Should Synfig Studio be used in 2025?

I have mainly used Synfig Studio for personal projects and some small professional 2D animation projects, particularly with creators who want a free but powerful solution. What struck me was the stability and functional richness of the tool despite its open source status, with automatic vector rendering using interpolation that makes animation work easier. The quality of the interpolation and layer management are the major strengths that make the experience smooth and offer precise control over animations without the need to redraw each frame.

Synfig excels when it comes to producing classic 2D animations, cartoons, motion graphics, or animated video tutorials. Its flexibility will appeal especially to users who have a basic understanding of the interface and vector animation concepts. It integrates well into open-source or hybrid workflows, particularly with complementary software such as Inkscape for graphic design.

However, Synfig Studio has some notable limitations, including a fairly steep learning curve for beginners, an interface that seems a little outdated, and some slowness on complex projects. The documentation, although under development, sometimes lacks clarity, and updates can be irregular, requiring personal involvement to make progress.

Synfig Studio offers an interface that, although comprehensive and functional, can be intimidating for beginners. However, it includes features such as automatic interpolation and ready-to-use templates that make it easy to get started once you have a basic understanding of vector animation. There are a few online tutorials and an active community to help novices.

For a motivated beginner, the practical advantage lies in the ability to explore 2D animation creation without financial commitment, while developing solid technical skills on a professional tool. Some settings may seem complex at first, but once mastered, they open the door to professional-quality animations.

Synfig Studio is completely free, which is a considerable advantage, especially for freelancers, students, or organizations with limited budgets. This free access does not compromise the quality of the animations produced in any significant way.

It is possible to contribute to the project through donations or community support, but no paid version or subscription is required to access all features. This affordability allows any motivated user to experiment and produce professional 2D animations without any initial investment.

The main key feature of Synfig Studio is its automatic interpolation system, which allows you to create smooth animations by defining only the key points rather than each frame individually. This technique greatly facilitates the animation process by reducing the time and effort required to complete it.

Another major feature is advanced layer management, with the ability to use different types such as vector, bitmap, and deformation layers, as well as filters and dynamic transformations. This richness offers great flexibility in creating and customizing animations.

Beyond basic features, Synfig Studio offers advanced tools such as Bézier curve manipulation for precise control of movements and shapes, as well as rigging management, which makes it easy to animate complex characters and objects.

In addition, the software supports the import and export of files in various formats, facilitating integration into professional and collaborative workflows. This compatibility is an asset when working with other graphics and editing tools.