow switching
- Cross-platform compatibility to free download
Part 2: Best Professional 2D Animation Software
05 Toon Boom Harmony - Leading Animation Software for Professional
Price: The first 21 days of using the product are free. After the 21 days are up, you will need to pay $109 per month.
Compatibility: Windows, Linux, and OSX
Pro: You can make 2D and 3D animation, both with models.
Con: It may take some time to learn how to make 2D animation for beginners.
Whether you are trying to create an art piece, showcase a story through 2D images, or craft a unique message for your audience, Toon Boom Harmony will help you immensely.
This professional 2D animation software may take time to learn, but it is worth using. It has bitmap and vector tools for creating art, 3D imported models for hybrid productions, and the option to create multiplane scenes with Z-depth.
You can also check the Toon Boom Harmony Advanced Review from the TopTenReview website for more information.
Features:
- Revolutionary vector and bitmap drawing technology - Brush Engine
- Advanced color palettes and paint options
- 2D and 3D integration to make professional animation
- Cut-out animation tools
- Traditional paperless animation.
06 CelAction2D - Low System Requirement for Professional 2D Animation
Price: If you go with the Studio Edition, it costs $1,300 to obtain a single license to use the product for a lifetime. Studio Edition is $1300 for one single license
Compatibility: Windows, Linux, and OSX
Pro: It is fast to use with low system requirements.
Con: You can draw animation in itself, so you need to import all words from third-party software.
Want to create unique and complex 2D animations for your upcoming projects? CelAction2D is the type of product that is going to help you create wonderful and professional animations.
While getting a full license is a financial commitment, you are getting a product that has all the features that you could need.
You can create a palette using up to 16 million colors, and you will have a very easy time getting to grips with the way the software works.
It is designed for beginners and intermediate users, but still has all the advanced features that a pro would want.
Features:
- Easy and fast to use for professional users
- Features ergonomic controls
- Easily handles complex projects with thousands of layers
- Works with all modern Windows machines - 32 and 64-bit Also work with Macs through Boot Camp
- The multiplane camera features let you have more controls
07 Moho (Anime Studio) Pro - All-In-One Professional 2D Animation Software
Price: $399.99 for the full package.
Compatibility: Windows and OSX
Pro: Its update is regular with advanced and newest features to use.
Con: It is not user-friendly for beginners as the functions are too advanced a little bit.
Anime Studio Pro is a fantastic option for anyone who is looking to get into professional 2D animation creation. It is affordable and designed for Flash-style animations.
While you cannot create frame-by-frame animations using this program, you will be able to create some fantastic videos nonetheless.
There is an Anime Studio Debut - simple animation software, which is targeted towards the beginner user and free download. But if you want all the features of a high-end 2D animation software, you will want to go with the Pro version.
Features:
- Enhanced freehand drawing tools
- Beizer handles to make it easier for you to design your videos the way that you want
- Smart warp feature helps create custom meshes to bend and twist your animations
- Realistic motion blur
- Animation for multiple layers at the same time
08 Stop Motion Studio - Fun and Well Designed 2D Animation Software
Price: $59.99 to download the software onto your PC.
Compatibility: Windows, OSX, Android, and iOS
Pro: You can use a built-in sound to make your animation unique. You can also record voice and use it in the video.
Con: You can only use it to make 2D stop motion animation.
Want to create fun, 2D animated videos? Hoping to impress your bosses with a 2D animated presentation to highlight a product’s features?
Using Stop Motion Studio will help you achieve all that you want in the world of 2D animation.
You can capture content with ease, whether you change up the focus, exposure, or white balance. There is DSLR support, so you can use your high-end camera in conjunction with this professional software.
And with a unique, frame-by-frame editor, you will be able to get the result that you want for your 2D stop animation movie.
Features:
- Onionskin allows you to view previous frames through a transparent overlay, which helps you create your next frame
- Comes with Chroma key and audio recording to better narrate and add voice effects to your videos
- Easy one-click uploading to YouTube and Facebook
- DSLR camera support for creating perfect 1080p recordings
09 FlipBook - Fun and Well Designed 2D Animation Software
Price: $19.99 for FlipBook Lite, $49.99 for FlipBook Studio, $149.99 for FlipBook Pro, $199.99 for FlipBook ProHD
Compatibility: Windows and OSX
Pro: From drawing, scanning to sound, this 2D animation software can make you powerful video.
Con: You can’t use it to make subtle changes as bone rigging is not available.
FlipBook is easy to use for beginners and pros who want to improve the editing experience. It is a powerful video editor that you can make 2D animation with various functions like syncing sound with animation, scanning cells, and more.
If you like to make a cartoon video like a pro, this 2D animation maker is best for you. It is free to download.
Features:
- Changes will be made while you change the animation, so FlipBook is fast to use
- You can use the shift key to make speed painting once you select one color
- Ten layers in animation for adding extra touches
- You can use a scanner to import images
10 Reallusion CrazyTalk Animator - Professional 2D Animation/Cartoon Software for Designers
Price: USD199 for the pipeline, USD99 for pro.
Compatibility: Windows and OSX
Pro: You can always find the feature you like for beginners and professionals. You can control characters even in expression levels.
Con: It integrates with PhotoShop to import and export video.
CrazyTalk is a 2D animation maker for professional users, so you can use this one if you don’t know which one to use. It supports controlling characters with your expression and lip-syncing. It is popular among YouTubers, educators and marketers.
Features:
- Capture real-time facial expression with precise changing
- Black magic to turn the image into a moving cartoon
- For advanced users, you can make 2D visual effects
Price: USD199 for the pipeline, USD99 for pro.
You may also like: Best Free Animated Logo Makers >>
Part 3: How to Make 2D Animation
Step 1 Put forward an idea
A story ides is priceless. It is always important to build an essential story frame. Sometimes it is in a blink to have come up with an idea.
It will help if you decide the gist of your 2D animation because the whole process of making animation is evolving. You may need to add or cut some scenes, but the overall concept and story ideas are always the same.
Step 2 Make a storyboard
After all the ideas are fixed, you need to make a storyboard for animation . You don’t need to produce every scene, but it is suggested to make a storyboard in some crucial scenes. Storyboarding is probably the best way to show 2D animation to other people and get feedback.
Thus, it is a step that you should not neglect during the preliminary.
Step 3 Produce materials
At this stage, you need to prepare all the 2D animation materials, including characters, background, and props. One thing you need to know is all the preparations in steps 2 and 3 should be ready before proceeding to step 3.
Step 4 Animation
After all, materials are ready, and you need to make animation alive. In this step, you need to make sure all the movements are natural. Stiff moves are not liked by the audience, so you need to think about how to design gestures, movements, and facial expressions.
Step 5 Animation editing
In this step, the software is the key to relive the 2D animation. Background audio is essential and needs to be added to the video. Color correction and grading are also necessary. Besides, scene transition, voiceover, and even text credit need to be added.
Above are the five 2D animation steps. If you think there are extra steps, you are free to add them according to your needs.
Bonus tip: Create an Animation Video with Anireel
Anireel provides a faster and smoother animated video creation experience with customizable elements to bring anyone’s imagination to life. All you have to do is choose your script, input the content, and Anireel will instantly match your script to rich animation explainer scenes, convert the text into voice-over, and generate a vivid, complete animation video.
Part 3 FAQ about Professional 2D Animation Software
01 What is the best 2D animation software?
It is hard to directly give you an answer and tell you which is the best 2D animation software. However, we can give you some recommendations based on your needs. If you are a beginner, Pencil 2D is a great start. You can use it to make minimalist animation to give you a quick-to-start 2D animation experience. If you are in the middle level, Stop Motion Studio is what we recommend. The interface is intuitive with powerful features like voiceover and Chroma key.
02 What is the best 2D animation software for beginners?
For 2D animation software for beginners, Pencil 2D would come to mind for many people. It is an excellent animation software for beginners. If you also want to try other tools, Synfig and FlipBook are also great choices. It is your call for the final decision.
03 Is there any free animation software?
For beginners, free animation software includes Synfig, Opentoonz, Maefloresta, and Pencil 2D. For advanced users, you can use Blender and Maya.
Conclusion
Creating a 2D animation video is a lot easier when you have the right software available to you. You already have a script and storyboard in mind, but now you can realize your vision in intricate and unique ways.
If you want to make 3D animation, there are also various 3D animation software options for you. If anyone of the products above will serve you well, you could use Filmora.
Download Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )
Shanoon Cox
Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Shanoon Cox
Shanoon Cox
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
When you are trying to make funny cartoons within seven steps , explainer videos, or informative shorts to post online, 2D animation software can come in handy. With access to a 2D animation maker, you can create intricate and interesting stories that will help you connect with your audience.
Whether you are turning photos into cartoons , teaching a group of kids , showing employees how to do their job, introducing a new product, or trying to elicit an emotional reaction from your audience, 2D cartoon animation can be very useful.
If you are new to the world of 2D animation as a beginner and want to be a professional animation maker, you will be interested in our review of the top 10 free download 2D animation software options that may prove useful to you.
- Part 1: Best Free 2D Animation Software for Beginners
- Part 2: Best Professional 2D Animation Software
- Part 3: How to Make 2D Animation
- Part 4: FAQ about Professional 2D Animation Software
Recommend free download animation maker Filmora
If you want to create a 2D animation video, we recommend using 2D animation software-Filmora.
It is a powerful and straightforward video maker for all levels from middle to advanced. With keyframing, you can make smooth 2D animation quickly. Auto color correction can save you a lot of time to make high-quality animation.
Now free download it on Windows and Mac to make 2D animated videos, and connect with other video creators in the Wondershare Video Community to get more creative ideas.
A cross-platform for making videos anywhere for all creators
Why your video editing isn’t good enough? How about some creative inspo?
- 100 Million+ Users
- 150+ Countries and Regions
- 4 Million+ Social Media Followers
- 5 Million+ Stock Media for Use
* Secure Download
Have a Quick Look at The Best 10 Free/Paid 2D Animation Software to Download
No. | Product Name | Supported OS | Price | Best for |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Synfig | Windows, Linux, and OSX | Free | Beginners |
2 | Opentoonz | Windows and OSX | Free | Beginners |
3 | Maefloresta | iPhone and Android | Free | Beginners |
4 | Pencil 2D | Windows, Linux, and OSX | Free | Beginners |
5 | Toon Boom Harmony | Windows, Linux, and OSX | $109 per month | Professionals |
6 | CelAction2D | Windows, Linux, and OSX | $1300 for one single license | Professionals |
7 | Moho (Anime Studio) Pro | Windows and OSX | $399.99 for the full package | Professionals |
8 | Stop Motion Studio | Windows, OSX, Android, and iOS | $59.99 for the full package | Professionals |
9 | FlipBook | Windows and OSX | $19.99/$49.99/$149.99/$199.99 | Professionals |
10 | Reallusion CrazyTalk Animator | Windows and OSX | $199 for the pipeline, $99 for pro | Professionals |
Part 1 Best Free 2D Animation Software for Beginners
01 Synfig - Open Source 2D Animation Software for Beginners
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows, Linux, and OSX
Pro: It offers more than 50 layers to make simple or advanced animation, so you don’t need to worry about its limitation though it is free to use.
Con: Few tutorials are available in the market to start making an animation for beginners.
Synfig Studio is an open-source, free 2D animation software that is the perfect place for beginners to learn about 2D animation. There are two versions available for free download - stable and testing.
The testing version has some experimental features if users want to try those ahead of their introduction into the stable release.
Features:
- Supports multiple layers of content
- The bone system allows for the creation of cutout animations from bitmap images
- Has sound support to allow for the addition and syncing of narration and/or music to the video
02 Opentoonz - Free-to-Use Effects for 2D Animation
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows and OSX
Pro: You can use a plug-in to make beautiful animation effects automatically without further editing.
Con: The UI design is outdated compared with other animation software, but it won’t affect user experience.
Based on the Toonz software, Opentoonz is the best free alternative that will help you create 2D animated content. Anyone can use the software, free of charge, and download it.
And users can modify the source code to add specific features to this simple animation software.
Features:
- GTS scanning tool
- Ability to change picture styles
- Add distortion and light effects
- Compatible with black and white and colored scans
03 Maefloresta - Easy-to-Use 2D Animation Software on Phone
Price: Free
Compatibility: iPhone and Android
Pro: It is free to use with easy to start introduction, even for kids.
Con: You need to email its staff to get the installer online, which is inconvenient sometimes.
The beauty of the Maefloresta app is that you can use your Android or iOS tablet and smartphone to create free 2D animated videos.
There is no need to pay for expensive software if you just want to create some fun videos to show your friends. It also offers school solutions for teachers and students.
Features:
- The free downloadable app that works on smartphones and tablets
- Easy animation software with tutorials
- Intuitive interface that beginners can use with ease
04 Pencil 2D - Cross-Platform Software with Intuitive Interface
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows, Linux, and OSX
Pro: It offers English, Spanish, and Portuguese language tutorials to use.
Con: It doesn’t support the shapes tool. If you like to make shapes and draw something, you’d be disappointed.
