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Synfig Studio

synfig.org

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinux
Visit synfig.org
Spec score 8.3 #32 of 106 in Animation Software

What it is

Synfig Studio is free, open-source software for making 2D animation from vector and bitmap artwork. Its tweening system calculates intermediate frames after key positions are set. More than 50 layer types cover geometric, gradient, filter, distortion, transformation, and fractal work. A bone system supports cutout animation with bitmap images and control of vector artwork, while layer parameters can connect directly or through mathematical expressions. Exports include bitmap images, video formats, animated GIF, MPG, and PNG image sequences. Synfig runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS; listed requirements include a dual-core 2 GHz-or-better processor and at least 2 GB of RAM. Stable builds target everyday use, while development builds contain experimental features and bug fixes. Documentation, video courses in four languages, and forums are available. The project uses GNU GPL v3, with source code on GitHub.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Synfig Studio is free, open-source 2D animation software for creating animation with vector and bitmap artwork.Read 7 Oct 2026 · synfig.org
Supported platforms
windows,linux,macosRead 21 Sep 2026 · synfig.org
Free plan
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · synfig.org
Integrations
The maker's homepage does not list third-party integrations.Read 7 Oct 2026 · synfig.org
License
Synfig is licensed under GNU GPL v3, and its source code is available on GitHub.Read 7 Oct 2026 · synfig.org
2D animation tools
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · synfig.org
Advanced controls
Layer parameters can be linked directly or through mathematical expressions.Read 7 Oct 2026 · synfig.org
Build channels
The site offers stable builds for everyday use and development builds with experimental features and bug fixes.Read 7 Oct 2026 · synfig.org
Character rigging
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · synfig.org
Community support
The site links to user forums and accepts donations to fund developer work on features and bug fixes.Read 7 Oct 2026 · synfig.org
Export formats
bitmap images,video formats,animated GIF,MPG,PNG image sequencesRead 21 Sep 2026 · synfig.org
Frame interpolation
Its vector tweening tools calculate in-between frames after users set key positions.Read 7 Oct 2026 · synfig.org
Funding model
The maker describes one-time and recurring donations through Open Collective and recurring donations through Patreon.Read 7 Oct 2026 · synfig.org
Layers and filters
Synfig provides 50+ layers, including geometric, gradient, filter, distortion, transformation, and fractal types.Read 7 Oct 2026 · synfig.org
Learning resources
The site links to documentation and video training courses in English, Russian, German, and French.Read 7 Oct 2026 · synfig.org
Rigging
Its bone system supports cutout animation with bitmap images and control of vector artwork.Read 7 Oct 2026 · synfig.org
Supported systems
The maker lists Windows, Linux, and macOS as supported operating systems.Read 7 Oct 2026 · synfig.org
System requirements
The homepage lists dual-core 2 GHz-or-better CPU and at least 2 GB RAM requirements for Windows, OS X, and Linux.Read 7 Oct 2026 · synfig.org

Plans and prices

Synfig Studio Free Free and open-source software · GNU GPL v3 Read 7 Oct 2026 · synfig.org

Every Synfig Studio plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free plan costs nothing
  • More than 50 layer types
  • Bone system supports cutout animation
  • Exports video, GIF, MPG, and image sequences
  • Runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS

Limits

  • Requires at least 2 GB RAM
  • Development builds include experimental features
  • No free trial is offered

Who it suits

It suits animators who want free, open-source 2D tools on Windows, Linux, or macOS. It also fits users who need rigging, procedural layer controls, and several export formats.

Verdict

Synfig Studio provides a broad 2D animation toolkit without a software charge, including tweening, rigging, and many layer types. Its GPL licensing and published system requirements make the installation and use conditions clear.

Where Specifiction places it

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