The Ultimate Guide to Motion Graphics Software 2023

The Ultimate Guide to Motion Graphics Software 2024

Table of Contents

Motion graphics have turned into a crucial aspect for content creators and animation experts in recent years. While Adobe After Effects has long been the preferred software for producing eye-catching motion graphics, a variety of alternatives are now readily available, each with its distinct features and advantages.

However, finding one that suits your project needs can be challenging. So, here we have shared the best animation motion graphics tools to pick the suitable one for your upcoming project.

Essential Motion Graphics Software

Although there are various tools for motion graphics available, we have selected the best ones for you. Without any further ado, let’s take a deep dive into this guide!

1. Photoshop

Image Source: Geeky Mint

“This looks Photoshopped,” Have you heard this before? When people say this, it means that an image has been touched up or manipulated in some way. Adobe Photoshop is one of the most preferred motion graphics software to learn and use as it is highly adaptable.

Features

  • Make Matte Paintings
  • Edit Textures
  • Stitch Images Together
  • Design Boards
  • Create a GIF
  • Rotoscope
  • Layout Cel Animations

Adobe Photoshop is easy to understand and highly recommended for professional designers and animators.

2. After Effects

Image Source: Clip Ground

Adobe After Effects is the software that motion graphics creators should know about. Other tools can be used to produce motion design projects, but nothing is more adaptable and necessary for a modern motion graphics workflow.

The software for 2.5D animation is called After Effects. This means that, with a few exceptions, you can create almost any animation you want as long as it doesn’t need 3D modeling. After designing the storyboards and elements in Photoshop and Illustrator, After Effects is typically used to animate and composite all of your motion graphics work.

Features

  • Title Animation
  • Logo Reveals
  • Motion Tracking
  • 3D Compositing
  • Explainer Videos
  • Simulation Effects
  • Object Removal
  • VFX
  • UX/UI Design Mockups
  • Web Design Mockups
  • Slideshow Design
  • Kinetic Typography
  • Template Creation

Once you finish animating your project in After Effects, you can export a final version and send it to a video editing tool to add it to the rest of your project. All you need to do is to learn the steps of creating motion graphics.

3. Premiere Pro

Image Source: Genesis-Technologies

Adobe Premiere Pro is from Adobe’s family and may be accessed through the Creative Cloud, along with Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe After Effects.

Even after other video graphics software, Adobe continued to perform excellent work and released Premiere Pro, which integrates with the After Effect software.

The most popular option for graphic designers and video animators is After Effects. To give the video a final aesthetic, you can sync it with a variety of tools like Sony Vegas, Final Cut Pro, and Avid Media Composer.

Features

  • Motion Graphics Templates
  • VR Editing
  • VR Rotate Sphere
  • Simultaneous Projects
  • VR audio Editing
  • Effects
  • Video Titling and Graphics
  • Lumetri Support
  • Transitions
  • Regional Closed Caption standards
  • Labels
  • Type Tool
  • Libraries
  • Shared Projects

Premiere is one of the best software for motion graphics; using it will benefit you in numerous ways.

Intermediate Motion Graphics Software

Now that you know about the essential motion graphics tools, it’s time to go into the 3D realm. Let’s learn about some intermediate-level software.

1. Cinema 4D

Image Source: Volanti Displays

The majority of motion designers prefer to work with Cinema 4D. You can probably sit down right now, watch a tutorial, and make anything because it is so user-friendly.

Motion graphics professionals frequently use Cinema 4D for modeling, animation, and simulation effects. It’s crucial to emphasize the word “Motion Graphics” in this sentence. While studios across Hollywood undoubtedly use C4D, it’s much more typical for professional VFX work to be done using programs like Maya.

Features

  • Fields
  • Volume builder
  • Node-based Shaders
  • Alembic baking
  • Improved CAD Importer
  • UV Unwrapping

Additionally, a few additional GPU-accelerated render engines that work with Cinema 4D let you render out 3D models of higher quality more quickly. Octane, a third-party engine, is the render engine that Cinema 4D users prefer the most.

2. Mocha AE

Image Source: Creative Tools

For motion artists who want to perform screen replacements, object removals, or rotoscoping, Mocha AE, an award-winning planer-based tracking and masking plugin inside of Adobe After Effects, is a useful tool.