Want an open-source and free 2D animation design software to help you create videos? Pencil2D animation is the type of program that can help beginners.
You can get to grips with how 2D animation works, and you can create some very fun and interesting videos along the way.
Features:
- Minimalist design to let you make animation easily
- Raster and vector workflow switching
- Cross-platform compatibility to free download
Part 2: Best Professional 2D Animation Software
05 Toon Boom Harmony - Leading Animation Software for Professional
Price: The first 21 days of using the product are free. After the 21 days are up, you will need to pay $109 per month.
Compatibility: Windows, Linux, and OSX
Pro: You can make 2D and 3D animation, both with models.
Con: It may take some time to learn how to make 2D animation for beginners.
Whether you are trying to create an art piece, showcase a story through 2D images, or craft a unique message for your audience, Toon Boom Harmony will help you immensely.
This professional 2D animation software may take time to learn, but it is worth using. It has bitmap and vector tools for creating art, 3D imported models for hybrid productions, and the option to create multiplane scenes with Z-depth.
You can also check the Toon Boom Harmony Advanced Review from the TopTenReview website for more information.
Features:
- Revolutionary vector and bitmap drawing technology - Brush Engine
- Advanced color palettes and paint options
- 2D and 3D integration to make professional animation
- Cut-out animation tools
- Traditional paperless animation.
06 CelAction2D - Low System Requirement for Professional 2D Animation
Price: If you go with the Studio Edition, it costs $1,300 to obtain a single license to use the product for a lifetime. Studio Edition is $1300 for one single license
Compatibility: Windows, Linux, and OSX
Pro: It is fast to use with low system requirements.
Con: You can draw animation in itself, so you need to import all words from third-party software.
Want to create unique and complex 2D animations for your upcoming projects? CelAction2D is the type of product that is going to help you create wonderful and professional animations.
While getting a full license is a financial commitment, you are getting a product that has all the features that you could need.
You can create a palette using up to 16 million colors, and you will have a very easy time getting to grips with the way the software works.
It is designed for beginners and intermediate users, but still has all the advanced features that a pro would want.
Features:
- Easy and fast to use for professional users
- Features ergonomic controls
- Easily handles complex projects with thousands of layers
- Works with all modern Windows machines - 32 and 64-bit Also work with Macs through Boot Camp
- The multiplane camera features let you have more controls
07 Moho (Anime Studio) Pro - All-In-One Professional 2D Animation Software
Price: $399.99 for the full package.
Compatibility: Windows and OSX
Pro: Its update is regular with advanced and newest features to use.
Con: It is not user-friendly for beginners as the functions are too advanced a little bit.
Anime Studio Pro is a fantastic option for anyone who is looking to get into professional 2D animation creation. It is affordable and designed for Flash-style animations.
While you cannot create frame-by-frame animations using this program, you will be able to create some fantastic videos nonetheless.
There is an Anime Studio Debut - simple animation software, which is targeted towards the beginner user and free download. But if you want all the features of a high-end 2D animation software, you will want to go with the Pro version.
Features:
- Enhanced freehand drawing tools
- Beizer handles to make it easier for you to design your videos the way that you want
- Smart warp feature helps create custom meshes to bend and twist your animations
- Realistic motion blur
- Animation for multiple layers at the same time
08 Stop Motion Studio - Fun and Well Designed 2D Animation Software
Price: $59.99 to download the software onto your PC.
Compatibility: Windows, OSX, Android, and iOS
Pro: You can use a built-in sound to make your animation unique. You can also record voice and use it in the video.
Con: You can only use it to make 2D stop motion animation.
Want to create fun, 2D animated videos? Hoping to impress your bosses with a 2D animated presentation to highlight a product’s features?
Using Stop Motion Studio will help you achieve all that you want in the world of 2D animation.
You can capture content with ease, whether you change up the focus, exposure, or white balance. There is DSLR support, so you can use your high-end camera in conjunction with this professional software.
And with a unique, frame-by-frame editor, you will be able to get the result that you want for your 2D stop animation movie.
Features:
- Onionskin allows you to view previous frames through a transparent overlay, which helps you create your next frame
- Comes with Chroma key and audio recording to better narrate and add voice effects to your videos
- Easy one-click uploading to YouTube and Facebook
- DSLR camera support for creating perfect 1080p recordings
09 FlipBook - Fun and Well Designed 2D Animation Software
Price: $19.99 for FlipBook Lite, $49.99 for FlipBook Studio, $149.99 for FlipBook Pro, $199.99 for FlipBook ProHD
Compatibility: Windows and OSX
Pro: From drawing, scanning to sound, this 2D animation software can make you powerful video.
Con: You can’t use it to make subtle changes as bone rigging is not available.
FlipBook is easy to use for beginners and pros who want to improve the editing experience. It is a powerful video editor that you can make 2D animation with various functions like syncing sound with animation, scanning cells, and more.
If you like to make a cartoon video like a pro, this 2D animation maker is best for you. It is free to download.
Features:
- Changes will be made while you change the animation, so FlipBook is fast to use
- You can use the shift key to make speed painting once you select one color
- Ten layers in animation for adding extra touches
- You can use a scanner to import images
10 Reallusion CrazyTalk Animator - Professional 2D Animation/Cartoon Software for Designers
Price: USD199 for the pipeline, USD99 for pro.
Compatibility: Windows and OSX
Pro: You can always find the feature you like for beginners and professionals. You can control characters even in expression levels.
Con: It integrates with PhotoShop to import and export video.
CrazyTalk is a 2D animation maker for professional users, so you can use this one if you don’t know which one to use. It supports controlling characters with your expression and lip-syncing. It is popular among YouTubers, educators and marketers.
Features:
- Capture real-time facial expression with precise changing
- Black magic to turn the image into a moving cartoon
- For advanced users, you can make 2D visual effects
Price: USD199 for the pipeline, USD99 for pro.
You may also like: Best Free Animated Logo Makers >>
Part 3: How to Make 2D Animation
Step 1 Put forward an idea
A story ides is priceless. It is always important to build an essential story frame. Sometimes it is in a blink to have come up with an idea.
It will help if you decide the gist of your 2D animation because the whole process of making animation is evolving. You may need to add or cut some scenes, but the overall concept and story ideas are always the same.
Step 2 Make a storyboard
After all the ideas are fixed, you need to make a storyboard for animation . You don’t need to produce every scene, but it is suggested to make a storyboard in some crucial scenes. Storyboarding is probably the best way to show 2D animation to other people and get feedback.
Thus, it is a step that you should not neglect during the preliminary.
Step 3 Produce materials
At this stage, you need to prepare all the 2D animation materials, including characters, background, and props. One thing you need to know is all the preparations in steps 2 and 3 should be ready before proceeding to step 3.
Step 4 Animation
After all, materials are ready, and you need to make animation alive. In this step, you need to make sure all the movements are natural. Stiff moves are not liked by the audience, so you need to think about how to design gestures, movements, and facial expressions.
Step 5 Animation editing
In this step, the software is the key to relive the 2D animation. Background audio is essential and needs to be added to the video. Color correction and grading are also necessary. Besides, scene transition, voiceover, and even text credit need to be added.
Above are the five 2D animation steps. If you think there are extra steps, you are free to add them according to your needs.
Bonus tip: Create an Animation Video with Anireel
Anireel provides a faster and smoother animated video creation experience with customizable elements to bring anyone’s imagination to life. All you have to do is choose your script, input the content, and Anireel will instantly match your script to rich animation explainer scenes, convert the text into voice-over, and generate a vivid, complete animation video.
Part 3 FAQ about Professional 2D Animation Software
01 What is the best 2D animation software?
It is hard to directly give you an answer and tell you which is the best 2D animation software. However, we can give you some recommendations based on your needs. If you are a beginner, Pencil 2D is a great start. You can use it to make minimalist animation to give you a quick-to-start 2D animation experience. If you are in the middle level, Stop Motion Studio is what we recommend. The interface is intuitive with powerful features like voiceover and Chroma key.
02 What is the best 2D animation software for beginners?
For 2D animation software for beginners, Pencil 2D would come to mind for many people. It is an excellent animation software for beginners. If you also want to try other tools, Synfig and FlipBook are also great choices. It is your call for the final decision.
03 Is there any free animation software?
For beginners, free animation software includes Synfig, Opentoonz, Maefloresta, and Pencil 2D. For advanced users, you can use Blender and Maya.
Conclusion
Creating a 2D animation video is a lot easier when you have the right software available to you. You already have a script and storyboard in mind, but now you can realize your vision in intricate and unique ways.
If you want to make 3D animation, there are also various 3D animation software options for you. If anyone of the products above will serve you well, you could use Filmora.
Download Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )
Shanoon Cox
Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Shanoon Cox
Shanoon Cox
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
When you are trying to make funny cartoons within seven steps , explainer videos, or informative shorts to post online, 2D animation software can come in handy. With access to a 2D animation maker, you can create intricate and interesting stories that will help you connect with your audience.
Whether you are turning photos into cartoons , teaching a group of kids , showing employees how to do their job, introducing a new product, or trying to elicit an emotional reaction from your audience, 2D cartoon animation can be very useful.
If you are new to the world of 2D animation as a beginner and want to be a professional animation maker, you will be interested in our review of the top 10 free download 2D animation software options that may prove useful to you.
- Part 1: Best Free 2D Animation Software for Beginners
- Part 2: Best Professional 2D Animation Software
- Part 3: How to Make 2D Animation
- Part 4: FAQ about Professional 2D Animation Software
Recommend free download animation maker Filmora
If you want to create a 2D animation video, we recommend using 2D animation software-Filmora.
It is a powerful and straightforward video maker for all levels from middle to advanced. With keyframing, you can make smooth 2D animation quickly. Auto color correction can save you a lot of time to make high-quality animation.
Now free download it on Windows and Mac to make 2D animated videos, and connect with other video creators in the Wondershare Video Community to get more creative ideas.
A cross-platform for making videos anywhere for all creators
Why your video editing isn’t good enough? How about some creative inspo?
- 100 Million+ Users
- 150+ Countries and Regions
- 4 Million+ Social Media Followers
- 5 Million+ Stock Media for Use
* Secure Download
Have a Quick Look at The Best 10 Free/Paid 2D Animation Software to Download
No. | Product Name | Supported OS | Price | Best for |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Synfig | Windows, Linux, and OSX | Free | Beginners |
2 | Opentoonz | Windows and OSX | Free | Beginners |
3 | Maefloresta | iPhone and Android | Free | Beginners |
4 | Pencil 2D | Windows, Linux, and OSX | Free | Beginners |
5 | Toon Boom Harmony | Windows, Linux, and OSX | $109 per month | Professionals |
6 | CelAction2D | Windows, Linux, and OSX | $1300 for one single license | Professionals |
7 | Moho (Anime Studio) Pro | Windows and OSX | $399.99 for the full package | Professionals |
8 | Stop Motion Studio | Windows, OSX, Android, and iOS | $59.99 for the full package | Professionals |
9 | FlipBook | Windows and OSX | $19.99/$49.99/$149.99/$199.99 | Professionals |
10 | Reallusion CrazyTalk Animator | Windows and OSX | $199 for the pipeline, $99 for pro | Professionals |
Part 1 Best Free 2D Animation Software for Beginners
01 Synfig - Open Source 2D Animation Software for Beginners
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows, Linux, and OSX
Pro: It offers more than 50 layers to make simple or advanced animation, so you don’t need to worry about its limitation though it is free to use.
Con: Few tutorials are available in the market to start making an animation for beginners.
Synfig Studio is an open-source, free 2D animation software that is the perfect place for beginners to learn about 2D animation. There are two versions available for free download - stable and testing.
The testing version has some experimental features if users want to try those ahead of their introduction into the stable release.
Features:
- Supports multiple layers of content
- The bone system allows for the creation of cutout animations from bitmap images
- Has sound support to allow for the addition and syncing of narration and/or music to the video
02 Opentoonz - Free-to-Use Effects for 2D Animation
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows and OSX
Pro: You can use a plug-in to make beautiful animation effects automatically without further editing.
Con: The UI design is outdated compared with other animation software, but it won’t affect user experience.
Based on the Toonz software, Opentoonz is the best free alternative that will help you create 2D animated content. Anyone can use the software, free of charge, and download it.
And users can modify the source code to add specific features to this simple animation software.
Features:
- GTS scanning tool
- Ability to change picture styles
- Add distortion and light effects
- Compatible with black and white and colored scans
03 Maefloresta - Easy-to-Use 2D Animation Software on Phone
Price: Free
Compatibility: iPhone and Android
Pro: It is free to use with easy to start introduction, even for kids.
Con: You need to email its staff to get the installer online, which is inconvenient sometimes.
The beauty of the Maefloresta app is that you can use your Android or iOS tablet and smartphone to create free 2D animated videos.
There is no need to pay for expensive software if you just want to create some fun videos to show your friends. It also offers school solutions for teachers and students.
Features:
- The free downloadable app that works on smartphones and tablets
- Easy animation software with tutorials
- Intuitive interface that beginners can use with ease
04 Pencil 2D - Cross-Platform Software with Intuitive Interface
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows, Linux, and OSX
Pro: It offers English, Spanish, and Portuguese language tutorials to use.
