When a company starts thinking about creating a cartoon, advertising video, or animated character, a natural question arises: which tools are used for animation production. Many people assume there is one universal program in which an entire cartoon is made. In reality, it works differently. Creating animation is a whole chain of stages: script, storyboard, character design, animation, compositing, and editing. Different animation tools are used at each stage to help the team work faster and with higher quality.
Clients are often surprised to learn that even a short animated video can pass through several different programs. But it is precisely this structure that allows efficient production management and task distribution among specialists. Artists create graphics, animators bring characters to life, compositors and editors assemble the final scene. That is why it is more accurate to talk not about “the best software,” but about a set of tools that together form a complete animation production process.
Which programs studios use most often
When it comes to classic 2D animation, the industry relies on several core tools. Each is chosen depending on the task: advertising videos, TV series, educational content, or online videos. In most cases studios select proven solutions that allow efficient work with characters, scenes, and motion.
One of the most popular tools is Adobe Animate. This program is frequently used for creating advertising videos, short animated inserts, and educational content. Its interface is quite intuitive, and the software enables quick animation of characters and objects. That is why it is often chosen for online content and projects where production speed is critical.
Another widely known tool is Toon Boom Harmony. It is extensively used in the production of animated series. The program includes advanced features for complex character animation, rigging, and scene management. That is why Harmony is a frequent choice for large animation studios.
It is used for:
It is important to understand that 2D animation programs do not directly compete with each other. They simply solve different tasks within the production pipeline.
Where 3D animation is used
In advertising videos and modern cartoons, 3D animation is increasingly common. It allows the creation of realistic scenes, complex camera movements, and striking visual solutions. Three-dimensional graphics are actively used in advertising for technology, cars, architectural projects, and high-tech products.
One of the most well-known tools is Blender. It is used both by independent artists and by studios. The program enables modeling, scene creation, animation, and rendering. Thanks to the active community development, Blender is becoming an increasingly popular choice for animation production.
Maya and Cinema 4D are also widely used in the industry. These programs are often chosen for complex scenes, advertising videos, and television graphics. They allow animation of objects, characters, and cameras, as well as creation of visual effects.
They are used for:
When a client sees the final video, they rarely think about how many stages stand behind a single scene. But it is precisely the combination of different tools that enables high-quality animation.
Why the compositing stage is needed
After animators finish working on the scenes, the next stage begins — compositing. In simple terms, this is the final assembly of the video. Here characters, backgrounds, lighting effects, and additional elements are combined. It is at this stage that the animation acquires its finished look.
One of the most recognized tools for these tasks is After Effects. This program is used for creating visual effects, motion graphics, and final scene processing. Many advertising videos, intros, and online videos are assembled in it.
After compositing, the video moves to the editing stage. Here the final version is put together, music is added, and scene rhythm is checked. The result is a complete product ready for use in advertising, television, or online.
To better understand the role of tools, it is helpful to look at the entire animation production process. It consists of several stages, and different programs are used at each one. This approach allows task division among specialists and accelerates project delivery.
| Production stage | Main task | Type of tools |
|---|---|---|
| Project preparation | Script and storyboard | Graphic editors |
| Graphics creation | Characters and backgrounds | Illustration tools |
| Animation | Motion of characters and objects | 2D and 3D animation programs |
| Compositing | Scene assembly and effects | Visual effects tools |
| Editing | Final video | Video editing software |
This production process is used in advertising animation, series, and educational projects. That is why when a client approaches a studio, they receive not just an animator, but an entire team of specialists.
Some companies try to judge animation quality solely by the tools the studio uses. In practice, the team’s experience and the established production process are far more important. Even the most powerful software will not create an engaging story without a strong idea, well-written script, and professional direction.
When selecting a contractor, pay attention to:
A good animation studio does not simply master programs — it understands how to use animation to solve a brand’s marketing and communication challenges. It is this that turns a set of tools into a full-fledged production process.
If you are planning to create a cartoon, advertising video, or animated brand character, it is best to start with a discussion of the idea and project goals. At this stage, the producer will help determine the format, style, and optimal way to produce the animation.
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