Cavalry review
A focused desktop tool for procedural 2D motion graphics and data-driven animation.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Cavalry is a desktop 2D animation and motion design application for macOS and Windows. It is designed for motion designers, animators, creative coders, filmmakers, data-visualization practitioners, and advertising teams. Its focus is procedural motion graphics rather than 3D modeling, with tools for shape-based workflows, text animation, data-driven sequences, dynamics, and character rigging.
The pricing structure is straightforward. Free for Individuals is free to download and use on macOS and Windows. Enterprise access is provided through a Canva Enterprise or Canva Education account and uses a contact-sales model. The feature set centers on real-time viewport rendering, procedural and pose-based rigging, shape connections, node-based workflows, per-character text animation, falloffs, and Forge Dynamics simulations. Background rendering and project export with connected assets support sharing and delivery workflows.
Cavalry’s strongest fit is for teams and individuals that want a narrow, technically capable 2D motion graphics environment with procedural control. Data import and spreadsheet-driven animation connect with Google Sheets, while export options include Lottie, SVG, GIF, MP4, QuickTime, WebM, WebP, APNG, JPEG, PNG, and Sprite Sheet. The trade-off is its desktop-only platform coverage and lack of cloud collaboration; documented collaboration uses referenced local Cavalry scene files rather than shared cloud projects or real-time cloud collaboration. Choose Cavalry for procedural 2D animation and motion systems, but consider another tool if browser-based teamwork, broader integrations, or 3D modeling is central to the workflow.
Cavalry pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Real-time viewport rendering with procedural and pose-based rigging
- Node workflows, text animation, simulations, and procedural behaviours
- Lottie export plus APNG, GIF, MP4, SVG, WebM, and WebP support
- Where it doesn't
- Available only on macOS and Windows
- Google Sheets is the listed integration
- No cloud collaboration or shared cloud projects
Cavalry fact sheet, pricing and score →
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