Con: It doesn’t support the shapes tool. If you like to make shapes and draw something, you’d be disappointed.
Want an open-source and free 2D animation design software to help you create videos? Pencil2D animation is the type of program that can help beginners.
You can get to grips with how 2D animation works, and you can create some very fun and interesting videos along the way.
Features:
- Minimalist design to let you make animation easily
- Raster and vector workflow switching
- Cross-platform compatibility to free download
Part 2: Best Professional 2D Animation Software
05 Toon Boom Harmony - Leading Animation Software for Professional
Price: The first 21 days of using the product are free. After the 21 days are up, you will need to pay $109 per month.
Compatibility: Windows, Linux, and OSX
Pro: You can make 2D and 3D animation, both with models.
Con: It may take some time to learn how to make 2D animation for beginners.
Whether you are trying to create an art piece, showcase a story through 2D images, or craft a unique message for your audience, Toon Boom Harmony will help you immensely.
This professional 2D animation software may take time to learn, but it is worth using. It has bitmap and vector tools for creating art, 3D imported models for hybrid productions, and the option to create multiplane scenes with Z-depth.
You can also check the Toon Boom Harmony Advanced Review from the TopTenReview website for more information.
Features:
- Revolutionary vector and bitmap drawing technology - Brush Engine
- Advanced color palettes and paint options
- 2D and 3D integration to make professional animation
- Cut-out animation tools
- Traditional paperless animation.
06 CelAction2D - Low System Requirement for Professional 2D Animation
Price: If you go with the Studio Edition, it costs $1,300 to obtain a single license to use the product for a lifetime. Studio Edition is $1300 for one single license
Compatibility: Windows, Linux, and OSX
Pro: It is fast to use with low system requirements.
Con: You can draw animation in itself, so you need to import all words from third-party software.
Want to create unique and complex 2D animations for your upcoming projects? CelAction2D is the type of product that is going to help you create wonderful and professional animations.
While getting a full license is a financial commitment, you are getting a product that has all the features that you could need.
You can create a palette using up to 16 million colors, and you will have a very easy time getting to grips with the way the software works.
It is designed for beginners and intermediate users, but still has all the advanced features that a pro would want.
Features:
- Easy and fast to use for professional users
- Features ergonomic controls
- Easily handles complex projects with thousands of layers
- Works with all modern Windows machines - 32 and 64-bit Also work with Macs through Boot Camp
- The multiplane camera features let you have more controls
07 Moho (Anime Studio) Pro - All-In-One Professional 2D Animation Software
Price: $399.99 for the full package.
Compatibility: Windows and OSX
Pro: Its update is regular with advanced and newest features to use.
Con: It is not user-friendly for beginners as the functions are too advanced a little bit.
Anime Studio Pro is a fantastic option for anyone who is looking to get into professional 2D animation creation. It is affordable and designed for Flash-style animations.
While you cannot create frame-by-frame animations using this program, you will be able to create some fantastic videos nonetheless.
There is an Anime Studio Debut - simple animation software, which is targeted towards the beginner user and free download. But if you want all the features of a high-end 2D animation software, you will want to go with the Pro version.
Features:
- Enhanced freehand drawing tools
- Beizer handles to make it easier for you to design your videos the way that you want
- Smart warp feature helps create custom meshes to bend and twist your animations
- Realistic motion blur
- Animation for multiple layers at the same time
08 Stop Motion Studio - Fun and Well Designed 2D Animation Software
Price: $59.99 to download the software onto your PC.
Compatibility: Windows, OSX, Android, and iOS
Pro: You can use a built-in sound to make your animation unique. You can also record voice and use it in the video.
Con: You can only use it to make 2D stop motion animation.
Want to create fun, 2D animated videos? Hoping to impress your bosses with a 2D animated presentation to highlight a product’s features?
Using Stop Motion Studio will help you achieve all that you want in the world of 2D animation.
You can capture content with ease, whether you change up the focus, exposure, or white balance. There is DSLR support, so you can use your high-end camera in conjunction with this professional software.
And with a unique, frame-by-frame editor, you will be able to get the result that you want for your 2D stop animation movie.
Features:
- Onionskin allows you to view previous frames through a transparent overlay, which helps you create your next frame
- Comes with Chroma key and audio recording to better narrate and add voice effects to your videos
- Easy one-click uploading to YouTube and Facebook
- DSLR camera support for creating perfect 1080p recordings
09 FlipBook - Fun and Well Designed 2D Animation Software
Price: $19.99 for FlipBook Lite, $49.99 for FlipBook Studio, $149.99 for FlipBook Pro, $199.99 for FlipBook ProHD
Compatibility: Windows and OSX
Pro: From drawing, scanning to sound, this 2D animation software can make you powerful video.
Con: You can’t use it to make subtle changes as bone rigging is not available.
FlipBook is easy to use for beginners and pros who want to improve the editing experience. It is a powerful video editor that you can make 2D animation with various functions like syncing sound with animation, scanning cells, and more.
If you like to make a cartoon video like a pro, this 2D animation maker is best for you. It is free to download.
Features:
- Changes will be made while you change the animation, so FlipBook is fast to use
- You can use the shift key to make speed painting once you select one color
- Ten layers in animation for adding extra touches
- You can use a scanner to import images
10 Reallusion CrazyTalk Animator - Professional 2D Animation/Cartoon Software for Designers
Price: USD199 for the pipeline, USD99 for pro.
Compatibility: Windows and OSX
Pro: You can always find the feature you like for beginners and professionals. You can control characters even in expression levels.
Con: It integrates with PhotoShop to import and export video.
CrazyTalk is a 2D animation maker for professional users, so you can use this one if you don’t know which one to use. It supports controlling characters with your expression and lip-syncing. It is popular among YouTubers, educators and marketers.
Features:
- Capture real-time facial expression with precise changing
- Black magic to turn the image into a moving cartoon
- For advanced users, you can make 2D visual effects
Price: USD199 for the pipeline, USD99 for pro.
You may also like: Best Free Animated Logo Makers >>
Part 3: How to Make 2D Animation
Step 1 Put forward an idea
A story ides is priceless. It is always important to build an essential story frame. Sometimes it is in a blink to have come up with an idea.
It will help if you decide the gist of your 2D animation because the whole process of making animation is evolving. You may need to add or cut some scenes, but the overall concept and story ideas are always the same.
Step 2 Make a storyboard
After all the ideas are fixed, you need to make a storyboard for animation . You don’t need to produce every scene, but it is suggested to make a storyboard in some crucial scenes. Storyboarding is probably the best way to show 2D animation to other people and get feedback.
Thus, it is a step that you should not neglect during the preliminary.
Step 3 Produce materials
At this stage, you need to prepare all the 2D animation materials, including characters, background, and props. One thing you need to know is all the preparations in steps 2 and 3 should be ready before proceeding to step 3.
Step 4 Animation
After all, materials are ready, and you need to make animation alive. In this step, you need to make sure all the movements are natural. Stiff moves are not liked by the audience, so you need to think about how to design gestures, movements, and facial expressions.
Step 5 Animation editing
In this step, the software is the key to relive the 2D animation. Background audio is essential and needs to be added to the video. Color correction and grading are also necessary. Besides, scene transition, voiceover, and even text credit need to be added.
Above are the five 2D animation steps. If you think there are extra steps, you are free to add them according to your needs.
Bonus tip: Create an Animation Video with Anireel
Anireel provides a faster and smoother animated video creation experience with customizable elements to bring anyone’s imagination to life. All you have to do is choose your script, input the content, and Anireel will instantly match your script to rich animation explainer scenes, convert the text into voice-over, and generate a vivid, complete animation video.
Part 3 FAQ about Professional 2D Animation Software
01 What is the best 2D animation software?
It is hard to directly give you an answer and tell you which is the best 2D animation software. However, we can give you some recommendations based on your needs. If you are a beginner, Pencil 2D is a great start. You can use it to make minimalist animation to give you a quick-to-start 2D animation experience. If you are in the middle level, Stop Motion Studio is what we recommend. The interface is intuitive with powerful features like voiceover and Chroma key.
02 What is the best 2D animation software for beginners?
For 2D animation software for beginners, Pencil 2D would come to mind for many people. It is an excellent animation software for beginners. If you also want to try other tools, Synfig and FlipBook are also great choices. It is your call for the final decision.
03 Is there any free animation software?
For beginners, free animation software includes Synfig, Opentoonz, Maefloresta, and Pencil 2D. For advanced users, you can use Blender and Maya.
Conclusion
Creating a 2D animation video is a lot easier when you have the right software available to you. You already have a script and storyboard in mind, but now you can realize your vision in intricate and unique ways.
If you want to make 3D animation, there are also various 3D animation software options for you. If anyone of the products above will serve you well, you could use Filmora.
Download Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )
Shanoon Cox
Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Shanoon Cox
Shanoon Cox
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
When you are trying to make funny cartoons within seven steps , explainer videos, or informative shorts to post online, 2D animation software can come in handy. With access to a 2D animation maker, you can create intricate and interesting stories that will help you connect with your audience.
Whether you are turning photos into cartoons , teaching a group of kids , showing employees how to do their job, introducing a new product, or trying to elicit an emotional reaction from your audience, 2D cartoon animation can be very useful.
If you are new to the world of 2D animation as a beginner and want to be a professional animation maker, you will be interested in our review of the top 10 free download 2D animation software options that may prove useful to you.
- Part 1: Best Free 2D Animation Software for Beginners
- Part 2: Best Professional 2D Animation Software
- Part 3: How to Make 2D Animation
- Part 4: FAQ about Professional 2D Animation Software
Recommend free download animation maker Filmora
If you want to create a 2D animation video, we recommend using 2D animation software-Filmora.
It is a powerful and straightforward video maker for all levels from middle to advanced. With keyframing, you can make smooth 2D animation quickly. Auto color correction can save you a lot of time to make high-quality animation.
Now free download it on Windows and Mac to make 2D animated videos, and connect with other video creators in the Wondershare Video Community to get more creative ideas.
A cross-platform for making videos anywhere for all creators
Why your video editing isn’t good enough? How about some creative inspo?
- 100 Million+ Users
- 150+ Countries and Regions
- 4 Million+ Social Media Followers
- 5 Million+ Stock Media for Use
* Secure Download
Have a Quick Look at The Best 10 Free/Paid 2D Animation Software to Download
No. | Product Name | Supported OS | Price | Best for |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Synfig | Windows, Linux, and OSX | Free | Beginners |
2 | Opentoonz | Windows and OSX | Free | Beginners |
3 | Maefloresta | iPhone and Android | Free | Beginners |
4 | Pencil 2D | Windows, Linux, and OSX | Free | Beginners |
5 | Toon Boom Harmony | Windows, Linux, and OSX | $109 per month | Professionals |
6 | CelAction2D | Windows, Linux, and OSX | $1300 for one single license | Professionals |
7 | Moho (Anime Studio) Pro | Windows and OSX | $399.99 for the full package | Professionals |
8 | Stop Motion Studio | Windows, OSX, Android, and iOS | $59.99 for the full package | Professionals |
9 | FlipBook | Windows and OSX | $19.99/$49.99/$149.99/$199.99 | Professionals |
10 | Reallusion CrazyTalk Animator | Windows and OSX | $199 for the pipeline, $99 for pro | Professionals |
Part 1 Best Free 2D Animation Software for Beginners
01 Synfig - Open Source 2D Animation Software for Beginners
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows, Linux, and OSX
Pro: It offers more than 50 layers to make simple or advanced animation, so you don’t need to worry about its limitation though it is free to use.
Con: Few tutorials are available in the market to start making an animation for beginners.
Synfig Studio is an open-source, free 2D animation software that is the perfect place for beginners to learn about 2D animation. There are two versions available for free download - stable and testing.
The testing version has some experimental features if users want to try those ahead of their introduction into the stable release.
Features:
- Supports multiple layers of content
- The bone system allows for the creation of cutout animations from bitmap images
- Has sound support to allow for the addition and syncing of narration and/or music to the video
02 Opentoonz - Free-to-Use Effects for 2D Animation
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows and OSX
Pro: You can use a plug-in to make beautiful animation effects automatically without further editing.
Con: The UI design is outdated compared with other animation software, but it won’t affect user experience.
Based on the Toonz software, Opentoonz is the best free alternative that will help you create 2D animated content. Anyone can use the software, free of charge, and download it.
And users can modify the source code to add specific features to this simple animation software.
Features:
- GTS scanning tool
- Ability to change picture styles
- Add distortion and light effects
- Compatible with black and white and colored scans
03 Maefloresta - Easy-to-Use 2D Animation Software on Phone
Price: Free
Compatibility: iPhone and Android
Pro: It is free to use with easy to start introduction, even for kids.
Con: You need to email its staff to get the installer online, which is inconvenient sometimes.
The beauty of the Maefloresta app is that you can use your Android or iOS tablet and smartphone to create free 2D animated videos.
There is no need to pay for expensive software if you just want to create some fun videos to show your friends. It also offers school solutions for teachers and students.