It can be challenging to use Mocha AE at first, but as you get used to its spline-based approach, tracking all of the movements realistically will become easier.

Because Mocha is integrated with After Effects, switching between the two software to track a shot and then returning to After Effects with the camera data is simple.

Features

  • GPU-accelerated tracking and object removal
  • Advanced Modules: Insert, Lens, Remove, 3D solve, stabilize
  • Export data to industry-standard systems
  • Stereo 360/VR workflows

When it comes to motion graphics software, Mocha is a useful and valuable tool if you start working on commercials or advertisements.

3. The Trapcode Suite

Image Source: Creative Tools

Technically speaking, Trapcode Suite is not an application. Instead, the Trapcode Suite is a group of plugins that can be added to After Effects to provide users access to functionality that is otherwise not accessible.

Features

  • Trapcode Form: Builds grids around 3D objects.
  • Trapcode Particular: It is a particle generation plugin.
  • Trapcode Sound Keys: Quick Audio-driven Motion Graphics in After Effects
  • Trapcode Stroke: Creates strokes and shapes from masks in After Effects.
  • Trapcode Echospace: Offsets and clones animated layers.
  • Trapcode Mir: Amazing for simulating environments and terrains in After Effects.
  • Trapcode Starglow: Make glints and glows for motion graphics and text.
  • Trapcode Tao: Creates abstract 3D geometry shapes. Adds extra design elements to any scene.
  • Trapcode Shine: Produces 3D light ray effects that are more complex than the ones built into After Effects.
  • Trapcode Lux: Creates 3D lights.
  • Trapcode Horizon: Create 3D backgrounds.

In their own unique ways, each of these plugins is cool, but if you had to choose just a few, Trapcode Particular, Form, and Mir come highly recommended.

Cel Animation Tools

Cel animation, also referred to as traditional animation or hand-drawn animation, is a type of traditional animation in which each frame of the animation is created by hand on a transparent sheet of paper called a “cel.” When played sequentially, these cells are then overlaid on a background to provide the impression of motion.

There are some famous cel animation tools that most of the motion graphics services providers use, such as:

1. Adobe Animate7

Image Source: Creative Bloq

Without Adobe Animate, your search for a program that may assist you in producing gripping 2D animation stories is insufficient.

One of the outstanding animation tools in the Adobe Creative Cloud lineup is Adobe Animate.

The advantage of using Animate is that you can quickly and easily submit your project on a variety of platforms with adaptable formats and reach your audience.

Features

  • Lip-syncing
  • Adobe Animate Camera
  • Design Interactive animations for TV shows, games, and the web
  • The creation of eLearning and infographics made easy
  • Bring Cartoons and Banner ads to life
  • Vector Brushes
  • Create animated doodles and avatars

Using Adobe Animate, you can quickly publish to various platforms in just any format and get viewers on any screen.

2. Moho

Image Source: Moho Pro

Moho Pro 13, formerly known as Anime Studio, is a tremendously effective animation tool that offers improved workflow for your projects. The possibilities are endless due to additional bitmap and freehand sketching features, vector animation tools, and Moho’s unique bone-rigging system.

Features

  • Rigging Systems
  • Brush Tools
  • Photoshop Integrations
  • Keyframing Tools

If you’ve ever wanted to create original animations, you should definitely explore this animated graphics software.

Advanced Motion Graphics Software

Now that we know some of the basics and mid-level motion graphics design tools, it’s time to learn about some advanced software.

1. Unreal Engine

Image Source: Wikipedia

The cutting-edge real-time 3D creative tool is called Unreal Engine. This immensely potent tool’s availability for free doesn’t diminish its impact. The software is regularly improved by the developers, giving creators from a variety of industries the ability to conjure up fantastical worlds.

You’re missing out if you think this engine is only useful for video games. Indeed, Unreal is a powerhouse for the video game industry, but it’s also frequently utilized in commercials, movies, and other media.

Features

  • World Building
  • Pipeline Integration
  • Rendering, Lighting, Material
  • Developer tools
  • Simulation and Effects
  • Animation
  • Gameplay and interactivity authoring

This software is cost-effective, and you can create fantastic motion graphics using this tool.

