Are you frustrated by how difficult it is to find the best animation apps for iPads? Many creators face this situation because there are so many different animation apps on the market. But don’t worry, if you’re a budding animator or just someone who loves making cool videos, 2025 brings you a plethora of the best animation apps for iPad that can help you easily turn your creative ideas into professional animations.
Statista says the global animation market will exceed $391 billion in 2022, up five percent from $372.4 billion the year before. The animation software market is expected to grow as well, reaching $587 billion by 2030, with a growing emphasis on mobile solutions such as iPad apps. Now is the ideal time to discover your creative skills, made possible by the many excellent iPad animated apps.
This blog will guide you through the best iPad animation apps in simple terms.
Importance of Finding the Right Animation Apps
Animation is not exclusively for the professional anymore. One can have quite impressive work with iPad animation tools on the go without being a professional. And even if a user is an amateur or a novice, having an apt app makes things so much easier, enjoyable, and productive. From good free iPad animation apps to the best professional animation software, there’s always something suitable in the pool for everyone.
Improving your creativity is essential in today’s media-saturated world. You can create an animated story for school, fun content for your website, or practice animation. Having the right tools is key. iPad apps for animation offer ease, flexibility, and outstanding features.
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Top Animation Apps for iPad in 2025
In the following, we are going to take a quick look at the best iPad animation apps – both free and premium. We will find out their advantage in terms of usability, features, and performance while mentioning their potential use for the following specific purposes: 2D animation, 3D animation, and stop-motion.
1. Procreate Animation Assist
Procreate was one of the best iPad animating apps because it is truly loved by so many, starting from professional experts to amateurish hobbyists alike. Even if Procreate is popular with great digital painting instruments, Animation Assist makes it another great option for animating on iPads by providing frame-by-frame drawing and sketching skills.
- Key Features:
- Onion skinning for smooth animation transitions.
- Animation loop and playback options.
- Easy frame management for quick adjustments.
- Layer-based design allows intricate effects.
- Why it’s great: Procreate is the perfect example of high-quality iPad animation software that combines drawing and animating, allowing users to create stunning, custom animations directly on an iPad Pro. Best for professionals and serious hobbyists like, for instanc,e making explainer videos.
2. Animation Desk
For those who are just starting with animation, Animation Desk is a good to start. It’s simple and intuitive and great for a beginner who is just looking for something to start off iPad animation apps without feeling too complicated.
- Key Features:
- Layer-based 2D animation system.
- In-app drawing and editing tools.
- Easy export options for social media.
- Supports both 2D and stop-motion animation.
- Why it’s great: Its clean, intuitive interface and free features make Animation Desk one of the best animation apps for iPad free.
3. FlipaClip
For any user interested in an easy-to-use animation application for the iPad, FlipaClip is an excellent application. FlipaClip allows a user to make both simple and complex animation clips using intuitive tools.
- Key Features:
- Cartoon-style frame-by-frame animation.
- 2D drawing tools for hand-drawn art.
- Supports multiple frame layers.
- The free version offers limited features, with premium available.
- Why it’s great: With its cartoon-style approach, FlipaClip is ideal for 2d animation iPad lovers who are looking to keep things fun and casual.
4. ToonMe – Cartoon yourself
It’s a strong contender for those who are into animating static photos. It merges AI technology with digital artistry to convert portraits into high-definition animated characters.
- Key Features:
- Cartoons from photos.
- Style presets available.
- Easy to use with no drawing skills required.
- Why it’s great: This is one of the best iPad animation apps when you’re looking to play around with photos and create simple animated portraits.
5. Lifelapse Stop Motion
Lifelapse Stop Motion is a fantastic 3D animation app for iPad. It is ideal for creating detailed stop-motion projects, ideal for users who want to produce longer, more intricate animations by moving characters and objects frame by frame.
- Key Features:
- Frame overlay tool for precise adjustments.
- Speed adjustments to suit your needs.
- Import images and sound for professional-level animation.
- Why it’s great: Perfect for budding filmmakers who want to create stop-motion films without advanced skills, making it one of the best animation apps iPad for beginners.
6. RoughAnimator
RoughAnimator is a free, yet very powerful tool to draw and animate directly on your iPad. It is one of the few applications that is free, with an option to upgrade for more advanced features.
- Key Features:
- Frame-by-frame animation tools.
- Brushes and effects for customizing artwork.
- Manual animation controls.
- Ability to import video layers for tracing.
- Why it’s great: RoughAnimator is perfect for those who want the best 2d animation apps for iPad solutions without paying too much. Ideal for those who want hands-on control.
7. iMotion (Free 3D Animation Software for iPad)
One of the most notable apps in its field, iMotion allows animators to create beautiful 3D stop motion animation directly on their iPad devices.
- Key Features:
- Control frame intervals for smoother transitions.
- HD resolution for stop-motion production.
- Multiple import options, including time-lapse video clips.
- Seamlessly syncs with iPad Pro for extended functionality.