Features:
- The free downloadable app that works on smartphones and tablets
- Easy animation software with tutorials
- Intuitive interface that beginners can use with ease
04 Pencil 2D - Cross-Platform Software with Intuitive Interface
Price: Free
Compatibility: Windows, Linux, and OSX
Pro: It offers English, Spanish, and Portuguese language tutorials to use.
Con: It doesn’t support the shapes tool. If you like to make shapes and draw something, you’d be disappointed.
Want an open-source and free 2D animation design software to help you create videos? Pencil2D animation is the type of program that can help beginners.
You can get to grips with how 2D animation works, and you can create some very fun and interesting videos along the way.
Features:
- Minimalist design to let you make animation easily
- Raster and vector workflow switching
- Cross-platform compatibility to free download
Part 2: Best Professional 2D Animation Software
05 Toon Boom Harmony - Leading Animation Software for Professional
Price: The first 21 days of using the product are free. After the 21 days are up, you will need to pay $109 per month.
Compatibility: Windows, Linux, and OSX
Pro: You can make 2D and 3D animation, both with models.
Con: It may take some time to learn how to make 2D animation for beginners.
Whether you are trying to create an art piece, showcase a story through 2D images, or craft a unique message for your audience, Toon Boom Harmony will help you immensely.
This professional 2D animation software may take time to learn, but it is worth using. It has bitmap and vector tools for creating art, 3D imported models for hybrid productions, and the option to create multiplane scenes with Z-depth.
You can also check the Toon Boom Harmony Advanced Review from the TopTenReview website for more information.
Features:
- Revolutionary vector and bitmap drawing technology - Brush Engine
- Advanced color palettes and paint options
- 2D and 3D integration to make professional animation
- Cut-out animation tools
- Traditional paperless animation.
06 CelAction2D - Low System Requirement for Professional 2D Animation
Price: If you go with the Studio Edition, it costs $1,300 to obtain a single license to use the product for a lifetime. Studio Edition is $1300 for one single license
Compatibility: Windows, Linux, and OSX
Pro: It is fast to use with low system requirements.
Con: You can draw animation in itself, so you need to import all words from third-party software.
Want to create unique and complex 2D animations for your upcoming projects? CelAction2D is the type of product that is going to help you create wonderful and professional animations.
While getting a full license is a financial commitment, you are getting a product that has all the features that you could need.
You can create a palette using up to 16 million colors, and you will have a very easy time getting to grips with the way the software works.
It is designed for beginners and intermediate users, but still has all the advanced features that a pro would want.
Features:
- Easy and fast to use for professional users
- Features ergonomic controls
- Easily handles complex projects with thousands of layers
- Works with all modern Windows machines - 32 and 64-bit Also work with Macs through Boot Camp
- The multiplane camera features let you have more controls
07 Moho (Anime Studio) Pro - All-In-One Professional 2D Animation Software
Price: $399.99 for the full package.
Compatibility: Windows and OSX
Pro: Its update is regular with advanced and newest features to use.
Con: It is not user-friendly for beginners as the functions are too advanced a little bit.
Anime Studio Pro is a fantastic option for anyone who is looking to get into professional 2D animation creation. It is affordable and designed for Flash-style animations.
While you cannot create frame-by-frame animations using this program, you will be able to create some fantastic videos nonetheless.
There is an Anime Studio Debut - simple animation software, which is targeted towards the beginner user and free download. But if you want all the features of a high-end 2D animation software, you will want to go with the Pro version.
Features:
- Enhanced freehand drawing tools
- Beizer handles to make it easier for you to design your videos the way that you want
- Smart warp feature helps create custom meshes to bend and twist your animations
- Realistic motion blur
- Animation for multiple layers at the same time
08 Stop Motion Studio - Fun and Well Designed 2D Animation Software
Price: $59.99 to download the software onto your PC.
Compatibility: Windows, OSX, Android, and iOS
Pro: You can use a built-in sound to make your animation unique. You can also record voice and use it in the video.
Con: You can only use it to make 2D stop motion animation.
Want to create fun, 2D animated videos? Hoping to impress your bosses with a 2D animated presentation to highlight a product’s features?
Using Stop Motion Studio will help you achieve all that you want in the world of 2D animation.
You can capture content with ease, whether you change up the focus, exposure, or white balance. There is DSLR support, so you can use your high-end camera in conjunction with this professional software.
And with a unique, frame-by-frame editor, you will be able to get the result that you want for your 2D stop animation movie.
Features:
- Onionskin allows you to view previous frames through a transparent overlay, which helps you create your next frame
- Comes with Chroma key and audio recording to better narrate and add voice effects to your videos
- Easy one-click uploading to YouTube and Facebook
- DSLR camera support for creating perfect 1080p recordings
09 FlipBook - Fun and Well Designed 2D Animation Software
Price: $19.99 for FlipBook Lite, $49.99 for FlipBook Studio, $149.99 for FlipBook Pro, $199.99 for FlipBook ProHD
Compatibility: Windows and OSX
Pro: From drawing, scanning to sound, this 2D animation software can make you powerful video.
Con: You can’t use it to make subtle changes as bone rigging is not available.
FlipBook is easy to use for beginners and pros who want to improve the editing experience. It is a powerful video editor that you can make 2D animation with various functions like syncing sound with animation, scanning cells, and more.
If you like to make a cartoon video like a pro, this 2D animation maker is best for you. It is free to download.
Features:
- Changes will be made while you change the animation, so FlipBook is fast to use
- You can use the shift key to make speed painting once you select one color
- Ten layers in animation for adding extra touches
- You can use a scanner to import images
10 Reallusion CrazyTalk Animator - Professional 2D Animation/Cartoon Software for Designers
Price: USD199 for the pipeline, USD99 for pro.
Compatibility: Windows and OSX
Pro: You can always find the feature you like for beginners and professionals. You can control characters even in expression levels.
Con: It integrates with PhotoShop to import and export video.
CrazyTalk is a 2D animation maker for professional users, so you can use this one if you don’t know which one to use. It supports controlling characters with your expression and lip-syncing. It is popular among YouTubers, educators and marketers.
Features:
- Capture real-time facial expression with precise changing
- Black magic to turn the image into a moving cartoon
- For advanced users, you can make 2D visual effects
Price: USD199 for the pipeline, USD99 for pro.
You may also like: Best Free Animated Logo Makers >>
Part 3: How to Make 2D Animation
Step 1 Put forward an idea
A story ides is priceless. It is always important to build an essential story frame. Sometimes it is in a blink to have come up with an idea.
It will help if you decide the gist of your 2D animation because the whole process of making animation is evolving. You may need to add or cut some scenes, but the overall concept and story ideas are always the same.
Step 2 Make a storyboard
After all the ideas are fixed, you need to make a storyboard for animation . You don’t need to produce every scene, but it is suggested to make a storyboard in some crucial scenes. Storyboarding is probably the best way to show 2D animation to other people and get feedback.
Thus, it is a step that you should not neglect during the preliminary.
Step 3 Produce materials
At this stage, you need to prepare all the 2D animation materials, including characters, background, and props. One thing you need to know is all the preparations in steps 2 and 3 should be ready before proceeding to step 3.
Step 4 Animation
After all, materials are ready, and you need to make animation alive. In this step, you need to make sure all the movements are natural. Stiff moves are not liked by the audience, so you need to think about how to design gestures, movements, and facial expressions.
Step 5 Animation editing
In this step, the software is the key to relive the 2D animation. Background audio is essential and needs to be added to the video. Color correction and grading are also necessary. Besides, scene transition, voiceover, and even text credit need to be added.
Above are the five 2D animation steps. If you think there are extra steps, you are free to add them according to your needs.
Bonus tip: Create an Animation Video with Anireel
Anireel provides a faster and smoother animated video creation experience with customizable elements to bring anyone’s imagination to life. All you have to do is choose your script, input the content, and Anireel will instantly match your script to rich animation explainer scenes, convert the text into voice-over, and generate a vivid, complete animation video.
Part 3 FAQ about Professional 2D Animation Software
01 What is the best 2D animation software?
It is hard to directly give you an answer and tell you which is the best 2D animation software. However, we can give you some recommendations based on your needs. If you are a beginner, Pencil 2D is a great start. You can use it to make minimalist animation to give you a quick-to-start 2D animation experience. If you are in the middle level, Stop Motion Studio is what we recommend. The interface is intuitive with powerful features like voiceover and Chroma key.
02 What is the best 2D animation software for beginners?
For 2D animation software for beginners, Pencil 2D would come to mind for many people. It is an excellent animation software for beginners. If you also want to try other tools, Synfig and FlipBook are also great choices. It is your call for the final decision.
03 Is there any free animation software?
For beginners, free animation software includes Synfig, Opentoonz, Maefloresta, and Pencil 2D. For advanced users, you can use Blender and Maya.
Conclusion
Creating a 2D animation video is a lot easier when you have the right software available to you. You already have a script and storyboard in mind, but now you can realize your vision in intricate and unique ways.
If you want to make 3D animation, there are also various 3D animation software options for you. If anyone of the products above will serve you well, you could use Filmora.
Download Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )
Shanoon Cox
Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Shanoon Cox
Beginner-Friendly Video Editing Apps: No Cost, No Hassle
Top 15 Free Video Editing Software for Beginners [Very Easy to Use]
Ollie Mattison
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
If you are not a video-making expert, own a video studio, or have a video specialist to trim and shoot video features, then don’t worry!
We are here to take you on the tour of the easiest video editing software that would promise a professional-looking end-product despite being absolutely inexperienced!
In my opinion, an ideal video editing software should be easy for everyone to get started. It could be simple video editing software, but it at least contains all the basic features you want. My recommendation is Wondershare Filmora, which compromises usability and capability to the best. It not only comes with all common video editing tools at your fingertips but also features you may need to bring your videos to the next level.
- 15 Best Easy Video Editing Software
- Basic Features You Need in an Easy Video Editing Software
- Why Video Editing Matters Nowadays?
- Basic Video Editing Terms You Should Know
Watch Video to Take a Quick View of the 18 Best Video Editors
Filmora Video Editor is an expert in creating and editing videos with outstanding functions and features. The easy-to-use interface will help you much! It offers versions for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS! Worth to have a try!
Try Free Video Editor Try Free Video Editor Try Free Video Editor Learn More >
15 Best Easy Video Editing Software
Below are the brief detail of easy video editors for PC, giving you more editing scalability than mobile-based editing apps. So if you are seeking easy video editing software for YouTube or website then look no further!
1. Wondershare Filmora - Easy Video Editing Software, Unlimited Video Sharing
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone and iPad.
Wondershare Filmora paves the way to share videos instantly with family and friends, whatever it’s on YouTube, computer, mobile devices, or TV, you’ll choose your way.
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
Secure Download
For macOS 10.14 or later
Secure Download
You can directly upload the video to YouTube, as well as an optional message sending to Facebook and Twitter.
Preset profiles are included in output videos for playing on mobile devices like iPhone, iPad, iPod, PSP, etc. No further conversion required. A build-in DVD tool allows you to burn video to a high-quality DVD for watching on TV with your home DVD player.
Filmstock Stock Media Library ](https://filmstock.wondershare.com/creative-theme-tutorial?spm=rs.filmora%5Fweb&source%5Fchannel=seo%5Farticle )
Download the free trial version of Wondershare Filmora for your Mac/Windows version below, start to make your stunning home movies today!
2. Blender
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux.
This is free and open-source software, originally designed as a 3D animation suite but also has a use video editor. This editor lets you carry out basic actions like video cutting and video splicing. Hence, it is an easy video cutter and easy video joiner. It can also perform more advanced tasks such as video masking.
3. Lightworks
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Lightworks is a free easy to use video editing software that comes with High precision video trimming, 720p video export for YouTube, Multicam support, and support of a large range of video formats. Its free version has ample features enough for most of the users. Although the paid pro version costs $25 a month.
4. Shotcut
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Shotcut is a free, open-source video editing software, packed with ample features with wide range video formats support, timeline editing, 4K HD resolution support, and have several tutorials video.
Wondershare Filmora Video Editor
Filmora - No Watermark Video Editing Software
• Easily edit and export video files without watermark
• offers popular effects and filters for making your video professional
• Cross-platform supported - (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android)
Try Video Editor without Watermark Try Video Editor without Watermark Try Video Editor without Watermark Learn More >
5. VSDC
Compatibility: Windows
VSDC, an easy video editing software for windows, is a free video editing software, having an easy-to-learn powerful suite of features including audio editing and color correction. Although a paid version, pro, costs $19.99, having visual waveform, image stabilization and voice over support.
6. Machete Lite
Compatibility: Windows
Machete Lite is a free yet the simplest video editing software perfect for simple editing tasks. Only AVI and WMV files are supported in its free version. Its full version costs $19.95 having audio editing and more file type support, unlike the free version.
7. Avidemux
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux
Avoided is the simplest video editing software, perfect for beginners. It allows performing simple editing features like Encoding, simple cutting, and filtering with an easy-to-use interface.
