TOP 5 Animation Apps: Take Your Drawings to the Next Level

It’s never been easier to get into animation, whether you're making your first bouncing ball or are a professional animator, animation apps can give you the chance to approach animation in an all new way. Having your work with you wherever you go is also a unique situation for many animators who, in the past, were stuck at their drafting tables or, more recently, workstations. Here are five animation apps that will let your imagination run wild– without the need for expensive equipment or software! We’ve rounded up the top five and made a list of the features and ways to use each app so that you can find the tool that’s right for you.

1. AniToon (iOS)

AniToon makes it easy to dive into the world of animation. AniToon lets you start without any special understanding of how animating works. If you’re already familiar with the basics, AniToon’s tools let you make just about anything you want, no matter how complex it gets! AniToon makes it easy to create keyframes and work between them or to just move things as you go.

📌 Key features
✅ Frame-by-frame cell animation with copy and paste support
✅ Onions support allows frame comparisons and fine tuning
✅ Multiple layers and various brushes supported
✅ Animations can be exported as MP4 or GIF files

Why it's great: It can be used for simple sketch work or advanced animation– it’s entirely up to you! AniToon supports a beginning-to-end animation production process in an environment optimized for creative work.

2. FlipaClip

FlipaClip is an excellent app for hand-drawn animations with a simple interface that makes it easy for beginners to use. FlipaClip is one of the top animation apps for Android devices, and comes recommended by many. FlipaClip makes frame-by-frame animation work satisfying and fun.

📌 Key features
✅ Frame-by-frame drawing and animation
✅ Support for up to 10 layers
✅ Ability to add videos, images, and audio
✅ Export options include MP4 and GIF

Why it's great: It provides an intuitive design and basic tools suitable for beginners, supporting everything from simple projects to advanced animation work. It's especially good for artists who prefer a natural, hand-drawn style.

3. RoughAnimator

RoughAnimator is a nice tool for those who want to create professional 2D animations. It offers a wide range of drawing features and customization options that rival those of PC animation software.

📌 Key features
✅ Precise editing tools based on a timeline
✅ Frame-by-frame color correction
✅ Pressure sensitivity for stylus use
✅ Compatibility with After Effects

Why it's great: It’s perfect for professional projects where details are important. RoughAnimator offers a wide range of features that can help bring your creations to life. It’s the perfect tool for advanced animators.

4. Toontastic 3D

Toontastic 3D is an easy-to-use animation app made for those just starting out. It makes learning different animation techniques and tools easy and fun. Toontastic 3D is great for animating puppets, adding voices, and making up stories.

📌 Key features
✅ Provides ready-to-animate 3D characters and backgrounds
✅ Easy to use with drag-and-drop functionality
✅ Record voices and add dialogue
✅ Storyboarding tool

Why it's great: It’s the perfect entry point for anyone who wants to get a firm understanding of animation basics. Toontastic 3D offers an environment where you can make up creative stories with a minimal background in animation.

5. Procreate (iOS)

Procreate is a powerful, versatile drawing and animating app. Procreate is especially popular with iPad users, offering one of the best creative toolsets that can take advantage of the larger tablet screen. It has excellent brush support and editing tools with integrated animation functions.

📌 Key features
✅ Supports motion with its Animation Assist function
✅ A variety of brushes and custom brush creation
✅ Precise drawing with Apple Pencil compatibility
✅ Supports time-lapse export and high-quality files

Why it's great: Procreate is suitable for users who want to do professional drawing and animation work. Procreate is optimized for the iPad, making it fast and responsive.

Which app is best for your animation work? No matter if you’re just starting out or if you’re doing professional animation work, there’s an app that’s right for you. Let your creativity loose and start making something new today!