Animation is commonly used for media and entertainment by giving life to static images on a screen. Using animation in web design is nothing new, but it has gained popularity in other sectors over the years. This is likely due to the increased use of animation by big companies for their marketing efforts, as well as the proliferation of easy-to-use animation tools.

When used correctly, animation can be a great way to engage users and add a bit of fun to your website or application. They can also be used to improve the usability of your site by making it more intuitive and easy to use.

However, animations can also be distracting and annoying if used incorrectly or in excess. So, it is important to use them sparingly and only when they will genuinely improve the user experience.

In this article, we’re going to discuss nine free browser-based animation tools that you can use to create animated GIFs, videos, and more. We’ll also cover their history, features, and what type of animations they’re best for.

Animista

Do you specialize in CSS animation? Animista is the right platform for you. This browser-based animation tool is used by web designers, animators, and motion graphics specialists to create CSS animations. You can either start from scratch or use one of the many templates available on the site.

Simple and intuitive, the animation tool makes it easy to create complex animations in minutes. Many options can be customized, including color, timing, direction, and easing. Additionally, you can export animations from Animista as GIFs, videos, or WebGL.

Animatron

If you prefer animations that mainly focus on marketing, Animatron has got you covered. This video and animation platform is created to cater to businesses whose high points are visuals and marketing materials. Animatron allows users to produce video content, design sprites, create GIFs, and even put together entire videos using its library of templates and resources.

The platform is extremely beginner-friendly so you don’t need any design experience or programming knowledge to get started. Animatron also offers a free trial, so you can explore all of its features without spending a dime.

Adobe XD

Web-based animation professionals can count on Adobe XD for quality. As part of the Adobe Creative Cloud, this animation tool is built to integrate with other Adobe software for an efficient workflow. XD offers a wide range of features to create and export animations, including:

  • Timing controls
  • Frame-by-frame animation
  • Motion paths
  • Keyframe interpolation

Aside from that, this platform is also equipped with design tools to help you create beautiful user interfaces. When it comes to pricing, Adobe XD is free for individuals. However, you need an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription to use it.

VistaCreate

Do you want a platform that combines graphic design and animation? Try VistaCreate. This graphic design platform has been around since 2006 and is popular with web designers, bloggers, and business owners.

With VistaCreate, you can create custom animations, graphics, and logos. Plus, you can use the built-in tools to create videos or slide presentations.

If you’re a beginner, you can count on their online tutorials to help you get started. In this way, you get to learn how to create simple or complex animations.

Doodly

Doodly is a whiteboard animation software that lets users create free-form drawings and realistic animation in a few minutes. The software is easy to use and lets users animate their drawings by drawing paths for their characters to follow. Doodly also offers a library of characters, props, and scenes that users can use in their animations.

This platform was founded in 2012 by Simon Anderson and it has been one of the most popular animation software since then. The software offers a free trial for users to test out before they decide to buy.

Doodly’s main advantage over other animation software is the ability to create free-form drawings. This means that users are not limited to using predefined shapes and can create any animation they want.

Easil

Another marketing-focused animation tool that you can use is Easil. Their website consists of a landing page with an easy-to-use free trial, a gallery of animations created by users, and pricing plans.

While the animation capabilities are limited, Easil’s simple drag-and-drop interface makes it easy for anyone to create basic animations without having to learn to code. This can be a great way to add some extra life to your marketing materials or social media posts.

They also have a library of free icons and graphics that you can use in your animations, which is helpful if you don’t have any design skills.

Flinto

Beginner in animation? Flinto is a browser-based animation tool you can trust. It was founded in 2012 by Nathan Manousos and Kazuho Okui. Since then, Flinto became a go-to of Apple users who are interested in animation.

With Flinto you can create prototypes of your app or website designs and animate them. You don’t need to learn how to code! It also offers an easy-to-use interface which makes it perfect for creating simple animations. Once you have created your animation, you can share it with others or embed it on your website.

Vyond

Making animated videos has never been easier with this tool. Vyond is a powerful, easy-to-use browser animation tool that lets you create your videos. You don’t need to be a professional animator or designer to use it — just drag and drop shapes, characters, and icons to start creating scenes.

The main benefit of using Vyond for business is that you can create videos that explain your products or services quickly and easily. Animated videos are a great way to engage with customers, and they can be especially useful for explaining complex concepts or processes.

Powtoon

Powtoon is famous for a reason. As one of the leading animation platforms worldwide, Powtoon offers a wide range of features to make your videos stand out, including:

  • Over 100 free templates and assets to get you started
  • A huge library of animated characters and props
  • Customizable text, fonts, and colors
  • Ability to add music and voiceover
  • Integration with YouTube, Google Drive, and other platforms

Conclusion

In summary, animation has become an essential aspect of some company’s marketing strategies. It can be used to communicate a message or story, increase engagement with a product or service, and improve the overall user experience.

However, creating animations can be expensive and time-consuming. Thankfully, many free browser-based animation tools allow you to create professional-grade animations without having to learn complex software or programming languages.

Study all of them carefully to find the one that best suits your needs and start creating stunning animations today!