8. Hitfilm Express
Compatibility: Windows and Mac
HitFilm Express is a free video editing software with features ranging from basic editing features like trimming, audio editing, and slicing to advance tools and features. Its free version supports over 180 special effects. There’s a built-in YouTube uploading.
Finding a Way to Edit Video for Free? Try This Out!
Filmora Video Editor brings you all the convenience of editing videos with handy functions. You can make your creative ideas into realize! More importantly, your edited video can export without a watermark!
Try It Free Try It Free Try It Free Learn More >
9. iMovie
Compatibility: Mac
If you are a beginner and searching for a good video editing software to get your hands clean on editing then iMovie editor is perfect for you. It is an easy video editing software for mac having an easy drag and drop interface. Features like Video trimming, split-screen, audio editing, pre-made transitions library, and 4K resolution support.
10. Openshot
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux
It is a free open source video editing software with an easy-to-use interface. Features like unlimited layers and tracks, time-mapping, real-time previews, trimming, snapping, clip resizing, curve-based keyframe animations etc. It offers more than enough features for free software.
11. Movie Maker
Compatibility: Windows
It is an easy video maker and editing software for beginners which can be downloaded from any third-party and use it to make and share high-quality movies.
12. Lumen5
Compatibility: Windows and Mac
It’s a perfect web-based video editing tool, best for Social Media promotion Campaigns with an easy drag-and-drop interface.
A cross-platform for making videos anywhere for all creators
Why your video editing isn’t good enough? How about some creative inspo?
- 100 Million+ Users
- 150+ Countries and Regions
- 4 Million+ Social Media Followers
- 5 Million+ Stock Media for Use
* Secure Download
13. Adobe Spark
Compatibility: Windows and Mac
Adobe Sparks is also a web-based easy video editor, similar to Lumen5. It offers an easy user interface but is a little restricted when it comes to offering a bank of images and footage to use.
14. Videopad
Compatibility: Windows
VideoPad is a simple video editing software for beginners, maybe not suitable for professional use. It has features like 3D Video Editing, Sound Effects and pre-made transitions Library, Reduce Camera Shakes and Multiple Resolutions export support.
15. Freemake
Compatibility: Windows
Freemake is a free video converter that is used to convert and alter videos that can modify and convert videos, embed videos to websites, and extract audio from video clips simply and fast. It supports above 500 video file formats and is compatible with multiple audio and image file formats for slideshows and video clip creation.
Basic Features You Need in an Easy Video Editing Software
A software having:
- Easy montage maker
- Easy video cutter
- Easy video joiner
- Compositing multiple elements together
- Color grading
- Motion tracking
- Stabilization
- Titles
- Background replacement
- Basic color correction
- Cross dissolves and fade-to-black transitions
- Audio crossfades
- Audio level adjustment using keyframes
- Auto synchronization of additional audio tracks
- Image position adjustment using keyframes
- Footage speed adjustments
- Basic color correction
- Footage bins for roughly organizing imported footage
Why Video Editing Matters Nowadays?
If videos aren’t a primary focus of your content marketing plan, the probability is it’s soon going to be certain! Every next production is turning into video-based content, be it content marketers or SEOs.
Around 50% of the content marketers are using Facebook and YouTube channels for the sake of video distribution since online activity spent on watching videos is 50%.
Moreover, by 2021, video is going to be projected to account for more than 80% out of all internet traffic.
Therefore, it has become a need to focus on video content if you are looking to grow the organic traffic of your publications.
Filmora Free Video Editor
Create AI-Generated Video with Filmora
Filmora Free video editor offers a ChatGPT plug-in and AI tools to enhance your creative vision. Make your idea into reality.
Try It Free Try It Free Try It Free Learn More >
Basic Video Editing Terms You Should Know
Below are some of the important yet basic terms that you should know related to videography in general and video editing in specific as well, whether you are a beginner or professional.
Aspect ratio:
The aspect ratio is the ratio of width and height of a video. Examples of the most used aspect ratios are: 4:3, 16:9, 1.85:1.
Refer to the image given below for a better understanding.
B-roll:
B-roll facilities one with the flexibility, when editing, to the video editing rules as it is an add-on picture that makes a previously incoherent scene seamless.
As shown in the image below, B-roll is used to insert which can make the transition easy to look on the eyes.
Bit rate:
Bit rate, also known as data rate, refers to the amount of data used for every second within the video. It is most commonly expressed in kilobits per second (kbps).
Close up:
Close-up refers to the shots that frame to subject tightly.
For instance, if it is a person, then the close-up covers solely his face.
Color temperature:
Color temperature refers to the light visibility in a shot. Color temperature is expressed in Kelvin. The scale of color temperature ranges from cool to warm.
Composition:
Composition entails the process of combining multiple footages using video editing software.
Compression:
Compression is the process of minimizing the quantity of data utilized in a video file. It helps make in the process of uploading and downloading quite faster. This also leaves you with ample space for more of your publications.
Crop factor:
Crop factor refers to a number that expresses the ratio of the imaging area of a sensor to a full-frame sensor. It typically ranges from 1.3 to 2.0.
Cut-in
Cut-in refers to showing a specific part of a subject in order to emphasize a certain aspect or emotion. For instance, hand gestures may show nervousness, enthusiasm, agitation, etc.
Foley:
Often times the original sound of the scene captured in the video is not captured as naturally as they were supposed to sound like in reality. Hence, Foley is when you reproduce those sounds for that video.
Frame rate:
Frame rate refers to the video capturing by a shutter in a second or shutter cycling rate through opening and closing. Some of the common frame rates are 24, 25, 29.97, 30, etc. The frame rate is expressed in frames per second (fps).
High definition media interface:
HDMI is the connectors that digitally transfer audio and HD video to a television. This is helpful if you intend to work on a bigger screen or wish to share some of your productions.
Resolution:
Resolution refers to the horizontal and vertical pixels of your video. For instance 640×480 for SD and 1280×720 for HD. Sometimes resolution refers only to the number of pixels that paper vertically. For example 480p, 720p, and 1080p respectively.
J-Cut:
J-cut refers to the editing technique in which the audio from a next scene is overlapped with the image from the previous scene, such that the audio segment of the next scene begins playing prior to its picture.
Jumpcut:
Jumpcut editing techniques refer to an abrupt transition between the two consecutive frames. The entity in the video containing jump cuts appears to jump along with the scene from one place to another. This looks disruptive to the audience.
L-Cut:
L-cut is exactly opposite to J-cut where the audio from the next scene overlays the image from the next scene to play the audio after an image has been displayed in the video.
Lower third:
As the name suggests, the lower third is derived from the rule of third which refers to the type of title, mostly used by vloggers, broadcasters, interviewers, and you tubers.
Memory bank:
You can understand the term by thinking of a memory box where we keep certain things as a memory of the events in someone’s life. Memory bank serves the same purpose through the use of video. It often uses natural sounds, document travel or merely store moments in routine life.
Press kit:
Press kit is used to provide information regarding your productions to the press for promotional purposes. Such information is often background including synopsis, crew, cast’s bios Q&A with the director, production stills and its reviews.
Shot list:
The shot list refers to the checklist related to the shots that a videographer plans to include in his/her content. This may help you save time and gear with efficient planning and handling. This gives a sense of direction to your production.
Storyboard:
A storyboard is a drawing to illustrate the scenes in the video. This gives a direct and organized way to visualize the needs for the shots or animation.
Sync:
Synchronization, aka sync, refers to the alignment of audio with video imaging.
Rule of thirds:
The rule of third is a grid that helps you to compose interesting and balanced shots to make your productions aesthetically pleasing. The grid is similar to a tic-tac-toe board since it segregates the picture into 9 segments. It helps bring points of interest to be aligned with the lines or intersection given in the grid.
Three-point lighting:
This helps one to diminish the shadows for image balancing and provides an appealing contrast. These three lights are commonly known as fill, key, and backlight.
Tilts:
Tilts refer to the vertical transitions that your camera. This is the opposite of pans.
Pans:
Pans refer to the horizontal movements of your camera. This is exactly contrary to tilts.
White balance:
White balance refers to the process where the unrealistic color casts are removed in order to render a white object to be actually white in your photo, and not have other tints.
Wide-angle:
A wide-angel lens refers to a short focal length of a lens. This brings more of a subject rather than a subject being captured by a normal lens at equal distances.
Non-linear editing:
NLEs is a non-destructive editing technique that allows one to access any frame in a video clip regardless of the sequence in the clip. It gives you the freedom to easily include effects, transitions, fades, etc. which cannot be achieved with linear editing
Pixel aspect ratio:
Pixels are several tiny squares that build up an image in a video. Whereas, aspect ratio refers to the ratio of width to height of a video. Hence, the pixel aspect ratio (PAR) is the ratio of width to height of the pixels.
Conclusion
Be it Instagram stories, YouTube product testimonials, or Facebook ads, using these easy-to-use video editing software will elevate your content into a professional and slick look.
So, I hope you are now ready to get started.
Lights, camera, action!
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
Secure Download
For macOS 10.14 or later
Secure Download
Click here to get Filmora for PC by email
or Try Filmora App for mobile >>>
download filmora app for ios ](https://app.adjust.com/b0k9hf2%5F4bsu85t ) download filmora app for android ](https://app.adjust.com/b0k9hf2%5F4bsu85t )
Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
If you are not a video-making expert, own a video studio, or have a video specialist to trim and shoot video features, then don’t worry!
We are here to take you on the tour of the easiest video editing software that would promise a professional-looking end-product despite being absolutely inexperienced!
In my opinion, an ideal video editing software should be easy for everyone to get started. It could be simple video editing software, but it at least contains all the basic features you want. My recommendation is Wondershare Filmora, which compromises usability and capability to the best. It not only comes with all common video editing tools at your fingertips but also features you may need to bring your videos to the next level.
- 15 Best Easy Video Editing Software
- Basic Features You Need in an Easy Video Editing Software
- Why Video Editing Matters Nowadays?
- Basic Video Editing Terms You Should Know
Watch Video to Take a Quick View of the 18 Best Video Editors
Filmora Video Editor is an expert in creating and editing videos with outstanding functions and features. The easy-to-use interface will help you much! It offers versions for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS! Worth to have a try!
Try Free Video Editor Try Free Video Editor Try Free Video Editor Learn More >
15 Best Easy Video Editing Software
Below are the brief detail of easy video editors for PC, giving you more editing scalability than mobile-based editing apps. So if you are seeking easy video editing software for YouTube or website then look no further!
1. Wondershare Filmora - Easy Video Editing Software, Unlimited Video Sharing
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone and iPad.
Wondershare Filmora paves the way to share videos instantly with family and friends, whatever it’s on YouTube, computer, mobile devices, or TV, you’ll choose your way.
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
Secure Download
For macOS 10.14 or later
Secure Download
You can directly upload the video to YouTube, as well as an optional message sending to Facebook and Twitter.
Preset profiles are included in output videos for playing on mobile devices like iPhone, iPad, iPod, PSP, etc. No further conversion required. A build-in DVD tool allows you to burn video to a high-quality DVD for watching on TV with your home DVD player.
Filmstock Stock Media Library ](https://filmstock.wondershare.com/creative-theme-tutorial?spm=rs.filmora%5Fweb&source%5Fchannel=seo%5Farticle )
Download the free trial version of Wondershare Filmora for your Mac/Windows version below, start to make your stunning home movies today!
2. Blender
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux.
This is free and open-source software, originally designed as a 3D animation suite but also has a use video editor. This editor lets you carry out basic actions like video cutting and video splicing. Hence, it is an easy video cutter and easy video joiner. It can also perform more advanced tasks such as video masking.
3. Lightworks
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Lightworks is a free easy to use video editing software that comes with High precision video trimming, 720p video export for YouTube, Multicam support, and support of a large range of video formats. Its free version has ample features enough for most of the users. Although the paid pro version costs $25 a month.
4. Shotcut
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Shotcut is a free, open-source video editing software, packed with ample features with wide range video formats support, timeline editing, 4K HD resolution support, and have several tutorials video.
Wondershare Filmora Video Editor
Filmora - No Watermark Video Editing Software
• Easily edit and export video files without watermark
• offers popular effects and filters for making your video professional
• Cross-platform supported - (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android)
Try Video Editor without Watermark Try Video Editor without Watermark Try Video Editor without Watermark Learn More >
5. VSDC
Compatibility: Windows
VSDC, an easy video editing software for windows, is a free video editing software, having an easy-to-learn powerful suite of features including audio editing and color correction. Although a paid version, pro, costs $19.99, having visual waveform, image stabilization and voice over support.
6. Machete Lite
Compatibility: Windows
Machete Lite is a free yet the simplest video editing software perfect for simple editing tasks. Only AVI and WMV files are supported in its free version. Its full version costs $19.95 having audio editing and more file type support, unlike the free version.
7. Avidemux
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux
Avoided is the simplest video editing software, perfect for beginners. It allows performing simple editing features like Encoding, simple cutting, and filtering with an easy-to-use interface.
8. Hitfilm Express
Compatibility: Windows and Mac
HitFilm Express is a free video editing software with features ranging from basic editing features like trimming, audio editing, and slicing to advance tools and features. Its free version supports over 180 special effects. There’s a built-in YouTube uploading.
