Adobe To Shut Down Beloved Animation App Adobe Animate Next Month
Adobe has announced it will be discontinuing the sale of its 2D animation software, Adobe Animate, effective March 1st, citing that new platforms are emerging to better serve user needs. Existing users have until March 1st, 2027 (or March 1st, 2029 for enterprise customers) to download their files, as they will no longer be available after these deadlines.
The decision has left many in the industry frustrated, with some creators stating that the app is still used by high-budget television cartoon productions and animation studios. Notably, David Firth, creator of the animated series "Salad Fingers", and a technical artist from Jackbox Games have expressed their continued use of the software, citing its importance for their work.
The company's focus on AI-powered tools has been evident in recent months, with the launch of new editing tools across its apps. Adobe is also working on an AI audio tool to add soundtracks and voiceovers to videos, as well as "IP-safe" Firefly AI models for the entertainment industry.
However, the impending shutdown of Animate has raised concerns about lost media and the potential harm to jobs in the industry that rely on it. As one creator noted, "This decision would not only harm countless jobs in the industry but render so much past creations as lost media."
Adobe users have until March 1st, 2027 to access and download their files from Animate, after which they will no longer be available for purchase. The app will remain available for download until those deadlines, with Adobe continuing to provide support during that period.
While the company has not provided a specific reason for discontinuing Animate, it is clear that its focus on AI-powered tools and emerging platforms has led to this decision. As the industry continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how other apps will fill the gap left by the shutdown of Adobe Animate.
Adobe has announced it will be discontinuing the sale of its 2D animation software, Adobe Animate, effective March 1st, citing that new platforms are emerging to better serve user needs. Existing users have until March 1st, 2027 (or March 1st, 2029 for enterprise customers) to download their files, as they will no longer be available after these deadlines.
The decision has left many in the industry frustrated, with some creators stating that the app is still used by high-budget television cartoon productions and animation studios. Notably, David Firth, creator of the animated series "Salad Fingers", and a technical artist from Jackbox Games have expressed their continued use of the software, citing its importance for their work.
The company's focus on AI-powered tools has been evident in recent months, with the launch of new editing tools across its apps. Adobe is also working on an AI audio tool to add soundtracks and voiceovers to videos, as well as "IP-safe" Firefly AI models for the entertainment industry.
However, the impending shutdown of Animate has raised concerns about lost media and the potential harm to jobs in the industry that rely on it. As one creator noted, "This decision would not only harm countless jobs in the industry but render so much past creations as lost media."
Adobe users have until March 1st, 2027 to access and download their files from Animate, after which they will no longer be available for purchase. The app will remain available for download until those deadlines, with Adobe continuing to provide support during that period.
While the company has not provided a specific reason for discontinuing Animate, it is clear that its focus on AI-powered tools and emerging platforms has led to this decision. As the industry continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how other apps will fill the gap left by the shutdown of Adobe Animate.
I'm kinda surprised, but also kinda expected? Like, tech companies are always evolving and trying new things. But still, it's sad that they're shutting down a beloved app like Animate... 
Those who use it already know how awesome it is 
And what really gets me is the concern about lost media and job losses... creators work so hard on their projects, only to have them become obsolete because of some company's decision 
Hope that they'll find new ways to adapt and help creators out 
. I mean, who needs a whole bunch of people stuck on outdated software when AI-powered tools are all the rage? It's like they're trying to force everyone into the dark ages or something 
. And don't even get me started on the lost media aspect – it's not just about jobs, it's about preserving history and stuff 
they're shutting down animate which is like a HUGE deal for animators & creators... i feel bad 4 those who are gonna lose their jobs or struggle to find new software 
it's like losing an old friend 
. i'm lowkey worried about all the lost media too... what if we never get to see some of these amazing projects again? 
anyway, i guess only time will tell how this whole thing plays out... 
just heard about Adobe Animate shutting down 
this is a big deal for animators 
I mean, what's next? Losing all our files and memories of past projects 
but not at the cost of losing jobs and creative freedom 
. i hope some1 else picks up the slack and gives us somethin' better, cus adobe's clearly lost touch w/ the creators 
. And now they're gonna be stuck using new platforms that might not even support the same level of customization? I get that Adobe wants to focus on AI-powered tools, but can't they see how much talent is gonna get lost in the process? It's like, what's next? Losing all our old files and having to start from scratch? 
anyway seriously tho, i feel for all the creators who rely on that app to do their thing. can't believe they're not gonna be around anymore 