Make Your Own Animation: Animation Freeware

Ok, so you've seen the animations on this site and (hopefully) you are impressed and amazed! "How can I make animations like this? Do I need to be some big shot web designer or pay big bucks for computer animation or 3D training?" Nope! There are many 3D animation programs available, ranging from incredibly easy to incredibly complicated. Some are used only for 3D titles (letters, numbers, etc), some are are highly advanced and have been used in many popular movies such as Cars, Jurassic Park, etc.  For information about the higher end animation programs (3DS Max, Softimage, Houdini, Amorphium, Adobe Dimensions, etc.) see the which 3d software should I use page.

Gif Animation And Photo Editing Freeware:

Movies 13 Gif Animator
A freeware gif animator with 98 animation presets, AVI and GIF converters.  You can easily edit an existing gif animation, or make a new one with imported images.  Great for beginners.Limitations: NoneFile Size: 1.1 MBDownload Link:Download Movies 13

2D And 3D Animation Freeware:

Pivot Stickfigure Animator
Quite possibly the easiest animation program ever made!  Just for fun, maybe on a rainy day.  Includes a sample animation. Freeware.Limitations: NoneFile Size: 485 KBDownload Link:
Download Stickfigure Animator

Google Sketchup

An easy-to-learn 3D modeling program whose few simple tools enable you to create 3D models of houses, sheds, decks, home additions, woodworking projects – even space ships.  A great way to discover if 3D modeling is right for you.  Freeware.Limitations: NoneFile Size: 31.8 MBDownload Link:Go To The Google Sketchup Download Page

3D Plus (Version 2)

For the novice user, 3D Plus transforms regular text to 3D, creates instant animations and effects, and allows you to control the lighting, texture, and postioning of your scene objects in a user-freindly way. Limitations: You need to call Serif Software to register (for free) to enable all of the software's advanced functions. You may get a "hard sell" to buy additional software, though.  A more feature-filled version is available now for $9.95 USD.File Size: 19 MBDownload Link:Visit The Serif 3D Plus Page

Anim8or

3D Animation software, primarily for character animation.  If you are just starting out with 3D animation and want to do more than just 3D text effects, this is the program for you.  Packed with features, and the best part is, it's freeware! For beginner to intermediate users.  Help forums available.Limitations: NoneFile Size: 826 KBDownload Link:Go To The Anim8or Download Page

Art Of Illusion

Many of this software's capabilities rival those found in commercial programs. Some of the highlights include subdivision surface based modelling tools, skeleton based animation, and a graphical language for designing procedural textures and materials.  For intermediate to advanced users. Freeware.Limitations: NoneFile Size: 6.1 MBDownload Link:Visit The Art Of Illusion Download Page

3D Canvas

Excellent 3D modeling and animation software, recommended for intermediate users, but dedicated beginners may want to try it. Freeware.Limitations: NoneFile Size: 9.1 MBDownload Link:Go To The 3D Canvas Download Page

Blender

Very popular open-source 3D software, with many features of popular high end programs.  Arguably the best freeware 3D animation software available, with tutorials and help forums available. For intermediate to advanced users. Freeware.Limitations: NoneFile Size: 8 MBDownload Link:Go To The Blender Download Page