Finding a Way to Edit Video for Free? Try This Out!
Filmora Video Editor brings you all the convenience of editing videos with handy functions. You can make your creative ideas into realize! More importantly, your edited video can export without a watermark!
Try It Free Try It Free Try It Free Learn More >
9. iMovie
Compatibility: Mac
If you are a beginner and searching for a good video editing software to get your hands clean on editing then iMovie editor is perfect for you. It is an easy video editing software for mac having an easy drag and drop interface. Features like Video trimming, split-screen, audio editing, pre-made transitions library, and 4K resolution support.
10. Openshot
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux
It is a free open source video editing software with an easy-to-use interface. Features like unlimited layers and tracks, time-mapping, real-time previews, trimming, snapping, clip resizing, curve-based keyframe animations etc. It offers more than enough features for free software.
11. Movie Maker
Compatibility: Windows
It is an easy video maker and editing software for beginners which can be downloaded from any third-party and use it to make and share high-quality movies.
12. Lumen5
Compatibility: Windows and Mac
It’s a perfect web-based video editing tool, best for Social Media promotion Campaigns with an easy drag-and-drop interface.
A cross-platform for making videos anywhere for all creators
Why your video editing isn’t good enough? How about some creative inspo?
- 100 Million+ Users
- 150+ Countries and Regions
- 4 Million+ Social Media Followers
- 5 Million+ Stock Media for Use
* Secure Download
13. Adobe Spark
Compatibility: Windows and Mac
Adobe Sparks is also a web-based easy video editor, similar to Lumen5. It offers an easy user interface but is a little restricted when it comes to offering a bank of images and footage to use.
14. Videopad
Compatibility: Windows
VideoPad is a simple video editing software for beginners, maybe not suitable for professional use. It has features like 3D Video Editing, Sound Effects and pre-made transitions Library, Reduce Camera Shakes and Multiple Resolutions export support.
15. Freemake
Compatibility: Windows
Freemake is a free video converter that is used to convert and alter videos that can modify and convert videos, embed videos to websites, and extract audio from video clips simply and fast. It supports above 500 video file formats and is compatible with multiple audio and image file formats for slideshows and video clip creation.
Basic Features You Need in an Easy Video Editing Software
A software having:
- Easy montage maker
- Easy video cutter
- Easy video joiner
- Compositing multiple elements together
- Color grading
- Motion tracking
- Stabilization
- Titles
- Background replacement
- Basic color correction
- Cross dissolves and fade-to-black transitions
- Audio crossfades
- Audio level adjustment using keyframes
- Auto synchronization of additional audio tracks
- Image position adjustment using keyframes
- Footage speed adjustments
- Basic color correction
- Footage bins for roughly organizing imported footage
Why Video Editing Matters Nowadays?
If videos aren’t a primary focus of your content marketing plan, the probability is it’s soon going to be certain! Every next production is turning into video-based content, be it content marketers or SEOs.
Around 50% of the content marketers are using Facebook and YouTube channels for the sake of video distribution since online activity spent on watching videos is 50%.
Moreover, by 2021, video is going to be projected to account for more than 80% out of all internet traffic.
Therefore, it has become a need to focus on video content if you are looking to grow the organic traffic of your publications.
Filmora Free Video Editor
Create AI-Generated Video with Filmora
Filmora Free video editor offers a ChatGPT plug-in and AI tools to enhance your creative vision. Make your idea into reality.
Try It Free Try It Free Try It Free Learn More >
Basic Video Editing Terms You Should Know
Below are some of the important yet basic terms that you should know related to videography in general and video editing in specific as well, whether you are a beginner or professional.
Aspect ratio:
The aspect ratio is the ratio of width and height of a video. Examples of the most used aspect ratios are: 4:3, 16:9, 1.85:1.
Refer to the image given below for a better understanding.
B-roll:
B-roll facilities one with the flexibility, when editing, to the video editing rules as it is an add-on picture that makes a previously incoherent scene seamless.
As shown in the image below, B-roll is used to insert which can make the transition easy to look on the eyes.
Bit rate:
Bit rate, also known as data rate, refers to the amount of data used for every second within the video. It is most commonly expressed in kilobits per second (kbps).
Close up:
Close-up refers to the shots that frame to subject tightly.
For instance, if it is a person, then the close-up covers solely his face.
Color temperature:
Color temperature refers to the light visibility in a shot. Color temperature is expressed in Kelvin. The scale of color temperature ranges from cool to warm.
Composition:
Composition entails the process of combining multiple footages using video editing software.
Compression:
Compression is the process of minimizing the quantity of data utilized in a video file. It helps make in the process of uploading and downloading quite faster. This also leaves you with ample space for more of your publications.
Crop factor:
Crop factor refers to a number that expresses the ratio of the imaging area of a sensor to a full-frame sensor. It typically ranges from 1.3 to 2.0.
Cut-in
Cut-in refers to showing a specific part of a subject in order to emphasize a certain aspect or emotion. For instance, hand gestures may show nervousness, enthusiasm, agitation, etc.
Foley:
Often times the original sound of the scene captured in the video is not captured as naturally as they were supposed to sound like in reality. Hence, Foley is when you reproduce those sounds for that video.
Frame rate:
Frame rate refers to the video capturing by a shutter in a second or shutter cycling rate through opening and closing. Some of the common frame rates are 24, 25, 29.97, 30, etc. The frame rate is expressed in frames per second (fps).
High definition media interface:
HDMI is the connectors that digitally transfer audio and HD video to a television. This is helpful if you intend to work on a bigger screen or wish to share some of your productions.
Resolution:
Resolution refers to the horizontal and vertical pixels of your video. For instance 640×480 for SD and 1280×720 for HD. Sometimes resolution refers only to the number of pixels that paper vertically. For example 480p, 720p, and 1080p respectively.
J-Cut:
J-cut refers to the editing technique in which the audio from a next scene is overlapped with the image from the previous scene, such that the audio segment of the next scene begins playing prior to its picture.
Jumpcut:
Jumpcut editing techniques refer to an abrupt transition between the two consecutive frames. The entity in the video containing jump cuts appears to jump along with the scene from one place to another. This looks disruptive to the audience.
L-Cut:
L-cut is exactly opposite to J-cut where the audio from the next scene overlays the image from the next scene to play the audio after an image has been displayed in the video.
Lower third:
As the name suggests, the lower third is derived from the rule of third which refers to the type of title, mostly used by vloggers, broadcasters, interviewers, and you tubers.
Memory bank:
You can understand the term by thinking of a memory box where we keep certain things as a memory of the events in someone’s life. Memory bank serves the same purpose through the use of video. It often uses natural sounds, document travel or merely store moments in routine life.
Press kit:
Press kit is used to provide information regarding your productions to the press for promotional purposes. Such information is often background including synopsis, crew, cast’s bios Q&A with the director, production stills and its reviews.
Shot list:
The shot list refers to the checklist related to the shots that a videographer plans to include in his/her content. This may help you save time and gear with efficient planning and handling. This gives a sense of direction to your production.
Storyboard:
A storyboard is a drawing to illustrate the scenes in the video. This gives a direct and organized way to visualize the needs for the shots or animation.
Sync:
Synchronization, aka sync, refers to the alignment of audio with video imaging.
Rule of thirds:
The rule of third is a grid that helps you to compose interesting and balanced shots to make your productions aesthetically pleasing. The grid is similar to a tic-tac-toe board since it segregates the picture into 9 segments. It helps bring points of interest to be aligned with the lines or intersection given in the grid.
Three-point lighting:
This helps one to diminish the shadows for image balancing and provides an appealing contrast. These three lights are commonly known as fill, key, and backlight.
Tilts:
Tilts refer to the vertical transitions that your camera. This is the opposite of pans.
Pans:
Pans refer to the horizontal movements of your camera. This is exactly contrary to tilts.
White balance:
White balance refers to the process where the unrealistic color casts are removed in order to render a white object to be actually white in your photo, and not have other tints.
Wide-angle:
A wide-angel lens refers to a short focal length of a lens. This brings more of a subject rather than a subject being captured by a normal lens at equal distances.
Non-linear editing:
NLEs is a non-destructive editing technique that allows one to access any frame in a video clip regardless of the sequence in the clip. It gives you the freedom to easily include effects, transitions, fades, etc. which cannot be achieved with linear editing
Pixel aspect ratio:
Pixels are several tiny squares that build up an image in a video. Whereas, aspect ratio refers to the ratio of width to height of a video. Hence, the pixel aspect ratio (PAR) is the ratio of width to height of the pixels.
Conclusion
Be it Instagram stories, YouTube product testimonials, or Facebook ads, using these easy-to-use video editing software will elevate your content into a professional and slick look.
So, I hope you are now ready to get started.
Lights, camera, action!
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
Secure Download
For macOS 10.14 or later
Secure Download
Click here to get Filmora for PC by email
or Try Filmora App for mobile >>>
download filmora app for ios ](https://app.adjust.com/b0k9hf2%5F4bsu85t ) download filmora app for android ](https://app.adjust.com/b0k9hf2%5F4bsu85t )
Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
If you are not a video-making expert, own a video studio, or have a video specialist to trim and shoot video features, then don’t worry!
We are here to take you on the tour of the easiest video editing software that would promise a professional-looking end-product despite being absolutely inexperienced!
In my opinion, an ideal video editing software should be easy for everyone to get started. It could be simple video editing software, but it at least contains all the basic features you want. My recommendation is Wondershare Filmora, which compromises usability and capability to the best. It not only comes with all common video editing tools at your fingertips but also features you may need to bring your videos to the next level.
- 15 Best Easy Video Editing Software
- Basic Features You Need in an Easy Video Editing Software
- Why Video Editing Matters Nowadays?
- Basic Video Editing Terms You Should Know
Watch Video to Take a Quick View of the 18 Best Video Editors
Filmora Video Editor is an expert in creating and editing videos with outstanding functions and features. The easy-to-use interface will help you much! It offers versions for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS! Worth to have a try!
Try Free Video Editor Try Free Video Editor Try Free Video Editor Learn More >
15 Best Easy Video Editing Software
Below are the brief detail of easy video editors for PC, giving you more editing scalability than mobile-based editing apps. So if you are seeking easy video editing software for YouTube or website then look no further!
1. Wondershare Filmora - Easy Video Editing Software, Unlimited Video Sharing
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone and iPad.
Wondershare Filmora paves the way to share videos instantly with family and friends, whatever it’s on YouTube, computer, mobile devices, or TV, you’ll choose your way.
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
Secure Download
For macOS 10.14 or later
Secure Download
You can directly upload the video to YouTube, as well as an optional message sending to Facebook and Twitter.
Preset profiles are included in output videos for playing on mobile devices like iPhone, iPad, iPod, PSP, etc. No further conversion required. A build-in DVD tool allows you to burn video to a high-quality DVD for watching on TV with your home DVD player.
Filmstock Stock Media Library ](https://filmstock.wondershare.com/creative-theme-tutorial?spm=rs.filmora%5Fweb&source%5Fchannel=seo%5Farticle )
Download the free trial version of Wondershare Filmora for your Mac/Windows version below, start to make your stunning home movies today!
2. Blender
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux.
This is free and open-source software, originally designed as a 3D animation suite but also has a use video editor. This editor lets you carry out basic actions like video cutting and video splicing. Hence, it is an easy video cutter and easy video joiner. It can also perform more advanced tasks such as video masking.
3. Lightworks
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Lightworks is a free easy to use video editing software that comes with High precision video trimming, 720p video export for YouTube, Multicam support, and support of a large range of video formats. Its free version has ample features enough for most of the users. Although the paid pro version costs $25 a month.
4. Shotcut
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Shotcut is a free, open-source video editing software, packed with ample features with wide range video formats support, timeline editing, 4K HD resolution support, and have several tutorials video.
Wondershare Filmora Video Editor
Filmora - No Watermark Video Editing Software
• Easily edit and export video files without watermark
• offers popular effects and filters for making your video professional
• Cross-platform supported - (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android)
Try Video Editor without Watermark Try Video Editor without Watermark Try Video Editor without Watermark Learn More >
5. VSDC
Compatibility: Windows
VSDC, an easy video editing software for windows, is a free video editing software, having an easy-to-learn powerful suite of features including audio editing and color correction. Although a paid version, pro, costs $19.99, having visual waveform, image stabilization and voice over support.
6. Machete Lite
Compatibility: Windows
Machete Lite is a free yet the simplest video editing software perfect for simple editing tasks. Only AVI and WMV files are supported in its free version. Its full version costs $19.95 having audio editing and more file type support, unlike the free version.
7. Avidemux
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux
Avoided is the simplest video editing software, perfect for beginners. It allows performing simple editing features like Encoding, simple cutting, and filtering with an easy-to-use interface.
8. Hitfilm Express
Compatibility: Windows and Mac
HitFilm Express is a free video editing software with features ranging from basic editing features like trimming, audio editing, and slicing to advance tools and features. Its free version supports over 180 special effects. There’s a built-in YouTube uploading.
