Cartoons are powerful for storytelling, amplifying emotion, simplifying reality, and evoking laughter or tears beyond live action. Animation helps a character grow into a brand, a series, or a business.
Despite its creative appeal, animation has traditionally been time-consuming and labour-intensive. With tasks such as rigging, lip sync, motion cleanup, and scene building, creators often faced long lead times before the story even began.
Thankfully, 2026 marks a turning point: AI is making animation accessible for solo creators and small teams. We can now quickly prototype scenes, generate clips, and capture motion without costly equipment, then refine our work with our expertise. Let us explore what to consider when choosing tools in this new landscape.
What we look for in 2026
• Consistent shots and controllable motion • Fast short-clip generation • Tools for character performance • Easy export to editing • Support for 2D and 3D creators
The 7 best AI tools of 2026 for cartoons and animation
1) Runway
Runway is an AI-powered video generation platform designed for fast, cinematic shot creation and creative experimentation. It is ideal for producing short cinematic clips, visual tests, and scene ideas. To get the best results, generate short clips and combine them—breaking them into smaller segments makes refinement easier.
2) Pika
Pika focuses on idea-to-video creation and playful effects, which fit cartoon-style content and social video well.
Best for: fun cartoon shots, expressive edits, social clips
Quick tip: Start by animating a single, impactful image, then develop the scene around it.
3) Luma Dream Machine
Luma Dream Machine is designed for AI video creation with strong motion and a cinematic camera feeling, great for animated sequences.
Best for: camera moves, cinematic motion tests
Quick tip: Give director-like directions, such as a wide shot, a dolly in, or a slow pan.
4) Autodesk Flow Studio (formerly Wonder Studio)
Autodesk Flow Studio (formerly Wonder Studio) is a cloud-based AI toolset that converts live action footage into editable CG scenes, ideal for hybrid animation and VFX work. It is best for integrating CG characters into real footage. For improved tracking accuracy, use well-lit, high-quality footage.
Best for: placing CG characters into real footage
Quick tip: Use well-lit, high-quality footage to improve tracking.
5) DeepMotion Animate 3D
DeepMotion Animate 3D is an AI-driven platform that turns standard videos into 3D animations with motion capture—no suit required. It is optimal for 3D character motion, game animation, and indie productions. Ensure the entire body is visible, with clear contrast and minimal background distractions for optimal performance.
Best for: 3D character motion, game animation, indie production
Quick tip: Show the full body in frame, with clear contrast and minimal distractions.
6) Adobe Character Animator
Adobe Character Animator uses webcam and microphone performance to drive characters, including automatic lip-syncing and face tracking, making it perfect for talking cartoons and shows.
Best for: talking head cartoons, streaming characters, explainers
Quick tip: Reuse a puppet to maintain consistency across episodes.
7) LTX Studio
LTX Studio is an all-in-one AI video production suite that integrates scripting, storyboarding, and generation workflows for creators. It is most effective for planning scenes, rapid storyboarding, and converting ideas into sequences. Use the tool during pre-production and generate only essential shots.
Best for: planning scenes, storyboarding fast, and turning ideas into sequences
Quick tip: Use in pre-production; generate only essential shots.
Quick tool picker
• Quick AI shots: Runway or Pika • Cinematic motion: Luma • 3D character motion: DeepMotion • Talking cartoon performances: Character Animator • Script to storyboard: LTX Studio
A simple workflow we can follow
- Write a 6-scene script, each scene 5 seconds.
- Create a consistent character using references
- Generate shots in Runway, Pika, or Luma
- Add performance with Character Animator or DeepMotion
- Edit, add sound, and publish as shorts or episodes.
Mini FAQ
Will AI video replace real animation?
No. AI accelerates the drafting process, but high-quality animation still requires strong timing.
AI is restoring accessibility to animation. When creators see what is possible, they are motivated to take the leap. This new era empowers storytellers everywhere to realize their visions.
When creators see what is possible, they are motivated to take the leap. This new era empowers storytellers everywhere to realize their visions.
