Cartoon Animator

A 2D Animation Software with an user interface that makes sense

Commentaires : This is an animation software that makes sense. CTA makes sense in everything it does. One will find the tools exactly where they are supposed to be and things work exactly the way one expects them to work. This may sound obvious but after trying out several animation softwares, these look like a very rare situation. Cartoon Animator (previously CrazyTalk Animator) is a software that provides almost everything one needs to create anything from short cartoon ad to full length animation movies, that too with an interface (which translates to the learning curve) that makes sense.

Avantages :

CrazyTalk Animator (now Cartoon Animator 4) is one of the best 2D animation softwares one can find in the market. What I like the most about CTA is that their makers, Reallusion has managed to create an user interface and workflow that makes sense. Yes, this is a big thing when it comes to animation softwares. Everything is so intuitive to learn and easy to understand. One can start making fully customisable animation within hours . Although CTA comes with a huge library of pre-made characters, animation movements, etc. but what is absolutely awesome is that its so easy to create your own custom content and thus you can make your very own, custom animation movie. Plus, CTA has incorporated some fantastic new features like 3D Head creation, Motion Capture technologies (which is again really easy to learn, Motion Retargeting, Smart Inverse Kinematics, Keyframe animation, Intuitive bone rigging systems, and many more. Plus one can but more contents from Reallusion's Content store and Marketplace.

Inconvénients :

Well, CTA (Cartoon Animator) doesn't have features for drawing contents within the software itself. You will need some external drawing programs to create the sprites and figures, only then you can import them to CTA to complete the remaining process of custom content creation. It would be great if Reallusion provides drawing tools right into the software.

It is now my top choice.

Commentaires : I was using another online software to build my animated videos and I found that while the software offered a lot, it still had its limitations with the characters and animations. I really like that I can develop my own characters and animate them to do the things I need them to do. In the other software it was VERY expensive to ask them to build a character for me.

Avantages :

The fact that you can create your own characters and animate them. There are lots of videos/tutorials available to help you learn how to use it. I like the fact that there is more flexibility with camera angles. I also like that I can see the layers to make sure things are stacked correctly. I like that there is an educational discount for teachers and students. That was really the selling point for me as an educator.

Inconvénients :

It is a bit challenging to create multiple scenes within the software. It is not designed for that but it is possible. It does take a lot of time to learn to use the software because you probably have to watch the tutorials several times to really get the hang of it. I wish it came with more prebuilt characters, scenes and props to help a user get started.

Great Piece of Software

Avantages :

I love how easy it is to use for what I need it for.

Inconvénients :

The only issues I've had are the occasional crash

Customer service non existent

Avantages :

High learning curve but lots of features. Customer service is awful and instructional videos are poorly produced.

Inconvénients :

Accidentally purchased the wrong software. Followed correct procedures to return. Got email received confirmation. No refund...ever. Buyer beware, if there is a problem they simply won't address it. They don't care about customer service..

The first animation software I use

Commentaires : Back in the days I use to think that animation was so complex that I wouldn't have the chance to venture into it, but with cartoon animator I have seen that thought come to an end. Though I have only done few animation projects which are personal, but I have indeed seen the results of the software

Avantages :

As a digital artist, I usually design 2D cartoon characters then import them to cartoon animator in order to give them secondary motion. This saves me the stress of drawing frame by frame

Inconvénients :

Well the software do make animation easy but users need some practice in order to use its features