Finding a Way to Edit Video for Free? Try This Out!
Filmora Video Editor brings you all the convenience of editing videos with handy functions. You can make your creative ideas into realize! More importantly, your edited video can export without a watermark!
Try It Free Try It Free Try It Free Learn More >
9. iMovie
Compatibility: Mac
If you are a beginner and searching for a good video editing software to get your hands clean on editing then iMovie editor is perfect for you. It is an easy video editing software for mac having an easy drag and drop interface. Features like Video trimming, split-screen, audio editing, pre-made transitions library, and 4K resolution support.
10. Openshot
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux
It is a free open source video editing software with an easy-to-use interface. Features like unlimited layers and tracks, time-mapping, real-time previews, trimming, snapping, clip resizing, curve-based keyframe animations etc. It offers more than enough features for free software.
11. Movie Maker
Compatibility: Windows
It is an easy video maker and editing software for beginners which can be downloaded from any third-party and use it to make and share high-quality movies.
12. Lumen5
Compatibility: Windows and Mac
It’s a perfect web-based video editing tool, best for Social Media promotion Campaigns with an easy drag-and-drop interface.
A cross-platform for making videos anywhere for all creators
Why your video editing isn’t good enough? How about some creative inspo?
- 100 Million+ Users
- 150+ Countries and Regions
- 4 Million+ Social Media Followers
- 5 Million+ Stock Media for Use
* Secure Download
13. Adobe Spark
Compatibility: Windows and Mac
Adobe Sparks is also a web-based easy video editor, similar to Lumen5. It offers an easy user interface but is a little restricted when it comes to offering a bank of images and footage to use.
14. Videopad
Compatibility: Windows
VideoPad is a simple video editing software for beginners, maybe not suitable for professional use. It has features like 3D Video Editing, Sound Effects and pre-made transitions Library, Reduce Camera Shakes and Multiple Resolutions export support.
15. Freemake
Compatibility: Windows
Freemake is a free video converter that is used to convert and alter videos that can modify and convert videos, embed videos to websites, and extract audio from video clips simply and fast. It supports above 500 video file formats and is compatible with multiple audio and image file formats for slideshows and video clip creation.
Basic Features You Need in an Easy Video Editing Software
A software having:
- Easy montage maker
- Easy video cutter
- Easy video joiner
- Compositing multiple elements together
- Color grading
- Motion tracking
- Stabilization
- Titles
- Background replacement
- Basic color correction
- Cross dissolves and fade-to-black transitions
- Audio crossfades
- Audio level adjustment using keyframes
- Auto synchronization of additional audio tracks
- Image position adjustment using keyframes
- Footage speed adjustments
- Basic color correction
- Footage bins for roughly organizing imported footage
Why Video Editing Matters Nowadays?
If videos aren’t a primary focus of your content marketing plan, the probability is it’s soon going to be certain! Every next production is turning into video-based content, be it content marketers or SEOs.
Around 50% of the content marketers are using Facebook and YouTube channels for the sake of video distribution since online activity spent on watching videos is 50%.
Moreover, by 2021, video is going to be projected to account for more than 80% out of all internet traffic.
Therefore, it has become a need to focus on video content if you are looking to grow the organic traffic of your publications.
Filmora Free Video Editor
Create AI-Generated Video with Filmora
Filmora Free video editor offers a ChatGPT plug-in and AI tools to enhance your creative vision. Make your idea into reality.
Try It Free Try It Free Try It Free Learn More >
Basic Video Editing Terms You Should Know
Below are some of the important yet basic terms that you should know related to videography in general and video editing in specific as well, whether you are a beginner or professional.
Aspect ratio:
The aspect ratio is the ratio of width and height of a video. Examples of the most used aspect ratios are: 4:3, 16:9, 1.85:1.
Refer to the image given below for a better understanding.
B-roll:
B-roll facilities one with the flexibility, when editing, to the video editing rules as it is an add-on picture that makes a previously incoherent scene seamless.
As shown in the image below, B-roll is used to insert which can make the transition easy to look on the eyes.
Bit rate:
Bit rate, also known as data rate, refers to the amount of data used for every second within the video. It is most commonly expressed in kilobits per second (kbps).
Close up:
Close-up refers to the shots that frame to subject tightly.
For instance, if it is a person, then the close-up covers solely his face.
Color temperature:
Color temperature refers to the light visibility in a shot. Color temperature is expressed in Kelvin. The scale of color temperature ranges from cool to warm.
Composition:
Composition entails the process of combining multiple footages using video editing software.
Compression:
Compression is the process of minimizing the quantity of data utilized in a video file. It helps make in the process of uploading and downloading quite faster. This also leaves you with ample space for more of your publications.
Crop factor:
Crop factor refers to a number that expresses the ratio of the imaging area of a sensor to a full-frame sensor. It typically ranges from 1.3 to 2.0.
Cut-in
Cut-in refers to showing a specific part of a subject in order to emphasize a certain aspect or emotion. For instance, hand gestures may show nervousness, enthusiasm, agitation, etc.
Foley:
Often times the original sound of the scene captured in the video is not captured as naturally as they were supposed to sound like in reality. Hence, Foley is when you reproduce those sounds for that video.
Frame rate:
Frame rate refers to the video capturing by a shutter in a second or shutter cycling rate through opening and closing. Some of the common frame rates are 24, 25, 29.97, 30, etc. The frame rate is expressed in frames per second (fps).
High definition media interface:
HDMI is the connectors that digitally transfer audio and HD video to a television. This is helpful if you intend to work on a bigger screen or wish to share some of your productions.
Resolution:
Resolution refers to the horizontal and vertical pixels of your video. For instance 640×480 for SD and 1280×720 for HD. Sometimes resolution refers only to the number of pixels that paper vertically. For example 480p, 720p, and 1080p respectively.
J-Cut:
J-cut refers to the editing technique in which the audio from a next scene is overlapped with the image from the previous scene, such that the audio segment of the next scene begins playing prior to its picture.
Jumpcut:
Jumpcut editing techniques refer to an abrupt transition between the two consecutive frames. The entity in the video containing jump cuts appears to jump along with the scene from one place to another. This looks disruptive to the audience.
L-Cut:
L-cut is exactly opposite to J-cut where the audio from the next scene overlays the image from the next scene to play the audio after an image has been displayed in the video.
Lower third:
As the name suggests, the lower third is derived from the rule of third which refers to the type of title, mostly used by vloggers, broadcasters, interviewers, and you tubers.
Memory bank:
You can understand the term by thinking of a memory box where we keep certain things as a memory of the events in someone’s life. Memory bank serves the same purpose through the use of video. It often uses natural sounds, document travel or merely store moments in routine life.
Press kit:
Press kit is used to provide information regarding your productions to the press for promotional purposes. Such information is often background including synopsis, crew, cast’s bios Q&A with the director, production stills and its reviews.
Shot list:
The shot list refers to the checklist related to the shots that a videographer plans to include in his/her content. This may help you save time and gear with efficient planning and handling. This gives a sense of direction to your production.
Storyboard:
A storyboard is a drawing to illustrate the scenes in the video. This gives a direct and organized way to visualize the needs for the shots or animation.
Sync:
Synchronization, aka sync, refers to the alignment of audio with video imaging.
Rule of thirds:
The rule of third is a grid that helps you to compose interesting and balanced shots to make your productions aesthetically pleasing. The grid is similar to a tic-tac-toe board since it segregates the picture into 9 segments. It helps bring points of interest to be aligned with the lines or intersection given in the grid.
Three-point lighting:
This helps one to diminish the shadows for image balancing and provides an appealing contrast. These three lights are commonly known as fill, key, and backlight.
Tilts:
Tilts refer to the vertical transitions that your camera. This is the opposite of pans.
Pans:
Pans refer to the horizontal movements of your camera. This is exactly contrary to tilts.
White balance:
White balance refers to the process where the unrealistic color casts are removed in order to render a white object to be actually white in your photo, and not have other tints.
Wide-angle:
A wide-angel lens refers to a short focal length of a lens. This brings more of a subject rather than a subject being captured by a normal lens at equal distances.
Non-linear editing:
NLEs is a non-destructive editing technique that allows one to access any frame in a video clip regardless of the sequence in the clip. It gives you the freedom to easily include effects, transitions, fades, etc. which cannot be achieved with linear editing
Pixel aspect ratio:
Pixels are several tiny squares that build up an image in a video. Whereas, aspect ratio refers to the ratio of width to height of a video. Hence, the pixel aspect ratio (PAR) is the ratio of width to height of the pixels.
Conclusion
Be it Instagram stories, YouTube product testimonials, or Facebook ads, using these easy-to-use video editing software will elevate your content into a professional and slick look.
So, I hope you are now ready to get started.
Lights, camera, action!
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
Secure Download
For macOS 10.14 or later
Secure Download
Click here to get Filmora for PC by email
or Try Filmora App for mobile >>>
download filmora app for ios ](https://app.adjust.com/b0k9hf2%5F4bsu85t ) download filmora app for android ](https://app.adjust.com/b0k9hf2%5F4bsu85t )
Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
If you are not a video-making expert, own a video studio, or have a video specialist to trim and shoot video features, then don’t worry!
We are here to take you on the tour of the easiest video editing software that would promise a professional-looking end-product despite being absolutely inexperienced!
In my opinion, an ideal video editing software should be easy for everyone to get started. It could be simple video editing software, but it at least contains all the basic features you want. My recommendation is Wondershare Filmora, which compromises usability and capability to the best. It not only comes with all common video editing tools at your fingertips but also features you may need to bring your videos to the next level.
- 15 Best Easy Video Editing Software
- Basic Features You Need in an Easy Video Editing Software
- Why Video Editing Matters Nowadays?
- Basic Video Editing Terms You Should Know
Watch Video to Take a Quick View of the 18 Best Video Editors
Filmora Video Editor is an expert in creating and editing videos with outstanding functions and features. The easy-to-use interface will help you much! It offers versions for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS! Worth to have a try!
Try Free Video Editor Try Free Video Editor Try Free Video Editor Learn More >
15 Best Easy Video Editing Software
Below are the brief detail of easy video editors for PC, giving you more editing scalability than mobile-based editing apps. So if you are seeking easy video editing software for YouTube or website then look no further!
1. Wondershare Filmora - Easy Video Editing Software, Unlimited Video Sharing
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone and iPad.
Wondershare Filmora paves the way to share videos instantly with family and friends, whatever it’s on YouTube, computer, mobile devices, or TV, you’ll choose your way.
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
Secure Download
For macOS 10.14 or later
Secure Download
You can directly upload the video to YouTube, as well as an optional message sending to Facebook and Twitter.
Preset profiles are included in output videos for playing on mobile devices like iPhone, iPad, iPod, PSP, etc. No further conversion required. A build-in DVD tool allows you to burn video to a high-quality DVD for watching on TV with your home DVD player.
Filmstock Stock Media Library ](https://filmstock.wondershare.com/creative-theme-tutorial?spm=rs.filmora%5Fweb&source%5Fchannel=seo%5Farticle )
Download the free trial version of Wondershare Filmora for your Mac/Windows version below, start to make your stunning home movies today!
2. Blender
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux.
This is free and open-source software, originally designed as a 3D animation suite but also has a use video editor. This editor lets you carry out basic actions like video cutting and video splicing. Hence, it is an easy video cutter and easy video joiner. It can also perform more advanced tasks such as video masking.
3. Lightworks
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Lightworks is a free easy to use video editing software that comes with High precision video trimming, 720p video export for YouTube, Multicam support, and support of a large range of video formats. Its free version has ample features enough for most of the users. Although the paid pro version costs $25 a month.
4. Shotcut
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Shotcut is a free, open-source video editing software, packed with ample features with wide range video formats support, timeline editing, 4K HD resolution support, and have several tutorials video.
Wondershare Filmora Video Editor
Filmora - No Watermark Video Editing Software
• Easily edit and export video files without watermark
• offers popular effects and filters for making your video professional
• Cross-platform supported - (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android)
Try Video Editor without Watermark Try Video Editor without Watermark Try Video Editor without Watermark Learn More >
5. VSDC
Compatibility: Windows
VSDC, an easy video editing software for windows, is a free video editing software, having an easy-to-learn powerful suite of features including audio editing and color correction. Although a paid version, pro, costs $19.99, having visual waveform, image stabilization and voice over support.
6. Machete Lite
Compatibility: Windows
Machete Lite is a free yet the simplest video editing software perfect for simple editing tasks. Only AVI and WMV files are supported in its free version. Its full version costs $19.95 having audio editing and more file type support, unlike the free version.
7. Avidemux
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux
Avoided is the simplest video editing software, perfect for beginners. It allows performing simple editing features like Encoding, simple cutting, and filtering with an easy-to-use interface.
8. Hitfilm Express
Compatibility: Windows and Mac
HitFilm Express is a free video editing software with features ranging from basic editing features like trimming, audio editing, and slicing to advance tools and features. Its free version supports over 180 special effects. There’s a built-in YouTube uploading.
Finding a Way to Edit Video for Free? Try This Out!
