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For storytellers, marketers, designers, or those who simply want to put their thoughts into shape, animation can be a game-changer. It can help convey your ideas in a way that is not only impactful but also meaningful. If you own an iPad and are looking to try your hand or level up your skills at animation, consider yourself in luck.
We've rounded up the best animation apps for iPad that can turn your ideas into motion magic, while making the most of the iPad's powerful, portable performance. So, without further ado, let’s jump right in.
For Beginners
Wondering where to start your animation journey? Here are a few animation apps for iPad that can help you get started.
1. Animaker
If you are looking for something absolutely beginner-friendly, Animaker can be your savior. This free animation app for iPad comes with features that require you to have minimal animation knowledge. It’s great for those who quickly want to get started and create animations or infographic videos right away. Moreover, its free plan floods you with powerful features, allowing you to create avatars (with more than 1,000 options), add properties and elements, music, special effects, transition effects, and more.
However, the free version of this animation app for iPad has its own limitations, as all the downloaded videos have the Animaker watermark on them.
2. TweenCraft
A favorite among meme-makers and short-form video creators, this free animation app for iPad makes it simple for you to produce content for platforms like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts.
Tweencraft stands out right away with its user-friendly interface and supports two creative formats: comic strip storytelling and 2D animation. One of its coolest features is that it can change your recorded voice and make it more engaging according to your character.
Despite its handy interface and fun-to-learn features, its free version only offers limited choices of characters with preset animations, which can restrict your creativity.
3. Plotagon Story
This is among the best animation apps for iPad if you want to create beginner 3D animation. Although it might overwhelm first-time visitors, after a little practice and use, anyone can learn this animation app with ease.
The best thing Plotagon does is keep things simple. You won’t be dragging characters around the screen. Instead, you get to pick from preset options.
But what really stands out about it is the AI voice feature. This animation app for iPad allows you to drop your script to make a realistic-sounding AI voiceover. Plus, the built-in camera angles add a professional touch, especially for dialogue-heavy videos.
However, all good things never come easy (or in this case, free). Their non-premium plans are heavy with video ads, and all downloads are watermarked.
4. Renderforest
With millions of users, this 2D & 3D animation app for iPad is pretty easy to use. It has plenty of animation templates and 3D characters that you can use to create high-quality animation videos even if you are entirely new to the field.
But as a free plan user, you will be restricted to keeping your videos under a single minute. Nevertheless, it’s a great app for designers and marketers who want to create short explainer videos or brand-focused content.
For Professionals
Given below are the best animation apps for iPad that you can use to upskill or create quality animations that require advanced skills.
1. Flipaclip
If you're confident in your drawing skills, Flipaclip might just be the perfect app to bring your animations to life. It offers a fun and engaging way to create 2D animations that is very similar to traditional flipbooks. With robust drawing tool support, it offers a smooth and intuitive experience for anyone experienced in animation.
But, like most of the free animation apps for iPad, this app also has a few hiccups, like limited features and some quirks with add-ons and audio. However, thanks to its easy tutorials and a super helpful community, it’s still a great way to level up your animation journey.
2. PicsArt Animator
Made by the photo and video editing giant, PicsArt, the PicsArt Animator has gained the trust of millions of users, even ranking among the top 5 editing apps for iOS and Android devices. It’s a great animation app for iPad, giving you all the right tools and features to give shape to your ideas. It allows you to draw and animate over photos, turn any picture into a smiley, and create frame-by-frame animations.
But guess what? The free version allows you to download only watermarked videos.
3. Animation Desk
Looking to start something from scratch or create frame-by-frame animation? This is the go-to animation app for iPad that you should check out.
The Animation Desk has all the creative tools (brushes, color palettes, sketch layers, selection tools) you can use to play around with frames and layers using onion skinning. You can even tweak the FPS to get your animation just right. And when you're done, it allows you to export it as a GIF, video, or even a PDF, whatever format you want.
4. Callipeg
Callipeg is a powerful 2D animation app that is made just for the iPad. Its clean, user-friendly interface and smooth timeline make it super easy to turn your sketches into lively animations.
With just a few finger gestures or pen strokes, you can flip through frames, play or pause your animation, access a floating palette, and quickly copy, clear, or paste. This is the best animation app for iPad if you are an advanced beginner with prior knowledge of animation.
What to Look For While Choosing an Animation App for iPad?
Every animation app has its own unique features, advantages, and disadvantages. But there are a handful of key factors that you must keep in mind before choosing any app:
- Make sure the interface of the app is user-friendly. There is no use in wasting time learning intricate tools.
- Ensure that the app has all the tools or features you need to give the desired shape to your imagination.
- If you are new to the game, it is better to go for apps that have updated learning resources or an active community that can guide you through dead ends and tricky situations.
- Lastly, but most importantly, make sure that the app is free to use or has a pricing that’s within your range.
The Final Thought
There are plenty of animation apps available on the App Store, but these animation apps for iPads allow you to understand the basics of animation or level up your skills better than the others.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Is an iPad good for animation?
A. Absolutely! iPads, especially the Pro models, are fantastic for animation. With powerful processors, Apple Pencil support, and a range of top-tier animation apps, you can sketch, animate, and even edit professionally on the go.
Q. What is the number 1 animation app?
A. It really depends on your needs, but Plotagon Story, PicsArt Animator, and FlipaClip are often considered top picks for 2D animation. For beginners, FlipaClip is super user-friendly, while Procreate Dreams offers a more advanced toolset for pros.
Q. Can I do 3D animation on an iPad?
A. Yes, you can! Apps like Renderforest, Plotagon Story, and Shapr3D let you dive into 3D modeling and animation right from your iPad. While they may not replace full desktop software, they’re surprisingly powerful for mobile work.
