FlipaClip has become one of the most popular animation apps, allowing users to create frame-by-frame animations with ease. However, many other apps offer unique features and tools that may appeal to animators looking to explore beyond FlipaClip. Here’s a list of 10 fantastic animation apps like FlipaClip, perfect for both beginners and professionals alike.
Toon Boom Harmony is widely used in the animation industry for its professional-grade tools. Known for creating TV shows and feature films, it offers advanced drawing tools, frame-by-frame animation, and cutout-style animation options. With options for traditional and rigged animation, Harmony provides versatility and is suitable for animators with some experience.
Key Features: Advanced rigging, compositing tools, high-quality rendering
Best For: Professional and aspiring animators looking for industry-standard software
Platforms: Windows, macOS
RoughAnimator is a powerful app designed specifically for frame-by-frame animation. It’s highly customizable, allowing users to adjust frame rates, add multiple layers, and import audio. RoughAnimator also supports onion skinning, making it easy to see the previous frame as you draw. While its interface may look basic, its feature set is extensive.
Key Features: Onion skinning, audio import, frame-by-frame control
Best For: Cartoonists and animators who want more control over each frame
Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS
Animation Desk is another excellent apps like FlipaClip, known for its user-friendly interface and drawing tools. This app allows for traditional hand-drawn animation with a variety of brush types and frame management tools. It’s particularly popular among beginners due to its simplicity and engaging design.
Key Features: Intuitive interface, flexible frame management, custom brushes
Best For: Beginners and casual animators
Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS
Procreate is primarily known as a digital illustration app, but its Animation Assist feature makes it a solid option for animators as well. The app’s robust drawing tools and extensive layer options make it easy to create high-quality animations. While not specifically designed for animation, Procreate’s powerful toolset offers a lot of creative freedom.
Key Features: High-quality brushes, Animation Assist, multiple layers
Best For: Artists who want to animate using an illustration-focused app
Platforms: iOS (iPad only)
Pencil2D is an open-source animation tool that focuses on 2D animation, making it a straightforward yet powerful choice. It offers raster and vector tools, allowing users to create frame-by-frame animations with ease. The app’s clean interface and simplicity make it an excellent choice for both beginners and more experienced animators.
Key Features: Open-source, raster and vector support, simple interface
Best For: Beginners and hobbyists
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Stick Nodes is a unique animation app designed for creating stick figure animations. It has a strong fan base and allows users to create engaging stick animations with a simple interface and a variety of tools. Stick Nodes also supports audio integration, allowing you to add sound effects to your stick animations for a more dynamic result and it is right choice for apps like FlipaClip.
Key Features: Stick figure creation, audio support, tweening capabilities
Best For: Stick figure animation enthusiasts
Platforms: iOS, Android
OpenToonz is a free, open-source animation software used by professionals and studios worldwide. This app offers a variety of advanced tools, including effects and compositing options, making it a powerful choice for serious animators. OpenToonz is highly customizable and has plugins that can be tailored to specific animation needs.
Key Features: Advanced effects, professional compositing tools, plugin support
Best For: Aspiring professionals and seasoned animators
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Blender is alternative apps like FlipaClip and known for 3D animation, but its Grease Pencil feature allows users to create 2D animations as well. This tool supports both vector and raster-based animations, making it versatile for various animation styles. Blender’s powerful tools, combined with the Grease Pencil feature, allow for intricate animations and animations within 3D environments.
Key Features: 2D and 3D support, Grease Pencil for 2D, professional rendering
Best For: Animators who want 3D and 2D animation capabilities in one app
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Animaker is an online animation platform that allows users to create animated videos easily, making it different from the other apps on this list. It offers a library of templates, characters, and backgrounds that users can customize. Animaker’s drag-and-drop interface is ideal for quick animations and presentations, without the need for frame-by-frame drawing.
Key Features: Pre-made templates, drag-and-drop interface, customizable characters
Best For: Beginners and users interested in making animated presentations
Platforms: Web-based (no download required)
Callipeg is an intuitive animation app specifically designed for iPad. It provides powerful drawing and animation tools with a sleek interface optimized for touchscreens. Callipeg allows users to add multiple layers, audio, and even different frame rates within the same animation, making it an excellent alternative to FlipaClip for iPad users.
Key Features: Layer support, audio integration, different frame rates
Best For: iPad users looking for a high-quality animation app
Platforms: iOS (iPad only)
Each of these animation apps offers unique features that cater to different needs and preferences. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best alternative based on your animation goals:
For Beginners: Animation Desk, Pencil2D, and Stick Nodes offer user-friendly interfaces that are perfect for those new to animation.
For Professionals: Toon Boom Harmony, Blender, and OpenToonz are packed with advanced features suited for experienced animators.
For iPad Artists: Procreate (with Animation Assist) and Callipeg provide high-quality drawing and animation tools optimized for iPad users.
For Casual Animation: Animaker and Stick Nodes make it easy to create simple animations and stick figure projects with minimal effort.
Final Thoughts
While FlipaClip remains a popular choice for animators on mobile devices, these 10 apps like FlipaClip each bring something unique to the table. Whether you’re looking for an app with advanced features like Toon Boom Harmony or a simple, fun option like Stick Nodes, there’s an app here that can match your animation needs. Try experimenting with a few of these options to discover the app that best supports your creative workflow.
