Drawing is a passion as well as a profession nowadays, and those who are obsessed with it want to do it at anything they may find. Some people draw on paper, some on board and now some are good at drawing on a digital machine like a computer or mobile. To draw, you need equipment, and good equipment creates a big impact on the outcome of your drawing. This is the reason we have found some of the best hand drawing software in which you can draw freely on your computer and get your thing done in a professional way. Some of the software are not just limited to drawing, they allow you to create your drawing animated, and it gives your character life. Let your creativity flow as the software will help you in creating whatever character you like easily and in a way that it will make your imagination true. Once you are a professional on a software, you can create a lot more than just a character like a short movie which is not possible to do by hand. Take a look at the list and get your new partner for drawing.
1. OpenToonZ
OpenToonZ is an open source all in one raster graphics creator and editor in which you can free draw any 2D character which can be animated or simple. The software is a full freeware, and you can run it on any operating system as it is cross-platform to start working with it, you don’t need to take any explanatory tutorials, it is very easy to work with, and you can start your project right away after installing the software. You can know the details about the features of the software at the official website whose link is given.
2. Pencil 2D
Pencil 2D is a 2D Animation drawing software which is quite a handy one. It is open source and cross-platform, and this is why you don’t have to be on your PC specifically to work in it. The software is very lightweight and does not workload your system. You can easily switch between vector and raster workflows which allows you to create a professional level drawing with ease. The GUI Interface of the software is very easy to understand, and it is a good software for students too.
3. Stykz
Stykz is an all in one package for 2D animator as it lets you create professional level 2D animated drawings anywhere at any time. It is an open source software which and because of this, you can use it on any device you want and work anywhere, no need to be sticked to your PC. The software is loaded with features and give you command over editing each frame of your animation. You can use the Select tool and manipulate one or more figures at once. Figures can be duplicated, scaled, rotated, flipped, colourized, and aligned and much more.
4. Toon Boom Animate Pro
Toon Boom Animate Pro is an industrial scale software which is ready to go at any time you want to work with and working with it has its own advantages. The software is rich with features and creating an animated or even simple drawing in it is a piece of cake. The software is a cross-platform software and can be run on any device you own or want. The user interface of the software is very clean and easy to use, and you can easily access various features from its home tabs. You don’t need to switch between various software to complete the work, this software is all in one package.
5. Clara.IO
Clara.IO is an online cloud-based 3D modelling system in which you can create professional level 2D and 3D drawings. All of the features are integrated into the website, and you do not need to install any additional software for it to work. You can upload your models directly to the cloud storage of the website and continue it anywhere you want. It can run on Chrome, Firefox, IE11, Edge, Windows, Apple OSX, Linux, Android, iOS. You just have to register on the web and then start using it for free.
6. Key Shot
Key Shot is a high-level professional software which is used by many professionals in the film industry, the gaming industry and animated cartoons industry. The software is really a thing in the field, and the projects made in the software are clean, high level and takes less time to complete. Everything in the software happens in real time in this software as its rendering speed is very fast and it gives you all the results from time to time. You can get the trial version of the software, and after you like it, you can purchase it.
7. Synfig Studio
Synfig Studio is a reliable 2D animation software program that enables you to create high-quality 2D animations, using bitmap and vector artwork. It contains a screen which looks like a DOS Command prompt and its actual primary screen provides you facility to give all the command in easily. You have to open all the additional tools in multiple windows which make things pretty hard for you. You will find Synfig Studio a handy application because the most of its elements are vector based and all the layers are generated parametrically. So you have the facility to alter the target resolution of a project and import raster images. Moreover, the program offers support to a large number of layers like filters, geometric, gradients, transformations, distortions, fractals, and many others. The application uses a low amount of system resources.
8. Plastic Animation Paper
Plastic Animation Paper is a 2D animation software application that allows the user to create animations and cartoons by drawing each frame and combining them with the help of outstanding effects. The simple interface of the application has enough editing space and a slim side panel to provide multiple tools you get to work with. So, you have the facility to manage layers and start playback as well as adjust pen size and style. Cutout tools of this program enable you to literally cut portions of your drawing. Moreover, you can clone objects, rotate objects, and use a large variety of effects. Layer Management is an important tool of the app which allows the user to assemble all of his sheets in a specific order and in order to make drawing move, plays at a custom time rate. You have the facility to add six layers to your work and each one is containing a custom number of frames.
9. GIMP
GIMP is a free open-source raster graphic editing software which is loaded with features. The software can be used to alter GIF’s, Create free-form Drawings, Drawing animations and much more. It has a simple user interface which is easy to understand for new users as well as professional users. You can also use it to convert various types of image formats like JPG,PNG, JFIF, TGA etc. So if you are looking for more than GIF creating or speed changing, go for this one, it can do a lot more work for you. It is available on Mac OS, Linux and Microsoft Windows.
10. Blender
Blender is a professional 3D creating software application that facilitates the user to create a large range of 2D and 3D models. The application contains professional modeling, lighting, texturing, animation and video processing tools. Blender has a complex user interface so you can access this program by using a well-structured user manual and tutorials. You can view all the features and tools without dragging anything around. Moreover, you can add modifiers such as array, mask, edge split, lattice, multi-resolution, mesh deform, explode, collision, wave, smooth, and smoke, as well as you can take a screenshot, render an image, undo and redo your actions. Plus, you have the possibility to customize themes in the setting menu or by modifying the script in Python. You can make use of pencil, texture painting, UV unwrapping, vertex pain, shading, halos, a game logic editor, physics, rigging, and much more.
