RoughAnimator - animation app Apple

RoughAnimator - animation app

Draw frame-by-frame animation

Overview

Features & Capabilities

RoughAnimator is a fully featured hand-drawn animation app for iPad, built by an animator for other animators. It delivers professional power while remaining approachable for beginners, so you can create traditional frame-by-frame animation anywhere.

Its key tools include an unlimited timeline with adjustable exposure, onion skinning, preview playback, audio import for lip-sync, video import for rotoscoping, and custom brushes. It supports Apple Pencil and Logitech Crayon, lets you control framerate and resolution, and exports to QuickTime, GIF, or image sequences. Projects can be imported into major tools like After Effects, Toon Boom Harmony, and Flash; a desktop version is also available. See a short film animated with RoughAnimator: https://youtu.be/vaHuJNNPoMM

User Growth & Download Statistics

Contact the developer

Chrome-Stats does not own this Apple app. Please use these information below to contact the Apple app developer.
Developed by:
Jacob KAFKA
Apple Apps Store
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/roughanimator-animation-app/id954718244
Website:
https://www.roughanimator.com/

User Reviews

RoughAnimator on iPad is praised for its affordable, one-time purchase and a simple, robust toolset suitable for both newcomers and seasoned animators. It supports professional workflows and serves as a solid alternative to similar apps. However, users repeatedly report crashes, missing key features (keyframes/tweening) and a poor audio workflow, a steep learning curve, performance lag, and limited brush controls. Overall, strong for rough/concept work, but stability and feature gaps are the main drawbacks.
Pros
  • One-time purchase with long-term value (no subscription).
  • Simple, approachable interface with robust tools for both beginners and professionals.
  • Excellent timeline and frame-based workflow with handy drag-frame features.
  • Powerful enough for professional projects and a reliable alternative to similar apps.
Cons
  • Frequent crashes and instability, including occasional loss of progress.
  • Missing essential animation features (keyframes and tweening) and a difficult audio workflow (hard to import/record audio).
  • Steep learning curve and lack of tutorials; not very beginner-friendly.
  • Performance lag when drawing; noticeable on iPhone and other devices (better on iPad).
  • Limited brush options and controls (few brushes, no brush sensitivity or stability, occasional unresponsive tools).
Recent reviews
I love this program. It makes it super easy for a beginner like me to pick up and start animating. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of other programs, but it’s great for practicing the fundamentals.
by Ot*****, 2026-07-15

Super good, highly recommended may be tricky at first (especially if you came from flipaclip), but after a few animations you're get the hang of it. 5 stars
by An*****, 2026-07-06
View all user reviews ›

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