Is Adobe Animate On Ipad

Want to create traditional style animation? Here's a guide to the best cel animation apps for the iPad pro.

Since Apple released the iPad Pro , the App Store has filled up with new tools you can utilize in your animation workflow. So we thought it'd be fun to put together a simple guide to get you acquainted with the best cel animation tools for your frame-by-frame animations.

In this article, we're going to run through some of our favorite applications for the iPad. However, these are just our favorites and in no way a complete list. If you've got an app that works well for you, share it on social and tag us!

Essential Cel Animation Features

We had a handful of things we believed were necessary for the cel animation apps to include to make it a feasible option for animating. These features include:

Tools that utilized a stylus/pencil
A Timeline with Playback
Onion Skinning

If you've never heard of the term onion skinning , it's simply a feature that allows you to see transparent versions of the frames before and after your current frame while you animate. It's an essential feature for animation.

Because a lot of 'animation' apps in the App Store don't include one of the three features above, we omitted them from our list of cel animation apps.

Our Favorite Cel Animation Apps for iPad Pro

The moment you've been waiting for... Here's a short list of our favorite cel animation apps for the iPad Pro.

Animation Desk ipad app review-Kdan Mobile.png — Just a snippet of the tools you can use in Animation Desk.

Storyboard playback
Layers
Video import
Storyboarding and storyboard export
Turn your storyboard into a video
Export as a GIF, video, or Photoshop file (PSD).

Limited brushes available

Multiple Timeline Layers
Custom Brushes
Clean and functional User Interface
Flexible payment options
Timeline scrubbing
Pressure sensitivity
Snappy Performance
Easy color-fill option
Easy traditional preview function with gestures (two-fingers up or down)

Some of the gestures and controls are kind of hidden
Inconsistent drawing experience at times

If you're looking for an aesthetically pleasing and functional app to start creating your animations, Callipeg delivers. Being a dream child launched through Kickstarter, this app has had a significant amount of feedback and backing. As you can see, there are multiple iPad apps allowing you to create frame-by frame animations but the community wanted more "pro" apps for their iPad.

Dig into a full review from kdsketch and get a feel for the app and it's features!

Roughanimator review- ipad animation app.png — RoughAnimator on the App Store

A healthy amount of videos resources
Timeline Scrubbing
Layers
Importing Audio and Video
Custom Brushes
Support for styluses other than the Apple Pencil
Pressure Sensitivity
The ability to "Roll" animations
Can make a repeatable cycle

Some users have complained about the audio workflow

There seems to be an unsung hero among artists using the iPad for traditional style animation. RoughAnimator was developed by an animator, Jacob Kafka , and is available on many different operating systems. It's probably the most feature-rich cel animation app for the iPad. The app costs $4.99 on the App Store , so there isn't a free version to try out, but it seems to be scratching an itch for most animators.

If you wanna get a quick run down check out this video by Ben Marriot!

Clip studio-ipad animation app review.png

Feature-Rich
Multiple Layers
Multiple Brushes
User Interface feels familiar to desktop
Flexible workspace arrangement
Draw in vector
Multiple platforms supported
Can save to Photoshop file format

Non-Pro is limited to 24 fps
Not many iPad tutorials (Mostly Desktop version)

Looking for something that feels familiar to your desktop experience? Something similar to animating in Adobe Animate or Photoshop? Clip Studio Paint is a robust solution for your iPad offering a ton of tools and options. One of the downsides is a part of its strengths, there is a lot on the screen and it can be daunting. But, we suggest checking it out since there is a free trial option!

Here are some basics for navigating Clip Studio Paint

Very simple user interface
Super fun to use
Has support for multiple layers
Easy to make quick animations
Innovative design and workflow
Can record your animations while creating

Only allows for 24 frames of animation

Reimagining what it means to animate frame by frame, Looom has taken on traditional animation workflows and made it… fun? We almost didn't add this app in because it doesn't feel "professional", but it actually meets all of the criteria needed for this list. Looom brings a whacky and fast-paced experience to animation that feels more like play than it does work. For $9.99 this app feels like a bargain since you're getting an experience and a tool all in one.

Take a look at how it works!

Animatic app by inkboard- iPad Animation.png — Onion Skinning inside of Anamatic

Can download and use for free
Clean User Interface
Can export as a Photoshop file

Can't pick colors outside of preset choices
No option for layers
Doesn't support Apple Pencil pressure sensitivity

Animatic is a simple and somewhat limited option, but has a very clean UI and runs solid. You won't be running to this app to make long animations, but its simplicity helps you create quick animations on the spot with out a fuss. There is an option to upgrade to Animatic Pro for a monthly fee that unlocks better onion skinning options and repeatable frames.

A Great Cel Animation Resource?

Walk cycle refernce for a dog and cat.jpg — Just a small look at the glory within...

Hopefully you've found this article to be helpful. If you want to learn more about the principles of animation check out Animation Bootcamp here on School of Motion. The course is a deep-dive into the principles of what it takes to create life-like movements.

However, Illustration skills are a crucial skill for effectively creating cel animation. Illustration for Motion is a dynamic course built to build your drawing skills rapidly!

In Illustration for Motion, you'll be empowered to create your own illustrated works, gaining valuable knowledge and insights from one of the top talents in the industry, Sarah Beth Morgan.

We can't wait to see the animations you create with these apps!