How to Start 2D Animation Without Expensive Software

For a long time, 2D animation felt locked behind expensive barriers. Professional studios used costly programs, powerful computers, and advanced hardware that seemed out of reach for beginners. Today, that has changed dramatically.

Free and low-cost tools now make it possible for anyone with a passion for animation to start creating, learning, and experimenting without spending thousands of dollars.

This article will show you exactly how to begin animating on a budget. You’ll discover which tools are worth downloading, how to build your skills step by step, and why expensive software is not the key to becoming a good animator.

Why Expensive Software Isn’t Necessary Anymore

A decade ago, if you wanted to animate professionally, you almost had no choice but to buy premium programs. Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, and TVPaint were considered the “gatekeepers” of the animation industry. While they remain industry standards, the landscape has shifted.

What changed?

• Open-source projects emerged, providing free access to professional-grade features.
• Independent developers built lightweight animation tools for beginners.
• Large studios started using open-source software themselves (for example, Studio Ghibli with OpenToonz).

The truth is, animation is about skill, not software. If you understand how to use timing, spacing, and weight in your drawings, you can create powerful animations with even the simplest tools. Expensive programs can speed up workflows, but they don’t teach creativity.

Best Free and Low-Cost 2D Animation Software

When choosing a program, you want a balance between usability and features. Some tools are great for quick sketch animations, while others handle complex projects. Here are the strongest options available right now:

1. Krita

• Originally a digital painting program, Krita includes a frame-by-frame animation timeline.
• Perfect for artists who already enjoy digital drawing and want to bring sketches to life.
• Offers onion-skinning, layer management, and brush stabilization.

2. Pencil2D

• Lightweight, simple, and easy to learn.
• Best for beginners who want to focus on movement without getting lost in advanced menus.
• Runs smoothly even on older computers.

3. OpenToonz

• Professional-grade and completely free.
• Used in the production of films and television, making it ideal if you want to aim for studio-quality work.
• Offers both traditional frame-by-frame and advanced effects pipelines.

4. Synfig Studio

• Vector-based animation software.
• Unlike frame-by-frame, you can move and manipulate shapes without redrawing them.
• Great for learning tweening, cut-out animation, and efficiency-based workflows.

5. Blender (Grease Pencil)

• Though known for 3D, Blender’s Grease Pencil tool allows you to animate in 2D inside a 3D environment.
• Extremely powerful for hybrid projects where 2D characters interact with 3D worlds.
• Has a steeper learning curve but unlimited creative potential.

Each of these tools can be learned for free. By choosing just one and practicing consistently, you can build professional-level skills without spending money upfront.

How to Build Your First Animation Without Spending Much

You don’t need to create a full short film right away. The smartest approach is to start small, build confidence, and grow your skills gradually.

Step 1: Pick Your Program

Don’t waste energy downloading multiple tools at once. Pick one and stick with it. If you want simplicity, Pencil2D is ideal. If you want more features, Krita or OpenToonz are great.

Step 2: Learn the Basics of Animation

Start with the 12 Principles of Animation, the foundation used by professionals: squash and stretch, anticipation, timing, spacing, and so on. These principles apply no matter what program you use.

Step 3: Do Simple Exercises

Before tackling characters, practice classic drills:

• A bouncing ball (teaches timing, weight, and arcs).
• A pendulum swing (shows how momentum works).
• A walk cycle (essential for character animation).

Step 4: Storyboard Your Ideas

Even if it’s just a stick-figure sketch, planning saves time. Break down your story into key poses, then refine frame by frame.

Step 5: Add Polish

Introduce background layers, secondary motions like hair or clothing movement, and simple effects. These extra touches give depth to your work.

Step 6: Export and Share

Use formats like MP4, AVI, or GIF. Sharing your animations on platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok can provide valuable feedback and motivation.

Hardware Tips for Budget Animators

A common worry is hardware. Do you really need a powerful PC and expensive drawing tablet? The answer is no.

• Drawing Tablets: Affordable brands like Huion and XP-Pen offer reliable, responsive tablets at a fraction of Wacom’s price.
• Computers: For lightweight programs like Pencil2D, even older laptops work fine. If you plan to use Blender, you’ll need more processing power.
• Accessories: Don’t overinvest in gadgets. Start with the basics and upgrade only when your skills demand it.

Many successful animators started with nothing more than a mouse and determination. While a tablet makes life easier, it isn’t mandatory to begin.

How to Grow as a Beginner Animator

Animation is a marathon, not a sprint. Progress comes from consistent practice and deliberate learning.

Key tips to keep improving:

• Practice fundamentals before special effects. Cool effects mean little without strong motion.
• Work on short projects. Completing small animations builds momentum faster than endless unfinished ideas.
• Study other animators. Pause videos frame by frame to see how professionals handle timing.
• Join communities. Forums, Discord servers, and social media groups offer collaboration, feedback, and motivation.
• Experiment constantly. Try both frame-by-frame and cut-out styles to see which fits your artistic voice.

Why Creativity Matters More Than Cost

It’s easy to believe that the right software will make you a better animator, but history shows otherwise. Some of the most famous animators began with nothing more than paper and pencils. Today, free digital tools remove even those barriers.

Animation is about storytelling, timing, and emotion. Expensive tools can refine those things, but they cannot replace creativity. With free or low-cost programs, you already have everything you need to start expressing your ideas.

You don’t have to wait until you can afford high-end software to pursue animation. Free tools like Krita, Pencil2D, OpenToonz, Synfig, and Blender give you the same opportunity to practice the craft as anyone working with premium suites.

Focus on building skills, learning fundamentals, and practicing daily. The real investment in animation isn’t money—it’s your time, patience, and creativity. With dedication, even the simplest tools can help you create work that feels alive, compelling, and professional.