Adobe Flash VS Anime Studio: Which is the King of Vector Animation?

As an animator and instructor, I get a lot of questions about Adobe Flash and Anime Studio Pro. Which software is more affordable? How does each one use animation? Is Anime Studio easier to use? And in general, which software is better? The clear answer is this: neither of these pieces of software is better than the other. However, there are differences that may or may not benefit users, depending on the circumstances. I will list five main points in this article regarding the pros and cons of each software.

1. Frame by frame animation of Bone VS. While AS can do frame-by-frame animation, it was built to the bone. Bone animation is the technique where you draw a skeletal structure and animate an object based on it. Flash has a basic bone and interpolation system, but it doesn’t compare to Anime Studio. However, Flash is more useful as frame-by-frame animation software. There is no right or wrong here, it just depends on your style.
2. Anime Studio is easier to use. It’s true, especially if you’ve never dealt with animation before. The software is pretty straightforward (especially the Debut version) but deep enough that professionals can take advantage of it. AS was designed to be an animation solution. Adobe Flash is a more robust package overall, allowing programming, web design, and more, so the focus isn’t strictly on animation. If you are new to animation and don’t want to be overwhelmed, Anime Studio may be your best option.
3. Adobe Flash costs more. If you are on a budget, you may want to consider the cost of this software. Adobe Flash can cost up to $500 USD, while Anime Studio can cost around $100, depending on where you buy. However, there is a tradeoff to this…
4. Adobe Flash does more than just animation. Interactive websites, games, mobile apps and the list goes on. Flash is used by many in the industry for more than just cartoon animation. Also, it integrates well with the entire Adobe Suite. If you want more than just a vector design, Flash may be your best option.
5. Try them yourself! I could go on and on about the differences between these two pieces of software. However, at the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preference. Ease of use VS more features, bone animation VS traditional animation, cost VS integration, etc. These are all things to consider before spending money. Take your time, download the demos and try them out for yourself.