Explore 2D hand-drawn animation softwares in different devices

Background：

This is a blog about traditional frame-by-frame animation software, comparing 2D hand-drawn animation software on different devices, and I’m going to use Procreate and TVpaint as mainly examples. this blog will talk about the background of using each of the two software, comparing their features.

I produced a lot of animation works in my undergraduate years using both software and I still use them today. So I would recommend them to anyone interested in frame-by-frame animation.

And I’d also like to use some examples to show how these two animation software can be combined to achieve the ideal animation effect more efficiently.

Softwares Introduction:

TVPaint Animation (also known as TVPaint, TVP, Bauhaus Mirage or NewTek Aura) is a 2D paint and digital animation software package developed by TVPaint Developpement SARL based in Lorraine, France. Originally released for Amiga in 1991, version 3.0 (1994) introduced support for other platforms. In 1999, the last Amiga version 3.59 was released as free download.TVPaint Animation currently runs on Mac, Windows, Linux, and Android operating systems.
There have been many successful animated films that have used this software, such as Song of the Sea, Wolfwalkers.

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Procreate is a popular and versatile digital painting and illustration software designed exclusively for IOS and iPadOS. It was launched on the App Store in 2011. It’s widely favored by artists, illustrators, and designers for its user-friendly interface and powerful creative tools. And in September 2021, procreate introduced animation features in its Procreate 4.3 update. Since then it has been used by many artists and art enthusiasts to create 2D animations.

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Procreate Animation Guide for Beginners (LIVE EVENT)

Comparison of both software

TVPaint (Computer):

Pros:

• Advanced Features: TVPaint offers a wide array of professional animation tools, including advanced layer management, brush customization, and more.
• Full Control: With a computer, you have a larger workspace, better processing power, and more precise control over your animation.
• Extensive Export Options: TVPaint provides a range of export formats, resolutions, and codec choices, making it suitable for various distribution channels.
• Customization: You can extensively customize your workspace, brushes, and keyboard shortcuts for an efficient workflow.
• Large Community: TVPaint has a dedicated user community and support, which can be valuable for troubleshooting and learning.

Cons:

• Learning Curve: TVPaint’s feature-rich environment may have a steeper learning curve for beginners.
• Cost: TVPaint is relatively expensive compared to Procreate, as it usually involves a one-time purchase or subscription fees.
• Less Mobility: Being tethered to a computer limits your mobility, making it less convenient for on-the-go work.

Example animation:

Procreate (iPad):

Pros:

• Ease of Use: Procreate is known for its intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it accessible for beginners and professionals alike.
• Portability: The iPad offers mobility and convenience for animators who prefer to work on the go.
• Affordability: Procreate has a one-time purchase fee, which is relatively budget-friendly compared to some computer software.
• Pressure Sensitivity: The Apple Pencil and iPad provide excellent pressure sensitivity, allowing for nuanced control over strokes and lines.
• Integration: Procreate can easily integrate with other apps, making it suitable for creating storyboards, character designs, and more.
• Timelapse Recording: You can record your entire creation process as a timelapse, which is helpful for tutorials or sharing your work on social media.

Cons:

• Limited Workspace: The screen size on an iPad can be limiting for complex animations or large projects.
• Performance: Depending on your iPad model, you may encounter performance limitations when working with high-resolution, complex animations.
• Exporting Options: Procreate’s animation export options are somewhat limited compared to full-fledged computer software.
• Fewer Advanced Features: Procreate may not have as many advanced features for animation compared to specialized desktop software.

How can I use both software effectively?

I would like to give some of my experience and process of using these two software to create animations.

At first, I use procreate for early animation work, such as motion design and keyframe drawing.

After that I upload the psd files to TVpaint to draw the intermediate frames and adjust the frame rate to make sure the timing of the animation is accurate. Because the timeline and onion skins are so simple to set up in procreate, you can’t do too much complicated work with it, but in TVpaint you can adjust and move it around as much as you want.

After I’m done painting the animation, I’ll use procreate again to paint the colors and backgrounds because procreate has more flexible brushes to create more texture.

Other softwares recommend

For Computer:

1. Toon Boom Harmony: A powerful 2D animation software used by many professional studios. It offers a wide range of tools for traditional and cut-out animation.
2. Adobe Animate (formerly Flash): A professional-grade 2D animation software with a wide range of tools and features. It’s widely used in the industry for creating animations and interactive content.
3. Clip Studio Paint (CSP) : A versatile software that’s known for its powerful illustration and comic creation tools. While it’s not primarily an animation software, it does offer animation capabilities, and you can create 2D animations using CSP.

For iPad:

1. FlipaClip: Designed for traditional frame-by-frame animation, FlipaClip offers an intuitive interface and is suitable for beginners.

2. ToonSquid: It is a powerful 2D art and animation studio for your iPad. Its flexible layer system allows you to combine the charm of hand-drawn traditional animation with keyframes that automatically animate layer properties over time.

3. Procreate Dreams：It is the new iPad animation app, available on 22 November 2023 soon. It is an app specifically designed for 2d animation, patching and refining the features in procreate. We are all looking forward to its release!

Conclusion

In terms of achieving desired animation effects efficiently, the choice between Procreate and TVPaint depends on your specific needs:

• Procreate is great for beginners and smaller projects, especially if you value mobility and a user-friendly interface. It’s excellent for quick, stylized animations and is more budget-friendly.
• TVPaint is better for professional animators who need advanced features, precise control, and a broader range of export options. It’s suitable for larger, complex projects but may require a steeper learning curve.

Ultimately, the choice should be based on your experience level, project scale, budget, and the specific animation effects you want to achieve. Both software options can be powerful tools in the right hands.