- Why it’s great: As one of the best free animation software for iPad, it is ideal for animators seeking something straightforward yet professional for stop-motion animation.
8. Clips
Apple’s very own Clips app is perfect for beginners looking to add fun animations, stickers, and effects to videos. Though not a traditional animation creation tool, it’s perfect for adding creative flair to video footage.
- Key Features:
- Built-in text, graphic effects, and stickers.
- Seamless integration with iCloud.
- Augmented Reality features for creating fun content.
- Why it’s great: Clips is often used for casual video editing but stands out as a fun tool for simple animation projects.
9. ArtFlow
ArtFlow is a digital painting app that takes it one step further by integrating animation features for dynamic creations. With advanced features like brush stabilization, it’s an excellent tool for artists moving into the animation space.
- Key Features:
- Wide range of brushes for animation drawings.
- Frame-by-frame animation support.
- Multiple layers and transparency tools.
- High-quality output support, including PSD files.
- Why it’s great: While primarily for drawing, ArtFlow’s animation capabilities make it stand out as one of the best tools for digital animators.
10. Stop Motion Studio
If you’re interested in a smooth, easy-to-use tool for creating stop-motion animation, Stop Motion Studio is one of the best animation apps for iPads available.
- Key Features:
- High-quality capture features.
- The ability to import and layer images.
- Adjustable frame rate for precision.
- Adding sound effects and backgrounds.
- Why it’s great: Stop Motion Studio is designed with both beginners and advanced animators in mind. Its usability makes it great for both fun personal projects and more professional-level productions.
Also Read: What a 2D Animator Does: Tools, Skills, and Creativity
Comparing Free vs Paid Animation Apps for iPad
| App Name | Price | Key Features | Best For |
| Animation Desk | Free/Paid | Layered animation, in-app drawing & editing | Beginners, Light Animation |
| FlipaClip | Free/Paid | Cartoon-style animation, frame-by-frame sketching | Fun, Simple Animations |
| Procreate | Paid | Advanced drawing tools, frame-by-frame sketching | Professionals, Serious Animation |
| Lifelapse Stop Motion | Free/Paid | Stop-motion precision, image & sound import | Stop-motion Enthusiasts |
| ToonMe | Free/Paid | Automatic cartoon effects from images | Quick Portrait Animation |
Common Problems and Solutions in Animation Apps for iPads
With all the animation apps available on the iPad, it can be hard to choose the right one. Worry not, though! We broke it down for you so you can pick the best one for your needs. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, here’s a simple guide to make your decision easier.
Find the Right Type of Animation for You
2D Animation
If you want to create traditional 2D animations, FlipaClip and Animation Desk are perfect for beginners. They are easy to use and let you draw frame by frame to create smooth animations.
3D Animation
For 3D animation, iMotion is a great choice. It’s simple and allows you to animate in three dimensions, making it perfect for stop-motion projects.
Stop-Motion Animation
If stop-motion is your style, try Lifelapse Stop Motion. It lets you capture each frame with precision, making it great for detailed stop-motion animations.
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Need Help Animating? Key Features to Make It Easier
Onion Skinning for Smooth Transitions
Apps like Procreate and RoughAnimator offer onion skinning. This feature shows faint images of previous frames, making it easier to create smooth transitions between each frame.
Layer Management for Easy Editing
FlipaClip has layer management tools that help you organize your animations. You can work on different parts of your project separately, making it easy to fix or update specific scenes.
On a Budget? Affordable Animation Apps
Free Animation Apps
You don’t need to spend a lot of money to get started. FlipaClip and Lifelapse Stop Motion are free and offer many useful features, perfect for animators on a budget.
Free Trials for Premium Apps
If you want to try premium features, apps like Procreate offer free trials so you can test out their advanced tools before committing.
Conclusion
Best animation apps for iPads make it possible, no matter what your level in the field of animation is. From the simple charm of ToonMe to the complexity of Procreate, there’s a perfect tool for every artist. With these at your fingertips, you can start your animation journey today and begin to use the creative power of your iPad.
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FAQs
1. What is the best animation app for iPad?
The best animation app for iPad depends on your needs. For 2D animation, FlipaClip and Procreate are top choices. For 3D animation, iMotion is a great option for stop-motion projects.
2. Are there any good free animation apps for iPad?
Yes, good free animation apps for iPad include FlipaClip and Lifelapse Stop Motion. Both offer powerful features without the need for a paid subscription.
3. Can I create 3D animations on an iPad?
Yes, you can create 3D animations on iPad using apps like iMotion and animation apps for iPad that support stop-motion or 3D modeling.
4. What are the best animation apps for iPad Pro?
For iPad Pro, Procreate and RoughAnimator are some of the best animation programs for iPad, providing high-quality tools for both 2D and frame-by-frame animation.
5. Can you animate on an iPad?
Absolutely! Animating on iPad is easy with apps like FlipaClip, Procreate, and animation apps for iPad. These apps provide all the tools needed to create amazing animations right on your iPad.
