What are the best tools for creating animated GIFs and videos with illustration software?

2 Why use illustration software for animation?

Illustration software is a type of graphics software that allows you to create and edit vector or raster images, such as logos, icons, cartoons, and diagrams. It also offers many features and benefits for animation, like the ability to draw your own characters, backgrounds, and objects with various tools and effects. You can also import and export images from other sources and formats like photos, clip art, and SVG. Moreover, illustration software lets you adjust the size, position, rotation, and opacity of your images without losing quality. Additionally, you can create layers, groups, and masks to organize and edit your images more easily. Finally, timelines, keyframes, and tweens can be used to control the timing, speed, and transition of your animation.

3 What are some of the best tools for animation?

There are many illustration software that can be used for animation, but some of the most popular and powerful ones include Adobe Illustrator, Procreate, and Affinity Designer. Adobe Illustrator is a vector-based software with a rich set of tools and features, such as brushes, gradients, symbols, and 3D effects. It also integrates well with other Adobe products. Procreate is a raster-based software designed for iPad and Apple Pencil, with a simple and intuitive interface and a huge collection of brushes, textures, and filters. It also supports animation with the Animation Assist feature. Affinity Designer is a vector-based software similar to Illustrator that is more affordable and lightweight. It has a flexible and customizable workspace, as well as tools such as curves, shapes, styles, and symbols. All three of these illustration software can be used to create animated GIFs and videos by using the Export for Screens or Export As options or by exporting your artwork as layers or frames to other software.

5 What are some best practices and tips for animation?

Creating animated GIFs and videos with illustration software can be both fun and challenging. To improve your animation skills and results, it's best to start simple and use references. Observe how things move, behave, and interact in real life or other media, and try to replicate or exaggerate them in your animation. Experiment with different colors, textures, filters, and effects to see how they affect your animation. Don't be afraid to express your creativity and personality in your animation - have fun with it!

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?