Create Viral Animated Videos With These Free Tools!

Introduction

Creating animated videos can be a daunting task, especially if you're not keen on splurging on expensive software. Fortunately, several free tools can help you bring your ideas to life without costing you a dime. In this article, we'll explore three powerful platforms—Renderforest, Canva, and Adobe Mixamo—that cater to both beginners and those looking for budget-friendly options. Let’s dive in!

Renderforest

Renderforest is an all-in-one platform that's quite versatile, offering everything from video creation to logo design and even website mockups. However, our focus today will be on its animation video creation tools. One of Renderforest's standout features is its integration of artificial intelligence, making it accessible for users without technical design skills.

Getting Started

To get started with Renderforest, simply visit their website and sign up for an account. It’s a web-based platform, so no downloads are necessary. You'll find a variety of templates available, and beginners may want to start with their 3D explainer video toolkit. You can choose preset templates, build your animation scene by scene, or input a script for the AI to generate animations.

Key Features & Benefits

• Wide Variety of Templates: With over 500 templates, you can find one that suits your industry needs whether you are creating a corporate presentation, YouTube video, or social media ad.
• Customization Options: Tweak animations, colors, and scenes to perfectly align with your brand.
• Integrated Resources: Access stock footage, music tracks, and vector graphics all in one place.

Downsides

• Rendering Time: Longer videos may take longer to render.
• Music Selection Issues: Sometimes the chosen music doesn’t align correctly with the animations.
• AI Limitations: While the AI can streamline the process, it’s not always accurate in suggesting fitting animations.

Pricing

Renderforest offers a free plan with limitations, such as watermarks and video length restrictions. For around $ 9 per month, the Light Plan removes watermarks and grants access to more templates. The Pro Plan at $ 19 per month is better for larger projects, allowing full HD videos and commercial use rights.

Canva

Canva is a well-known tool for creating stunning designs including posters and social media graphics, but it also excels in animated video creation. Its user-friendly interface allows users to create polished animated videos quickly.

Getting Started

To use Canva, create an account using your Google or Facebook credentials to expedite the process. Select the video format and a blank canvas to start adding elements. The drag-and-drop interface simplifies the process of adding images, videos, and animations.

Key Features & Benefits

• Ease of Use: The intuitive design makes it easy for beginners to get started.
• Large Template Library: Thousands of customizable templates are available for various projects.
• Animation Options: Apply animations to text, images, or entire slides with simple options like fade and bounce.

Downsides

• Basic Animation Control: Animation options are somewhat limited compared to more advanced software.
• Timeline Limitations: Lacks the depth found in professional video editing software, making fine adjustments challenging.

Pricing

Canva has a free plan loaded with features, but some options require a paid Pro Plan that includes advanced features like custom brand kits and watermark-free exports.

Adobe Mixamo

Adobe Mixamo provides a different set of tools focused on 3D animation, allowing users to rig and animate 3D characters quickly.

Getting Started

To use Mixamo, sign up for an Adobe account. You can either upload your 3D character model or choose from Mixamo’s library of pre-built characters.

Key Features & Benefits

• Auto Rigging: Quickly add a skeleton to your 3D models, saving manual rigging time.
• Animation Library: With over 1,000 animations available, apply movements suitable for various characters.

Downsides

• Limited Customization: Allows only basic movement alterations.
• Character Library Constraints: If you need highly detailed or unique models, you may need to create your own.

Pricing

Mixamo is free to use, but you may need to invest in advanced 3D software for more complex animations.

Conclusion

These three platforms—Renderforest, Canva, and Adobe Mixamo—provide unique tools for creating animated videos tailored to different needs, from 2D visual storytelling to 3D character animation. Each offers distinct features and capabilities, making them invaluable resources for beginners and seasoned professionals alike.

Keyword

• Animated videos
• Renderforest
• Canva
• Adobe Mixamo
• 2D and 3D animation
• Video creation tools
• Templates
• Free plans

FAQ

1. Can I create animated videos for free?
Yes, tools like Renderforest, Canva, and Adobe Mixamo offer free plans or features that allow you to create animated videos without spending money.

2. What is Renderforest best for?
Renderforest is best for creating explainer videos and promotional material through its extensive library of templates and AI capabilities.

3. Is Canva suitable for beginners?
Yes, Canva is designed with a user-friendly interface, making it accessible for beginners as well as experienced users looking for quick results.

4. What types of animations can I create with Adobe Mixamo?
Adobe Mixamo is specialized in 3D animation, primarily for rigging and animating humanoid characters, making it great for game developers and 3D artists.

5. Are there limitations with the free plans?
Yes, free plans often come with restrictions such as watermarks, limited video duration, and fewer template options compared to paid plans.