Tools & Software

Ready to level up your creative toolkit? Our Tools & Software section gives you the insider’s view on beginner-friendly apps, tablets, and programs that make animation fun instead of frustrating. Whether you’re drawing on an iPad or animating on a budget laptop, you’ll find tips, reviews, and tutorials to help you get the most out of your gear—without wasting time or money.

A 3D animation software interface displaying two cartoon-style 3D characters. One character stands in a T-pose, while the other stands with arms crossed. The interface shows various rigging tools on the left, a timeline at the bottom, and a channel box with transformation attributes on the right. The background is dark, and the characters are brightly colored with large heads, expressive faces, and simple clothing.

Maya for Beginners: What You Need to Get Hired

Maya is the industry standard for 3D animation. Here are the core skills beginners need to learn—and how to start building a portfolio that gets you hired.

A blue-tinted graphic featuring cartoon character sketches and animation software interface elements in the background. Bold white text in the center reads: "Why Studios Use Toon Boom Harmony," with smaller text below stating, "(And How You Can Learn It)."

Why Studios Use Toon Boom Harmony (And How You Can Learn It)

Studios pick Toon Boom Harmony for reliability and scale. Here’s what makes it stand out—and a practical path to learn it, from free modules…

Is Procreate Good for Animation? What You Need to Know

Procreate makes iPad animation accessible with its Animation Assist. Learn what Procreate can do, where it struggles, and when to move to bigger tools.

Alternative text: A modern home workspace with a light wooden desk against a blue wall. On the desk are a tablet, headphones, a small potted plant, and a black desk lamp. The wall features hanging lights, framed art, and a calendar. Large white text on the wall reads: "Build a Simple Home Animation Workspace (Fast & Affordable)."

How to Build a Simple Animation Workspace at Home

A simple, ergonomic workspace turns spare minutes into finished frames. Here’s the minimal kit, free software, and fast layout tips to start today.

A Beginner’s Guide to Onion Skinning

Discover how onion skinning helps animators create smoother, more consistent motion. Learn how to use it in popular software like FlipaClip and Krita.

How to Use Krita for Your First Animation

Krita is one of the best free tools for beginner animators. This guide walks you through setup, drawing your first frames, and exporting your…

The Best iPad Apps for Drawing and Animation

Discover the best iPad apps for drawing and animation—whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your skills. Fun, flexible, and beginner-friendly!