Very popular open-source 3D software, with many features of popular high end programs.  Arguably the best freeware 3D animation software available, with tutorials and help forums available. For intermediate to advanced users. Freeware.
Limitations: None
File Size: 8 MB
Download Link:
Go To The Blender Download Page
A great little program for simple flash animations.  Bit of a steep learning curve for beginners, but very easy compared to learning Macromedia Flash.  There is a forum available, but it is not very active.
Limitations: Fully functional for 7 days, after which you can no longer export animations to flash.  License is now $49 USD.
File Size: 14 MB
Download Link:
Go To The 3D Flash Animator Page
Make Your Own Animation: Animation Freeware And Shareware
Ok, so you've seen the animations on this site and (hopefully) you are impressed and amazed! "How can I make animations like this? Do I need to be some big shot web designer or pay big bucks for computer animation or 3D training?" Nope! There are many 3D animation programs available, ranging from incredibly easy to incredibly complicated. Some are used only for 3D titles (letters, numbers, etc), some are are highly advanced and have been used in many popular movies such as Cars, Jurassic Park, etc.  For information about the higher end animation programs (3DS Max, Softimage, Houdini, Amorphium, Adobe Dimensions, etc.) see the which 3d software should I use page.
3D Flash Animator
Anim8or
3D Animation software, primarily for character animation.  If you are just starting out with 3D animation and want to do more than just 3D text effects, this is the program for you.  Packed with features, and the best part is, it's freeware! For beginner to intermediate users. 
An easy-to-learn 3D modeling program whose few simple tools enable you to create 3D models of houses, sheds, decks, home additions, woodworking projects – even space ships.  A great way to discover if 3D modeling is right for you.  Freeware.
Limitations: None
File Size: 31.8 MB
Download Link:
Go To The Google Sketchup Download Page
Google Sketchup
3D Canvas
Excellent 3D modeling and animation software, recommended for intermediate users, but dedicated beginners may want to try it. Freeware.
Limitations: None
File Size: 9.1 MB
Download Link:
Go To The 3D Canvas Download Page
This is great software for architectural design.  That sounds complicated, but not really. This software is easy to learn.  It also has a cool "walk thru" feature, where you can "walk" and "fly" through your creations! For all skill levels. Shareware.
Limitations: See the site (they are minor), You need to fill out a small questionnaire to download the free version.
File Size: 3.1 MB
Download Link:
Go To Design Workshop Download Page
Design Workshop Lite
Many of this software's capabilities rival those found in commercial programs. Some of the highlights include subdivision surface based modelling tools, skeleton based animation, and a graphical language for designing procedural textures and materials.  For intermediate to advanced users. Freeware.
Limitations: None
File Size: 6.1 MB
Download Link:
Visit The Art Of Illusion Download Page
Art Of Illusion
Blender
Pivot Stickfigure Animator

Quite possibly the easiest animation program ever made!  Just for fun, maybe on a rainy day.  Includes a sample animation. Freeware.
Limitations: None
File Size: 485 KB
Download Link:
Download Stickfigure Animator
For the novice user, 3D Plus transforms regular text to 3D, creates instant animations and effects, and allows you to control the lighting, texture, and postioning of your scene objects in a user-freindly way.
Limitations: You need to call Serif Software to register (for free) to enable all of the software's advanced functions. You may get a "hard sell" to buy additional software, though.  A more feature-filled version is available now for $9.95 USD.
File Size: 19 MB
Download Link:
Visit The Serif 3D Plus Page
Ulead Gif Animator

We love this software, it's very easy to learn, with an intuitive interface.  What does this mean? It means that you could probably figure out the software even without an owners manual! This software has a 15 day free trial available, then it's $29.95.  You also need to give them your email address to download the trial version.
Limitations: Banner ads in the trial version, software disabled after 15 days.
File Size: 10.1 MB
Download Link:
Visit The Ulead Gif Animator Page
anim8or 3d animation
3d canvas animation freeware
make your own 3d animation
Above:
3D Character Animation With Anim8or.
3d plus animation software
3d flash animator screenshot
design workshop software
art of illusion screenshot
google sketchup freeware
blender screenshot
stickfigure animator screenshot
ulead gif animator screenshot
Gif Animation And Photo Editing Freeware:
movies 13 gif animator
Movies 13 Screenshot
(Click For Larger View)
Movies 13 Gif Animator

A freeware gif animator with 98 animation presets, AVI and GIF converters.  You can easily edit an existing gif animation, or make a new one with imported images.  Great for beginners. Note this product is no longer available.

 
3D Plus (Version 2)
Although these animation and design programs are not freeware, we feel they are exceptional, and deserve a mention.  The training version of Maya 7 is included on this list.
For information about the other high-end animation programs (3DS Max, Softimage, Houdini, Amorphium, Adobe Dimensions, etc.) see the which 3d software should I use page.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Movies 13 Gif Animator
Pivot Stickfigure Animator
Google Sketchup
3D Plus
Anim8or
Art Of Illusion
3D Canvas
Pivot Screenshot
(Click For Larger View)
Sketchup Screenshot
(Click For Larger View)
3D Plus Screenshot
(Click For Larger View)
Anim8or Screenshot
(Click For Larger View)
Art Of Illusion Screenshot
(Click For Larger View)
3D CanvasScreenshot
(Click For Larger View)
Blender Screenshot
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Ulead Gif Animator
(Click For Larger View)
3D Flash Animator
(Click For Larger View)
Design Workshop
(Click For Larger View)
Blender
Ulead Gif Animator
3D Flash Animator
Design Workshop
Maya 2011
Gif Animation Freeware:
2D, 3D Animation Freeware:
Animation Shareware:
2D And 3D Animation Freeware:
Animation Shareware:
Animation Schools | Free Animations | Animation Freeware & Shareware | Animation Top 10's | Fun Art Quizzes | Build A Website | Web Design Software
 
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