Cartoon Animator review
A capable Windows-only 2D animation tool with rigging, puppeteering, and motion capture.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Cartoon Animator is Reallusion’s Windows software for creating 2D character animations and animated graphics. It is aimed at animators, video makers, educators, marketers, and creators producing cartoons, explainers, presentations, and social content. Its feature set covers image-based character creation, bone rigging, 360 head creation, facial animation, audio lip sync, talking heads, puppeteering, motion capture, animated props, effects, cameras, and timeline editing. It supports Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7 SP1 in 64-bit form.
Pricing is straightforward. The Cartoon Animator 5 Perpetual License is listed at $149 one-time, and the full edition includes commercial use. The published product information also describes a 30-day trial. That structure suits creators who prefer a perpetual license over an ongoing plan, while the absence of a free plan makes the trial the main route for evaluating the software before purchase. Buyers should also account for the Windows requirement when comparing it with animation tools designed for other platforms.
Character-focused workflows are the product’s main strength. Users can combine PSD and SVG asset pipelines with free-form deformation, spring dynamics, motion paths, Motion Pilot, facial and body motion capture, and 3D motion conversion for 2D characters. Integrations with Adobe Photoshop, Adobe After Effects, iClone, and SVG-compatible graphics tools extend the workflow, while exports include image sequences, video, GIF, and other media formats. Cartoon Animator is a strong fit for Windows-based creators who need accessible 2D character puppeteering and production features in one application. It is less suitable for teams that require Mac support or a free plan.
Cartoon Animator pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Bone rigging, facial animation, lip sync, and body puppeteering
- Motion capture and 3D-motion-to-2D conversion support
- Perpetual license includes commercial use in the full edition
- Where it doesn't
- Windows 64-bit only
- No free plan
- Advanced character workflows may require multiple asset pipelines
Cartoon Animator fact sheet, pricing and score →
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