Imagine bringing creative visions to life with movement, storytelling, and artistry that captivates the audience. In a world where storytelling meets digital art, 2D animation has become more than just cartoons on a screen—it’s a feeling, a journey, a spark of imagination. 2D animation is the foundational element that creates compelling visual content to power industries like marketing, education, and entertainment.  Whether it's a character bursting into life or an idea turned into visuals, motion design bridges the gap between brands and people.

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For any motion design agency, the heartbeat of their craft lies in the tools they use, and thus, selecting the right software is crucial to achieving professional results. Just like painters need brushes and musicians need instruments, animation studios need special software to create moving and meaningful visuals. Behind every animated video, the right software plays a crucial role in bringing the visuals and message to life. Let’s dive into the top 5 software used by professional 2D animation studios—the engines that drive the magic.

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Key Features

• Professional 2D animation software like Toon Boom Harmony, Adobe Animate, and Moho offers robust tools for rigging, tweening, and frame-by-frame animation, enabling creative flexibility and precision.
• These tools streamline workflows and support integration with other design software, helping studios efficiently produce explainer videos, marketing content, and storytelling animations.
• Open-source and traditional-style options like Synfig Studio and TVPaint provide affordable and artistic alternatives, catering to a range of animation styles and project needs.
  

Top 5 Software Professional 2D Animation Studios Use

1. Toon Boom Harmony

The animation industry considers Toon Boom Harmony as the premier 2D animation solution because it provides professionals with an extensive set of tools. The software enables users to do a wide range of things, anything from hand-drawn animation to digital rigging through its comprehensive workflow system, which produces exceptional results.  

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The software's vector and bitmap drawing tools, along with its rigging systems and 3D integration capabilities, make it a perfect choice for animators who produce video production animated films and detailed explainer videos. Its versatile capabilities have established Toon Boom Harmony as a fundamental tool for animation studios worldwide, which enables smooth storytelling and creative precision. Contact OK Social for its extraordinary 2D animation work through the use of efficient software.

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2. Procreate

Procreate empowers creativity with intuitive, one-time purchase apps—Procreate for iPad, Procreate Dreams for animation, and Procreate Pocket for iPhone. No generative AI—just real artistic tools for real artists. Access step-by-step guides, beginner tutorials, and classroom resources through the Help Center. Whether you're a pro or just starting, Procreate makes art for everyone.

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3. Moho Animation Software

Moho is a powerful, fun-to-use 2D animation software featuring advanced rigging, flexible vector tools, Smart Bones, physics, and full animation control. Ideal for pros and beginners alike, Moho supports PSD/SVG files and runs on macOS and Windows. Create stunning animations with ease using intuitive drawing tools and the industry’s most powerful rigging system. The future is 2D!

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4. TVPaint Animation

TVPaint Animation is cherished for its hand-drawn animation capabilities, offering a more traditional and organic style of animation. It’s a favourite among animators who appreciate the tactile feel of classical animation techniques while embracing the benefits of digital tools. Many studios, especially those that focus on artistic storytelling, use TVPaint to create compelling explainer video production animated content, ensuring that each frame embodies a unique charm.

5. Synfig Studio

Synfig Studio stands out as an open-source gem in the world of 2D animation, catering to both beginners and professionals. With its powerful vector-based animation tools and support for bitmap artwork, it enables animators to craft fluid and intricate designs without the need for frame-by-frame adjustments.

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Premium motion design agencies and animated explainer video companies like OK Social often appreciate Synfig Studio for its cost-effectiveness and ability to create high-quality video production animated video content. Its dynamic features, such as bone rigging and advanced control layers, make it an excellent choice for creating seamless and visually engaging animations that bring ideas to life.

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Bonus Software: One More Great Software that Professional 2D Animation Studios Use

Cavalry is professional 2D animation software for Mac and Windows—free to get started. Built by animators, it simplifies real-time design for ads, UI, web, data visuals, and more. Experience lightning-fast rendering, simple versioning, and smooth workflows. Integrated features such as rig control, duplicator, text animation, and Lottie export make designing smarter, faster, and more enjoyable, all without relying on plugins.

Finishing Thought

These software tools exemplify the blend of technology and creativity that drives professional 2D animation studios forward. Each of these software solutions holds its unique strengths, empowering professional studios to create animations that resonate with audiences. Whether you're part of a motion design agency seeking to produce visually striking campaigns or an animated explainer video company aiming to tell captivating stories, these tools provide the foundation for bringing your vision to life.  

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Animation continues to evolve, and so does the technology supporting it, opening up endless possibilities for artists and storytellers alike. With these software solutions in their arsenal, studios can continue to enchant and inspire audiences worldwide.

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Contact OK Social, the best 2D animation company in London for premium motion design. We specialise in top-quality 2D animation and storytelling. We collaborate across industries like healthcare, technology, and marketing to simplify complex ideas, educate audiences, and raise awareness. Our adaptable approach ensures impactful results and successful collaborations for every project.

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FAQs

Do motion design agencies use just one tool?

Rarely. Most studios mix and match tools like Harmony, Animate, and Moho depending on the project.

Is there a free option that still delivers quality results?

Definitely. Synfig Studio is open-source and packed with features like vector tweening and bone rigging.

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Disclaimer- The information provided in this content is just for educational purposes and is written by a professional writer. Consult us to learn more about animated explainer video creation.

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