Three Top Flash Animation Software Programs Side-by-side
by Kelly Richardson
kelly.richardson@animationschoolreview.com
Animation School Review Columnist
An animation pro is only as good as the software she’s using. Fortunately, the latest cutting edge flash animation programs have enhanced the capabilities of animators significantly. Here’s a closer look at three of the top flash animation software programs and how they differ from one another. Happy animating!
The enhanced features and functionality of the major software suites are big news in the world of flash animation. Each year, animation professionals explore new ways to improve their ability to create and publish award-winning flash series for a variety of media.
Top Flash Animation Suites
Many animators have trouble choosing among the available flash animation packages, however. It’s quite possible to get lost in the barrage of upgrades and features. To help you choose the right program, here are some highlights of three top flash animation software packages.
- Animo 6.0. Created by Cambridge Animation Systems, the new Animo 6.0 flash program is touted as the first software package to seamlessly integrate 2D and 3D animation. Available for Windows XP/2000 and Mac OS X 10.3, Animo allows for creation in every stage of the design process. Famous clients include Warner Bros., DreamWorks SKG, Nelvana, Colorland, and Loonland.
- CelAction2C V3. You’ll love this professional 2D animation software for films, TV series, and commercials. CelAction2C allows animators to design 2D character models on a computer as resolution-independent vector graphics or scanned bitmaps. CelAction is the technology behind the award-winning series The Big Knights and the ground-breaking 2DTV.
- Toon Boom Studio. A 2005 Primetime Emmy Engineering Award recipient, Toon Boom Studio takes its place as a versatile flash animation favorite. Features include drawing digitally, scanning hand-drawn animations, importing existing artwork, lip-syncing animation, setting up the action in a 3D space, and publishing animation projects for TV, HDTV, the Web.
Each of these animation packages can be purchased as a suite of solutions or in pieces for specific functions. Also, they each have a watered down version that is perfect for newbie flash animation pros just getting used to basic operating procedures.
Choosing the best flash animation product boils down to functionality and comfort. Give each one a test drive and see which program best suits your needs. Then expand your flash animation success through training and practice.
Sources
Cambridge Animation Systems
Celaction
Toon Boom Studio
About the Author
Kelly Richardson covers the local education and technology scenes in major cities across the country. His articles appear in educational journals, periodicals, and e-zines.
Posted on March 7, 2007 at 12:16 PM
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