For beginners and simple animations:
* OpenToonz: A powerful 2D animation software used in professional studios, but it has a free version. It's a bit steep for beginners, but there are resources online to help you get started.
* Pencil2D: This is a free and open-source software designed for hand-drawn animation, perfect for creating traditional cartoon styles.
* Synfig Studio: Another open-source 2D animation software with a focus on creating complex animations with vector graphics.
* Toon Boom Harmony: This is a professional-grade animation software, but it offers a free trial. It's a powerful option with a lot of features, but it has a steeper learning curve.
* Scratch: This is a block-based coding platform that's great for beginners and kids. You can create simple animations and games using drag-and-drop blocks, and it has built-in cartoon characters and backgrounds.
For more advanced users:
* Krita: This is a free and open-source digital painting software with animation capabilities. It's a great option for artists who want to create high-quality animations with a lot of detail.
* Blender: This is a free and open-source 3D animation software with excellent 2D animation features. It's more complex but offers great flexibility and customization options.
For online animation:
* Animaker: This online tool offers a free plan with limited features, but it lets you create simple animations with pre-made templates and characters.
* GoAnimate: Another online animation tool with a free trial, GoAnimate lets you create professional-looking videos with pre-made characters, backgrounds, and music.
Remember: The best program for you depends on your skill level, the type of animation you want to create, and your budget.
To find the best free program for you, consider these factors:
* Learning curve: How easy is the software to learn and use?
* Features: What features are important to you? Do you need to draw your own characters, or can you use pre-made assets? Do you need advanced animation tools?
* Compatibility: What operating system do you use?
Once you've considered these factors, you can try out a few different programs until you find one that fits your needs.