Best Whiteboard Animation Software (2026): 10 Tools Compared

There's something about watching a hand sketch an idea in real time that keeps people looking. You've seen the style: a marker moves across a white background, drawings appear, and a voice explains what's happening. Whiteboard animation is the software that makes that effect without you having to draw a thing.

Here's a list of ten whiteboard animation tools, in no particular order, sorted alphabetically. Two are widely known and the rest are smaller or more specialised. I've taken every description from each tool's own website and directory listings, so check the current details on the site before you commit to a project. If you'd like to build your skills first, my ways to learn animation is a friendly place to start.

Ten whiteboard animation tools at a glance

In the free plan column, Yes means the tool's own site describes a permanent free option, usually with limits. Trial only means a free trial but no ongoing free option. No means the site doesn't mention either. Free options often add a watermark or limit length, so check the details before you publish.

Tool	Type	Good for	Free plan
Animaker	Online animation maker	Whiteboard scenes inside a wider animation tool	Yes
DoodleMaker	Doodle video software	Whiteboard, blackboard and glassboard looks	No
Doodly	Doodle video software	Hand-drawn videos built from doodle images	Trial only
Explaindio	Video creator	Mixing sketch, animation and live footage	No
Mango Animate Whiteboard Animation Maker	Whiteboard maker	A tool built for whiteboard animation	Yes
Powtoon	Online animation maker	Whiteboard-style explainers from templates	Yes
Renderforest	Online video maker	A whiteboard toolkit among many templates	Yes
TTS Sketch Maker	Sketch video software	Whiteboard videos with built-in voices	No
VideoScribe	Whiteboard animation	Drawing-style explainer videos	Trial only
Vyond	Animation platform	Whiteboard-style characters for business video	Trial only

The ten whiteboard animation tools

Animaker

Best for: Beginners who want a whiteboard look now and the option of other animation styles later.

DoodleMaker

Best for: Creators who like a choice of backgrounds, such as a chalkboard or a glass pane.

Doodly

Best for: Owners who want doodle-style videos where drawings appear on screen as the voice plays.

Explaindio

Best for: Marketers who want hand-drawn sketches combined with animation and clips in one video.

Mango Animate Whiteboard Animation Maker

Best for: Anyone who wants a dedicated whiteboard animation program rather than a general video maker.

Powtoon

Best for: Teachers and business owners who want to build whiteboard-style videos from ready-made templates.

Renderforest

Best for: Owners who want a whiteboard template they can personalise and a platform for other videos.

TTS Sketch Maker

Best for: Creators who want text-to-speech voices included so they can skip recording their own.

VideoScribe

Best for: Trainers and marketers who want the classic hand-drawn look with images and text appearing.

Vyond

Best for: Companies making training and communication videos who want a whiteboard character style.

What makes a whiteboard animation video work

The hand-drawn reveal does a clever thing: it controls the pace. Viewers wait to see what appears next, so they follow your story in the order you chose. That makes the style especially good for teaching, step-by-step ideas and explaining something people find dull or complicated.

It works less well for emotional storytelling or fast, flashy promotion. If you're selling a feeling rather than explaining a process, a different animation style may serve you better.

Plan your whiteboard animation in three simple steps

1. Write the script. Keep it short and spoken, with one idea per sentence.
2. List the pictures. For every sentence, decide which simple drawing, icon or word will appear.
3. Time it to the voice. Make sure each drawing finishes just as its sentence ends.

If you'll also show the finished video inside a talk, my guide to building a PowerPoint presentation shows how to frame it.

What to check in whiteboard animation software

• Drawing library. See how many images, icons and characters come with the tool.
• Own artwork. Check whether you can upload your logo or images and have them drawn on.
• Hand and pen styles. Look for a choice of hands and drawing speeds.
• Voiceover. Find out if you can record your own voice, use a generated one or both.
• Background options. Some tools offer chalkboard or glass looks as well as a white board.
• Export. Check the formats and resolutions on the free option and whether a mark appears.
• Where it runs. Online tools work in the browser, while others are programs you install.

Whiteboard animation mistakes to avoid

• Drawing too much on screen at once, so viewers can't keep up.
• Choosing a hand speed that's slower than the voice.
• Using clip art in five different styles in one video.
• Skipping a call to action at the end.
• Posting without checking the music and images are licensed for your use.

Once it's finished, my notes on YouTube marketing cover how to get it seen.

Which whiteboard animation tool suits which user

• Teachers and trainers usually do well with a template-led online tool.
• Business owners often like software that lets them upload their own logo and images.
• Marketers tend to want a mix of sketch, animation and footage.
• Creators who dislike recording might prefer built-in generated voices.
• Larger teams may want a platform with shared brand settings.

A note on images, music and voices in whiteboard animation

Use images and music you made or have a licence for, and read what each tool's included library allows for business use. If you use computer-generated voices, check whether the platform where you publish asks for AI content to be labelled. This isn't legal advice, so check the rules for your own situation.

Why a smaller whiteboard animation tool can be a smart pick

Smaller tools are often built around one style, so everything is shaped to make that look work, and there's less to learn. Some are run by small teams who reply to questions quickly.

Before you commit, check that the tool is still being updated, read its help pages and try one short test video. Make sure you can export your finished work in a format you can keep.

Do you make whiteboard animation software or a tool for hand-drawn explainer videos? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.

Trying out your whiteboard animation shortlist

Choose two or three that match your style, then build the same short sequence in each. Compare how simple the drawing effect was to set up, how the finished video looks and how clearly the tool explains its limits. Keep the one that suits you and note anything you'd like to ask the maker.

Frequently asked questions

What is whiteboard animation?

It's a video style in which drawings, words and shapes appear as if a hand were sketching them on a whiteboard, usually while a voice explains the idea.

Is whiteboard animation good for marketing?

It suits explaining a process or a product clearly. It's less suited to emotional storytelling, so pick the style to match your message.

Can I make a whiteboard animation for free?

Some tools have a free option, though it may add a watermark or limit length. Others offer a trial only, so check the details first.

Do I need to draw anything myself?

No. These tools come with libraries of drawings and let you upload your own images, which are then drawn on screen.

How long should a whiteboard animation be?

Short is usually best, often a minute or two. Stick to one clear idea and finish with a next step.