I'd like to start learning how to animate. Is Flash still the go-to software?

[Yomarz]

I really want to start learning how to animate and I'm wondering what software to use. I've always associated digital animation with Adobe Flash but that's mainly because of the whole flash animation craze back in the albino blacksheep and classic newgrounds days. I don't really keep up with these trends so is there some other software that the kids are using now or is Flash still king?

 

[SquaresOfMadness]

I don't think Flash is the king anymore, but I also don't really keep up with trends. The best animation software right now is probably Toon Boom Animate or Toon Boom Animate Pro. It should have all the features you'll ever need, but it's kind of expensive and it might be kind of hard to learn for a beginner. I'd recommend Anime Studio Pro 9 or 10. It's not the best program out there, but it's got a decent amount of features, doesn't cost a lot of money (Anime Studio Pro 9 is like $70 on Amazon), and it's probably the easiest animation software to learn/use.

 

[TMJBtv]

I think flash has a generally nicer looking animation. I use anime studio debut, and while its good for what i do, it does have its limitations....
Flash is harder though