Synfig Studio

Software Overview

Synfig Studio is an open source application used to create professional 2D animations. The program allows you to use vector and bitmap artwork to produce animations instead of the frame-by-frame method.

Synfig Studio allows you to save your animations as SIF (default project), SIFZ (project compressed with gzip), and SFG (compressed with zip) files. You can import several image formats such as PNG, JPEG, BMP, and SVG into your project. Most of the elements in Synfig Studio are vector-based and all of its layers are parametrically generated, which means the only pixelation that will occur when changing the resolution of a project is in your imported raster images. The application features various types of layers, gradients, distortions, filters, and transformations for creating your animation. Synfig Studio also comes with full support for gradient paths, which makes it easier for you to add soft shading to animation without having to paint it on in every frame.

The software provides High Dynamic-Range Imaging (HDRI), which results in better lighting effects and color composition. Synfig Studio also provides some basic audio features. You can import the OGG, MP3, and WAV formats and sync your animation with a soundtrack using Sound Layer.

Synfig Studio is a free tool that gives 2D animators the functionality of a commercial program. Although it's easy-to-use it won't instantly make you a professional animator, but when you do refine your technique Synfig Studio gives you the functionality required to create movie-quality animations.

Primary File Type

.SIFSynfig Studio Project

Supported File Types

Additional Related File Types