Canva has released free access to Cavalry, a 2D animation and motion graphics tool, after acquiring it a month and a half ago. The full version, with no resolution limits and all its tools, is available at no cost for individual artists and commercial projects. All you need is a free Canva account to access Cavalry 2.7. Studios requiring enterprise features, such as single sign-on, will need to opt for a paid plan.
A Procedural Approach with a 3D Philosophy for 2D Animation 🎬
Cavalry stands out by applying a procedural and data-driven logic to 2D animation, incorporating concepts native to 3D software. This includes character rigging systems, extensive use of instances that allow controlling thousands of elements from a single master, and a non-destructive workflow based on layers and modifiers. Its engine allows for creating complex motion graphics and systematic animations, where changes propagate efficiently throughout the scene.
The Annual Subscription Went for a Walk, But Canva is Watching You 👁️
So the economic barrier to entry has vanished, replaced by the classic modern exchange: your data for their software. No longer do you have to justify an annual subscription to the accountant, but now your workflow passes through the Canva ecosystem. It's a clear deal, though one can't help but feel that, somehow, the algorithm now knows your animations have slightly clumsy rigging. Freedom has a new custodian.