Is Blender the Future of 2D Animation? Find Out Why Experts Says

2D animation is a type of illustration that involves creating movement within two dimensions. It has been an iconic medium for storytelling, advertising, and entertainment for decades – from classic Disney cartoons to contemporary anime – showing that its applications and techniques have evolved significantly over time.

Blender is an impressive software used primarily for 3D animation, but it can also produce quality 2D animations. Thanks to its user-friendly interface and comprehensive set of tools, Blender has become a go-to choice among animators across various industries.

In this article, we’ll investigate whether Blender is a viable software option for 2D animation. We’ll cover both its advantages and drawbacks, as well as offer tips on how to maximize its capabilities. Whether you’re an experienced artist or just starting out, this guide will give you a comprehensive view of Blender’s potential in this regard.

Is Blender is good for 2D Animation?

Blender is primarily known for its 3D animation capabilities, though it does have some 2D capabilities as well. However, for true 2D animation, there are better alternatives such as Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony or open-source programs like Krita or OpenToonz which offer better options.

Blender’s 2D animation tools are somewhat limited, and while they can produce impressive results, they may not be as user-friendly or intuitive as other dedicated 2D animation software packages. Basic drawing and painting tools, a timeline editor for animation, as well as effects like color grading and compositing are all included.

Why Use Blender for 2D?

One of the primary advantages of Blender for 2D animation is its versatility; you can use it to create traditional hand-drawn animations as well as digital ones using vector graphics, 2D rigs, and other techniques. Furthermore, there are plenty of tools in Blender to help with special effects, compositing, and postproduction work that will further enhance your 2D visuals.

Benefits of Blender for 2D Animation

Free and Open-Source: Blender is free for anyone to use, with its open-source nature enabling users to modify and customize the software according to their individual needs.
Blender’s Animation Tools Are Renowned for Their Strength and Flexibility: Blender’s animation tools are renowned for their strength and versatility, enabling users to craft complex 2D animations with ease.
Customizable Interface: Blender’s user-friendly interface is highly customizable, allowing users to design their workspaces and arrange tools and panels according to their workflow.
Blender Has an Engaging User Community: Blender boasts a vibrant user community, so users can find help and support online with ease.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: Blender is compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
Seamless Integration with 3D Animation: Blender is renowned for its 3D animation capabilities, but its 2D tools can be seamlessly combined to create complex scenes combining both 2D and 3D elements.
Advanced Compositing: Blender’s powerful compositing tools let users create complex visual effects, making it the ideal solution for those combining 2D animation with visual effects.

Blender Limitations in 2D Animation

Limited 2D Animation Tools: Blender’s 2D animation tools are somewhat limited compared to other dedicated 2D software options. While it does provide basic drawing and painting tools, they may not be as robust or intuitive as other options available on the market.
Steep Learning Curve: Blender is an intricate program with a steep learning curve, especially for those new to 3D animation. While those already acquainted with the program may find it simpler, beginners may struggle to figure out how to utilize it effectively for 2D animation projects.
Not Specifically Engineered for 2D Animation: While Blender’s 2D animation tools can be helpful, the software was primarily created with 3D animation in mind. As such, some of its features and tools may not be as well-suited to 2D animation as those offered by software tailored specifically for this purpose.
Time Consuming: Producing 2D animations in Blender can be time-consuming, as users must construct and rig their characters, set up the scene, and tweak animation settings accordingly.
Resource-Intensive: Blender can be resource intensive, especially when rendering complex animations. In order to ensure smooth playback and rendering, users may require a powerful computer with an excellent graphics card.

Conclusion

Blender is an impressive piece of software suitable for 2D animation. Its advantages include being free and open-source, featuring powerful tools, a customizable interface, cross-platform compatibility, seamless integration with 3D animation software, as well as advanced compositing capabilities. On the downside however, Blender also has some limitations such as limited 2D animation options, steep learning curve, lack of specificity in this regard, lengthy setup process and resource requirements.

Overall, whether Blender is suitable for 2D animation depends on the user’s individual needs and preferences. Those who are already acquainted with Blender and wish to combine 2D and 3D effects may find it useful, while those primarily interested in creating visuals of two dimensions may require software specifically designed for this purpose.

Further exploration can lead users to other software options designed specifically for 2D animation, such as Adobe Animate or Toon Boom Harmony. Furthermore, users can consult online tutorials and resources on how to utilize Blender more efficiently when creating 2D artwork.

Best Blender Tutorial for 2D Animation

Here is a step-by-step process:

Gather reference materials.
In Blender, delete everything and create a flat scene by switching to a top-down view.
Use the “Import Images as Planes” add-on to import reference images into separate collections.
Create shapes using circles from the curves menu and resize them to match reference images.
Duplicate and place these shapes around the scene according to its reference image.
Use busier circles for creating legs, adding edge loops for bendability.
Create an IK rig or use the one provided in the project file.
Parent shapes to bones in the hierarchy.
Test it by going into pose mode and shifting bones around.
Use automatic weights to rig bendy legs securely and eliminate unnecessary deformations.
Create an animated scene by scaling, rotating and moving elements to match the reference.
Add a sunlight with zero specular and no shadows for a vector look.
Change from filmic to standard view transform and adjust gamma for color balance.
Use an autographic lens type for camera to achieve flat visuals.
Render the scene using your camera.