Design, Video & Audio·Standings
Motion Graphics Software
Motion graphics tools let you animate graphics and create visual effects. Narrow the options by your computer’s platform and the cost or free access that suits your work.
Use the board’s signal score out of 10 for a quick comparison. Its marks indicate which tools have a public API, open-source code, or a free tier, helping you compare them with your workflow and budget.
- 16 platforms
- 9 with a free tier
- Checked 23 Oct 2026
- 1 P
Pencil2Dpencil2d.orgFree, open-source drawing app for 2D animation; exports video, GIFs, and image sequences.
- 2 B
Blenderblender.orgNo-cost 3D creation tool; its source code is open to the public.
- 3 DR
DaVinci Resolveblackmagicdesign.comVideo editor for desktop and mobile; its free plan supports 4K export and team work.
- 4 H
Houdinisidefx.comDesktop 3D creation app with sculpting and a free plan for Linux, Mac, and PC.
- 5 C
Cavalrycavalry.studioFreemium 2D animation and motion graphics app with character rigging for Mac and Windows.
- 6 OOpenToonzopentoonz.github.io
No-cost animation tool for making 2D scenes and rigging characters on desktop systems.
- 7 F
Fusionblackmagicdesign.comFreemium node-based compositing for effects, animation, VR, and 3D on Linux, Mac, or Windows.
- 8 C4
Cinema 4Dmaxon.netDesktop 3D graphics app for Linux, Mac, and PC; offers a 14-day trial.
- 9 MMohomoho.lostmarble.com
Animation and modeling app for Mac and PC, starting at $59.99; trial available.
- 10 AA
Adobe After Effectsadobe.comVisual effects and animation app for Mac and PC; includes a seven-day trial.
- 11 AA
Adobe Animateadobe.comPaid app for making 2D cartoons and rigged characters, with a seven-day trial.
- 12 NNukefoundry.com
Freemium node-based compositing app with keying tools for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
- 13 AM
Apple Motionapple.comMac app for animating 2D, 3D, and 360° titles, transitions, images, and effects.
- 14 TB
Toon Boom Harmonytoonboom.com - 15 NNatronNatron
Free software with a free plan; standard and professional pricing is available on request.
- 16 AFAutodesk Flameautodesk.com
Paid compositing software with 3D camera tracking for macOS and Rocky Linux; 30-day trial.
Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this board are open to sponsors. Take #1 · Other ways to advertise
How to choose
Which platform does it need to run on?
Check platform support before choosing. The board covers software for macOS, Windows, and Linux, so confirm that your computer is supported.
What pricing model fits your budget?
Choose a free, freemium, or paid option based on how you plan to use it. DaVinci Resolve and Fusion have free plans, with paid versions starting at $295; Apple Motion is priced from $49.99.
Can you try it before paying?
Look for a trial or free plan before committing. Adobe Animate gives you seven days to try it, compared with 30 days for Autodesk Flame.
Do you need a free tier or open-source code?
Use the free-tier and open-source marks to narrow the board. A free plan lets you start without payment; open-source code can matter if you need to inspect or change the software, so check its licence.
Does it need a public API?
If another app must connect to the tool, check its public-API mark and read the maker's documentation before deciding.
Questions
What is motion graphics software used for?
It lets users create animated graphics and visual effects.
Which motion graphics software has a free plan?
The board marks tools with a free plan. DaVinci Resolve and Fusion include free plans; Natron is listed as free.
How much does Apple Motion cost?
Apple Motion is listed as paid, with pricing from $49.99.
Which tools offer a trial?
Adobe Animate has a seven-day trial; Autodesk Flame has a 30-day trial.
What platforms are covered?
The board includes software for macOS, Windows, and Linux.
Some top positions on this board can be paid placements, standing where they were sold. The facts on each platform are not for sale. How we rank · Disclosure