Filmora Video Editor brings you all the convenience of editing videos with handy functions. You can make your creative ideas into realize! More importantly, your edited video can export without a watermark!
Try It Free Try It Free Try It Free Learn More >
9. iMovie
Compatibility: Mac
If you are a beginner and searching for a good video editing software to get your hands clean on editing then iMovie editor is perfect for you. It is an easy video editing software for mac having an easy drag and drop interface. Features like Video trimming, split-screen, audio editing, pre-made transitions library, and 4K resolution support.
10. Openshot
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Linux
It is a free open source video editing software with an easy-to-use interface. Features like unlimited layers and tracks, time-mapping, real-time previews, trimming, snapping, clip resizing, curve-based keyframe animations etc. It offers more than enough features for free software.
11. Movie Maker
Compatibility: Windows
It is an easy video maker and editing software for beginners which can be downloaded from any third-party and use it to make and share high-quality movies.
12. Lumen5
Compatibility: Windows and Mac
It’s a perfect web-based video editing tool, best for Social Media promotion Campaigns with an easy drag-and-drop interface.
A cross-platform for making videos anywhere for all creators
Why your video editing isn’t good enough? How about some creative inspo?
- 100 Million+ Users
- 150+ Countries and Regions
- 4 Million+ Social Media Followers
- 5 Million+ Stock Media for Use
* Secure Download
13. Adobe Spark
Compatibility: Windows and Mac
Adobe Sparks is also a web-based easy video editor, similar to Lumen5. It offers an easy user interface but is a little restricted when it comes to offering a bank of images and footage to use.
14. Videopad
Compatibility: Windows
VideoPad is a simple video editing software for beginners, maybe not suitable for professional use. It has features like 3D Video Editing, Sound Effects and pre-made transitions Library, Reduce Camera Shakes and Multiple Resolutions export support.
15. Freemake
Compatibility: Windows
Freemake is a free video converter that is used to convert and alter videos that can modify and convert videos, embed videos to websites, and extract audio from video clips simply and fast. It supports above 500 video file formats and is compatible with multiple audio and image file formats for slideshows and video clip creation.
Basic Features You Need in an Easy Video Editing Software
A software having:
- Easy montage maker
- Easy video cutter
- Easy video joiner
- Compositing multiple elements together
- Color grading
- Motion tracking
- Stabilization
- Titles
- Background replacement
- Basic color correction
- Cross dissolves and fade-to-black transitions
- Audio crossfades
- Audio level adjustment using keyframes
- Auto synchronization of additional audio tracks
- Image position adjustment using keyframes
- Footage speed adjustments
- Basic color correction
- Footage bins for roughly organizing imported footage
Why Video Editing Matters Nowadays?
If videos aren’t a primary focus of your content marketing plan, the probability is it’s soon going to be certain! Every next production is turning into video-based content, be it content marketers or SEOs.
Around 50% of the content marketers are using Facebook and YouTube channels for the sake of video distribution since online activity spent on watching videos is 50%.
Moreover, by 2021, video is going to be projected to account for more than 80% out of all internet traffic.
Therefore, it has become a need to focus on video content if you are looking to grow the organic traffic of your publications.
Filmora Free Video Editor
Create AI-Generated Video with Filmora
Filmora Free video editor offers a ChatGPT plug-in and AI tools to enhance your creative vision. Make your idea into reality.
Try It Free Try It Free Try It Free Learn More >
Basic Video Editing Terms You Should Know
Below are some of the important yet basic terms that you should know related to videography in general and video editing in specific as well, whether you are a beginner or professional.
Aspect ratio:
The aspect ratio is the ratio of width and height of a video. Examples of the most used aspect ratios are: 4:3, 16:9, 1.85:1.
Refer to the image given below for a better understanding.
B-roll:
B-roll facilities one with the flexibility, when editing, to the video editing rules as it is an add-on picture that makes a previously incoherent scene seamless.
As shown in the image below, B-roll is used to insert which can make the transition easy to look on the eyes.
Bit rate:
Bit rate, also known as data rate, refers to the amount of data used for every second within the video. It is most commonly expressed in kilobits per second (kbps).
Close up:
Close-up refers to the shots that frame to subject tightly.
For instance, if it is a person, then the close-up covers solely his face.
Color temperature:
Color temperature refers to the light visibility in a shot. Color temperature is expressed in Kelvin. The scale of color temperature ranges from cool to warm.
Composition:
Composition entails the process of combining multiple footages using video editing software.
Compression:
Compression is the process of minimizing the quantity of data utilized in a video file. It helps make in the process of uploading and downloading quite faster. This also leaves you with ample space for more of your publications.
Crop factor:
Crop factor refers to a number that expresses the ratio of the imaging area of a sensor to a full-frame sensor. It typically ranges from 1.3 to 2.0.
Cut-in
Cut-in refers to showing a specific part of a subject in order to emphasize a certain aspect or emotion. For instance, hand gestures may show nervousness, enthusiasm, agitation, etc.
Foley:
Often times the original sound of the scene captured in the video is not captured as naturally as they were supposed to sound like in reality. Hence, Foley is when you reproduce those sounds for that video.
Frame rate:
Frame rate refers to the video capturing by a shutter in a second or shutter cycling rate through opening and closing. Some of the common frame rates are 24, 25, 29.97, 30, etc. The frame rate is expressed in frames per second (fps).
High definition media interface:
HDMI is the connectors that digitally transfer audio and HD video to a television. This is helpful if you intend to work on a bigger screen or wish to share some of your productions.
Resolution:
Resolution refers to the horizontal and vertical pixels of your video. For instance 640×480 for SD and 1280×720 for HD. Sometimes resolution refers only to the number of pixels that paper vertically. For example 480p, 720p, and 1080p respectively.
J-Cut:
J-cut refers to the editing technique in which the audio from a next scene is overlapped with the image from the previous scene, such that the audio segment of the next scene begins playing prior to its picture.
Jumpcut:
Jumpcut editing techniques refer to an abrupt transition between the two consecutive frames. The entity in the video containing jump cuts appears to jump along with the scene from one place to another. This looks disruptive to the audience.
L-Cut:
L-cut is exactly opposite to J-cut where the audio from the next scene overlays the image from the next scene to play the audio after an image has been displayed in the video.
Lower third:
As the name suggests, the lower third is derived from the rule of third which refers to the type of title, mostly used by vloggers, broadcasters, interviewers, and you tubers.
Memory bank:
You can understand the term by thinking of a memory box where we keep certain things as a memory of the events in someone’s life. Memory bank serves the same purpose through the use of video. It often uses natural sounds, document travel or merely store moments in routine life.
Press kit:
Press kit is used to provide information regarding your productions to the press for promotional purposes. Such information is often background including synopsis, crew, cast’s bios Q&A with the director, production stills and its reviews.
Shot list:
The shot list refers to the checklist related to the shots that a videographer plans to include in his/her content. This may help you save time and gear with efficient planning and handling. This gives a sense of direction to your production.
Storyboard:
A storyboard is a drawing to illustrate the scenes in the video. This gives a direct and organized way to visualize the needs for the shots or animation.
Sync:
Synchronization, aka sync, refers to the alignment of audio with video imaging.
Rule of thirds:
The rule of third is a grid that helps you to compose interesting and balanced shots to make your productions aesthetically pleasing. The grid is similar to a tic-tac-toe board since it segregates the picture into 9 segments. It helps bring points of interest to be aligned with the lines or intersection given in the grid.
Three-point lighting:
This helps one to diminish the shadows for image balancing and provides an appealing contrast. These three lights are commonly known as fill, key, and backlight.
Tilts:
Tilts refer to the vertical transitions that your camera. This is the opposite of pans.
Pans:
Pans refer to the horizontal movements of your camera. This is exactly contrary to tilts.
White balance:
White balance refers to the process where the unrealistic color casts are removed in order to render a white object to be actually white in your photo, and not have other tints.
Wide-angle:
A wide-angel lens refers to a short focal length of a lens. This brings more of a subject rather than a subject being captured by a normal lens at equal distances.
Non-linear editing:
NLEs is a non-destructive editing technique that allows one to access any frame in a video clip regardless of the sequence in the clip. It gives you the freedom to easily include effects, transitions, fades, etc. which cannot be achieved with linear editing
Pixel aspect ratio:
Pixels are several tiny squares that build up an image in a video. Whereas, aspect ratio refers to the ratio of width to height of a video. Hence, the pixel aspect ratio (PAR) is the ratio of width to height of the pixels.
Conclusion
Be it Instagram stories, YouTube product testimonials, or Facebook ads, using these easy-to-use video editing software will elevate your content into a professional and slick look.
So, I hope you are now ready to get started.
Lights, camera, action!
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
Secure Download
For macOS 10.14 or later
Secure Download
Click here to get Filmora for PC by email
or Try Filmora App for mobile >>>
download filmora app for ios ](https://app.adjust.com/b0k9hf2%5F4bsu85t ) download filmora app for android ](https://app.adjust.com/b0k9hf2%5F4bsu85t )
Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Ollie Mattison
Also read:
- Updated The Complete Guide to Installing Linux on a Chromebook
- New In 2024, Watermark-Free Video Editing Top 14 Free Tools
- Updated 2024 Approved Demystifying HD Video Pixel Size A Simple Explanation
- Updated In 2024, From Clips to Masterpieces The Ultimate Video Editor
- New In 2024, Crop, Resize, and Refine Mastering Video Editing with Avidemux
- New 2024 Approved Phone Camera Pro How to Create Engaging Vertical Content
- New In 2024, The Truth About VN Video Editor APK A Detailed Review
- Updated 2024 Approved Find Out Which Audio Converter Software Stands Out Amongst the Crowd in This Article Where We List the Best of the Best
- New 2024 Approved Pixel Perfect Calculating Aspect Ratios with Ease
- New 2024 Approved Discover the Best Video Editors for Windows 11 Free, Trial, and Subscription Options
- Updated In 2024, How to Pick the Right YouTube Video Converter for MP4 Files
- New Top-Rated Free MPEG Video Joining Software for 2024
- Updated 2024 Approved Looking for the Latest Information on MP3 Converters? Well, Look No Further! Read This Article to Learn More
- Updated In 2024, The Ultimate List of Facebook MP3 Converters Online
- Updated Download Adobe Premiere Pro CS6 for Macintosh - Full Version for 2024
- Updated 2024 Approved Mastering Aspect Ratio in Final Cut Pro Essential Skills for Video Editors
- Updated Open-Source Video Editing on a Budget Top 10 Free Options for 2024
- Updated Convert Music with Ease Top MP3 Converter Software for Mac for 2024
- New In 2024, Best 11 Free Animated Logo Makers + Creative Logo Tips
- New Unleash Your Creativity 10 Top-Rated Android Movie Maker Apps for 2024
- New 2024 Approved Make It a Valentines Day to Remember DIY Video Ideas for Your Loved One
- 2024 Approved The Ultimate List of WhatsApp Status Video Editors
- Updated In 2024, S Most Popular Video Brightening Software
- 2024 Approved The Ultimate Guide to Downloading Soundcloud Songs as MP3 Files
- New Top 10 Timecode Conversion Tools for Accurate Timing (Web, iOS, Android) for 2024
- Updated In 2024, Convert Your Videos Top MP4 to MP3 Converters for Any Device
- Unbeatable Sound Quality Best Mac MP3 Converter Options for 2024
- New Learn Final Cut Pro From Scratch 90-Day Free Trial Included for 2024
- New 2024 Approved Mac Compatible Download VLLO and Its Best Alternatives
- In 2024, How to Unlock Xiaomi 14 Pro Phone with Broken Screen
- Best 3 Nokia C12 Emulator for Mac to Run Your Wanted Android Apps | Dr.fone
- In 2024, Catch or Beat Sleeping Snorlax on Pokemon Go For Lava Storm 5G | Dr.fone
- How to Cast Oppo Find N3 Flip Screen to PC Using WiFi | Dr.fone
- In 2024, 3 Facts You Need to Know about Screen Mirroring Itel P40 | Dr.fone
- In 2024, How to Remove Activation Lock From the iPhone 12 mini Without Previous Owner?
- In 2024, iPhone Is Disabled? Here Is The Way To Unlock Disabled Apple iPhone X | Dr.fone
- How To Remove the Two Factor Authentication On iPhone SE (2020)
- How to Exit Android Factory Mode On OnePlus 11R? | Dr.fone
- In 2024, Detailed Review of doctorSIM Unlock Service For Apple iPhone 14 Plus
- Updated Androids Finest 10 Free Video Editing Apps Without Watermarks
- How to Unlock a Network Locked Poco C50 Phone?
- In 2024, 7 Ways to Unlock a Locked Itel P55 Phone
- 2024 Approved 15 Best Vloggers That You Should Follow for Travel
- Title: New Unleash Your Creativity 10 Public Domain Image Sites for 2024
- Author: Morgan
- Created at : 2024-04-28 05:38:26
- Updated at : 2024-04-29 05:38:26
- Link: https://ai-video-tools.techidaily.com/new-unleash-your-creativity-10-public-domain-image-sites-for-2024/
- License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.