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Best Motion graphics software in 2026

Motion graphics applications let you produce animated artwork and visual effects. This guide helps budget-conscious users compare software for macOS, Windows, and Linux.

  1. 1

    Blender

    by Blender
    Free plan Open source LinuxMacWindows

    Blender brings a wide range of 3D and animation tools into one free, open-source desktop application.

    8.9 Free plan Visit site
  2. 2

    Pencil2D

    Free plan Open source LinuxMacWindows

    Pencil2D provides core drawing and timeline tools for hand-drawn 2D animation without a software fee. Note its unimplemented video, text, and shape tools when deciding whether it fits your workflow.

    8.4 Free plan Visit site
  3. 3

    DaVinci Resolve

    Free plan LinuxMacWindows

    DaVinci Resolve covers a wide range of post-production work, with a free tier and a $295 Studio edition.

    7.2 Free plan · paid from $295 Visit site
  4. 4

    Cavalry

    by Cavalry
    Free plan MacWindows

    Cavalry offers a broad set of 2D animation tools and free individual access without stated usage limits. Account for its Canva sign-in requirement and lack of mobile availability before choosing it.

    7.1 Free plan · pricing on request Visit site
  5. 5

    Fusion

    Free plan LinuxMacWindows

    Fusion combines node-based compositing with 3D, scripting and timeline connections.

    7.1 Free plan · paid from $295 Visit site
  6. 6

    Houdini

    by Houdini
    Free plan WindowsMacLinux

    Houdini combines procedural modeling and animation with simulation, rendering and pipeline tools across several creative industries.

    7.1 Free plan · paid from $299/yr Visit site
  7. 7

    OpenToonz

    Free plan LinuxMacWindows

    OpenToonz covers several parts of a 2D animation workflow and supports a broad range of export formats. The Windows-only GTS tool is a constraint for users who need scanning on another platform.

    6.9 Free plan Visit site
  8. 8

    Adobe After Effects

    by Adobe After Effects
    Free trial MacWindows

    After Effects focuses on animation and visual effects, with useful links to Premiere and Photoshop workflows.

    6.3 7-day trial Visit site
  9. 9

    Nuke

    Free plan LinuxMacWindows
    6.3 Free plan · 30-day trial Visit site
  10. 10

    Adobe Animate

    Free trial MacWindows

    Adobe Animate provides a broad 2D and interactive animation toolset with many export formats and Adobe workflow connections.

    6.2 7-day trial Visit site
  11. 11

    Apple Motion

    Free trial Mac

    Apple Motion combines motion-graphics creation, built-in content, effects, and Final Cut Pro integration in a Mac application. Its paid model and macOS requirements matter for anyone considering it.

    6.0 From $49.99 Visit site
  12. 12

    Cinema 4D

    by Cinema 4D
    Free trial LinuxMacWindows

    Choose Cinema 4D if you need a desktop 3D application spanning modeling, motion design, simulation, and rendering.

    5.8 14-day trial Visit site
  13. 13

    Moho

    by Moho
    Free trial MacWindows

    Moho combines drawing, rigging, timeline effects, and export for animation production. The Debut and Pro editions target different experience levels, while trial restrictions limit file exchange.

    5.8 From $59.99 Visit site
  14. 14

    Natron

    by Natron
    Free plan
    5.8 Visit site
  15. 15

    Toon Boom Harmony

    by Toon Boom Harmony
    Paid LinuxMacWindows

    Toon Boom Harmony offers tiered 2D animation features, from vector drawing to advanced rigging and effects.

    5.2 From $6.75/user/mo · 14-day trial Visit site
  16. 16

    Autodesk Flame

    Paid LinuxMac

    Choose Autodesk Flame if your finishing or visual-effects work needs its listed tracking, compositing, keying, and rotoscoping capabilities.

    5.0 30-day trial Visit site

#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price

Compare free plans, freemium pricing, paid prices, and trial periods before you choose. If reading or changing code matters, check the tool's open-source licence and confirm platform support.

Questions

Is free motion graphics software available?

Yes. Natron has a free listing, while DaVinci Resolve and Fusion provide free plans. Other tools use freemium or paid pricing.

Where are free-trial periods available?

Adobe Animate offers seven days, and Autodesk Flame offers a 30-day trial.

What does Apple Motion cost?

Apple Motion is listed as paid, with pricing from $49.99.

Which software lists paid pricing from $295?

Both DaVinci Resolve and Fusion have free plans, with paid editions starting at $295.

Can I find open-source motion graphics software?

Some entries provide open-source code. Review the licence of any software you are considering when code access matters.

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