2. ZBrush

Image Source: 1000logos

ZBrush can assist you in digitally sculpting and painting the projects if you are a 3D animator. With adaptable brushes, you may create unique and captivating artwork. The digital clay is yours to mold, sculpt, and paint any way you choose.

Features

  • ZModeler
  • Base mesh generation
  • DynaMesh
  • Live Boolean
  • Sculptris Pro – add (tesselate) and remove (decimate) polygons whenever needed

Reputable studios, game developers, figurine and collectible manufacturers, aviation and automation equipment, jewelry designers, animators, graphic designers, illustrators, marketers, scientists, and other creative experts all over the world use ZBrush.

3. Blender

Image Source: Blender

Among many motion graphics tools, Blender is the best software for animators and graphic artists. It is an open-source 3D animation tool that supports motion tracking, modeling, rigging, simulation, rendering, texturing, and other 3D animation pipeline procedures. Blender makes it easier to create 3D models, edit videos, and create 2D animations.

Features

  • Modeling
  • Rendering
  • Sculpting
  • Grease Pencil
  • Simulation
  • Animation and rigging
  • VFX
  • Scripting
  • Video Editing

Blender is a fantastic tool to have in your arsenal if you’re creating new worlds, incredible character models, or stunning effects.

4. Cavalry

Image Source: Cavalry

2D animation tool Cavalry is frequently used as a cost-effective substitute for After Effects. Although the software is still in its infancy, the motion graphics design community is already very excited about it.

Feature

  • Making use of image-based distributions, you may put shapes, make grids, and position objects along paths.
  • Use behaviors to oscillate position values, deform forms along routes, or voxelize shapes.
  • You may easily create dates, strings, and values, then connect, scramble, or replace characters.
  • A real-time replay of animation is possible, and any modifications are updated immediately.

Despite being new to the industry, Cavalry has already proven its worth with strong community support and has become one of the best motion graphics tools in a short period.

5. Houdini

Image Source: Logovtor

A 3D procedural tool called Houdini is utilized for modeling, rigging, animation, visual effects, developing looks, lighting, and rendering.

Features

  • Explosions
  • Ocean Dynamics
  • Crowds
  • Realistic Fire
  • Smoke
  • Destruction
  • Cloth
  • Fur

The big names in Hollywood use this software to produce VFX for both blockbuster films and commercial videos. Not for the weak of heart, Houdini. You might choose to devote your entire professional life to just one tool. You can get a trial version of Houdini for free from the SideFx website if you only want a taste.

6. Maya

Image Source: 1000 Logos

Maya is a 3D animation and modeling tool that is widely used in animation. Users can create scripts to increase functionality with just the built-in tools. The learning curve is relatively severe despite the fact that it is the preferred software for the entertainment industry. Without ever using Maya, you very well can work exclusively in Cinema 4D and have great success.

Features

  • Adaptive liquid simulation
  • Bifrost for procedural effects
  • Rigging
  • Ready-to-use graphs
  • Native motion library plugin
  • Dynamics and effects
  • Interactive hair grooming
  • Bullet Physics
  • Maya nCloth
  • 3D animation
  • Performance Capture
  • Cached Playback
  • Animation Bookmarks
  • Bifrost Fluids
  • Time Editor
  • Geodesic voxel binding
  • General animation tools
  • Shape authoring workflow
  • Pin to geometry
  • Bifrost Ocean Simulation System
  • Parallel rig evaluation
  • Matrix drive workflows
  • Proximity Wrap deformer

Many Motion Designers find Maya isn’t their cup of tea. But this tool has a steep learning curve and is perfect for professional work.

Final Words!

We hope this article was helpful to you and assisted you in picking up the best motion graphics tools for your project.

Furthermore, you can connect with Anideos, the leading video animation company in the USA, for any expert support you may require. We offer top-tier animated explainer videos, 2D and 3D animation, motion graphics, whiteboard animation, video editing, and logo animation services. Get in touch to discuss your project with us!

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Aleena Gill
Aleena Gill
Aleena Gill is a copywriter and content specialist with years of experience in the digital industry. She has a knack for blending creativity with strategic insight that leads businesses of all sizes and niches, particularly animation and tech, to success. Her persuasive and impactful content not just informs, but engages, resonates, and drives results.