The easiest tool depends on what you want to make. For animated videos without animation skills, template tools such as Animaker or Canva are easiest. For UI animation, Figma's Smart Animate is the gentlest start. For motion graphics, Jitter is easier than After Effects. For interactive UI that ships, Rive and ExodeUI take more learning but do much more.
Core Takeaway
Template video: Animaker, Canva
UI prototypes: Figma Smart Animate
Motion graphics in the browser: Jitter
Interactive UI: Rive, ExodeUI (steeper, more powerful)
Easy to start is not the same as easy to finish a real project
If you want a video quickly
Template-based tools such as Animaker and Canva let you assemble animated videos from characters, scenes and presets. You trade control for speed.
If you design interfaces
Figma's Smart Animate animates between two frames automatically. It is the easiest way to show UI motion, but developers usually rebuild it in code.
If you want motion graphics
Jitter is a browser tool with a simple timeline, easier to learn than After Effects. After Effects is harder but far more capable.
If the animation must react in an app
Rive and ExodeUI ask you to learn states and inputs, which takes longer, but the result runs in your product. We make ExodeUI. Start with a single toggle or loader rather than a big project.
A tip
Pick the tool that matches the final output. Learning an easy tool that cannot produce what you need wastes more time than learning a harder one.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest free animation software?
Figma for UI prototypes, and free plans of Jitter, Rive and ExodeUI for motion.
Is After Effects hard to learn?
It has a steep start, but there are many tutorials. Expect a few weeks for basics.
Can I animate without drawing skills?
Yes. UI and motion graphics animation rely on shapes and timing, not drawing.
Is Rive easy for beginners?
The basics are approachable; state machines take practice.