2D Animation Software

Software: Adobe AfterEffects
Publisher: Adobe
License: Free Trial
Comments: Motion graphics and visual effects for film and media.

Software: Animator-9 3.6
Publisher: Key Technology
License: Free
Comments: Make animated GIFs from your digital camera.

Software: AniS 1.0
Publisher: Tom Whittaker
License: Free
Comments: Simple image manipulation for the web.

Software: Jumpwel
Publisher: Phildes
License: Free
Comments: Basic object manipulator for use in HTML; uses Java applets.

Software: Macromedia Flash
Publisher: Macromedia
License: Free Trial
Comments: The leading name in 2D vector animation.

Software: Macromedia Director
Publisher: Macromedia
License: Free Trial
Comments: Create interactive ShockWave content.

Software: Sqirlz Lite 1.1d
Publisher: xiberpix
License: Free
Comments: Animated image distorter that exports in AVI format.

Software: Sqirlz Morph 1.2c
Publisher: xiberpix
License: Free
Comments: Animated image morpher and blender. Capable of outputting in Flash format.

3D Animation Software

Software: 3D Studio Max 7.0
Publisher: Discreet
License: Free Trial
Comments: Version 7.0 of the award-winning 3D modeling and animation software package. Also comes with trials of Character Studio and Mental Ray.

Software: Cyberdelia
Publisher: Askoh.com
License: Free
Comments: 3D Animation with support for exporting into Macromedia Shockwave.

Software: FreeCAD 8.0
Publisher: Askoh.com
License: Free
Comments: Bit of a beginner’s 3D CAD and simulation program.

Software: Gmax
Publisher: Discreet
License: Free
Comments: Oh, man. It’s every gamer’s dream: a free 3D program that lets you make your own modifications, customizations, and models for Gmax-ready video games. Based on 3D Studio Max.

Software: Maya 6.5
Publisher: Alias WaveFront
License: Free Trial
Comments: The latest version of an industry leader in 3D modeling and animation.

Software: Serif 3D Plus
Publisher: Serif
License: Free
Comments: Allows animated shapes and landscapes.

Software: Special Effects 3.2
Publisher: Mathematically Beautiful ScreenSavers
License: Free
Comments: Very limited range of pre-set animations controlled by user preferences.

Software: Touch Art Sampler 017
Publisher: Derivative
License: Free
Comments: More of a VJ/synthesizer studio than anything else, but still lets you play with animations. Looks rather fun.

Software: TrueSpace 3.2
Publisher: Caligari
License: Free
Comments: Full 3D rendering and output. Seems completely free, though you have to register to get an unlock code on the website. Cross-compatible with many programs.