Adobe Animate is shutting down next month
03 Feb 2026

Adobe has announced its decision to discontinue Adobe Animate, its popular 2D animation software.

The company will stop selling the software on March 1, citing the emergence of new platforms that better serve user needs.

Users have until March 1, 2027 (or until March 1, 2029 for enterprise customers) to access and download files from Animate as they won't be available after this period.

History of Adobe Animate
User reactions

Adobe Animate, originally known as FutureSplash Animator, was launched by FutureWave Software in 1996.

The software was acquired by Macromedia later that year and renamed Flash. Adobe purchased the company in 2005 and rebranded the app as Adobe Flash Professional.

Despite rebranding the app as Adobe Animate in 2015 as part of the transition away from Flash technology, many users are disappointed with its discontinuation.

Users upset over lack of alternatives
Shift to AI

The decision to discontinue Adobe Animate comes as the company doubles down on artificial intelligence (AI).

However, users have expressed their disappointment over the lack of alternatives that match Animate's functionality.

Some have even suggested that Adobe should open-source the software instead of abandoning it altogether.

Technologies evolve, new platforms emerge: Adobe
Company statement

In an FAQ, Adobe explained its decision by saying "Animate has been a product that has existed for over 25 years and has served its purpose well for creating, nurturing, and developing the animation ecosystem."

The company added that as technologies evolve, new platforms emerge that better serve user needs.

This change in direction indicates Adobe's shift toward more AI-focused products.

Recommended replacements for Adobe Animate
Replacement suggestions

Adobe has recommended Creative Cloud Pro customers to use other Adobe apps as partial replacements for Animate's functionality.

These include Adobe After Effects for complex keyframe animation and Adobe Express for animation effects on photos, videos, text, shapes and other design elements.

Despite the discontinuation announcement, users who have downloaded the software will still be able to use it.