Adobe shuts down Animate to prioritize AI future

Adobe has officially announced that it will discontinue its long-standing 2D animation software which originally evolved from Flash. This move marks the end of an era for traditional vector animation as the company pivots its resources entirely toward Generative AI integration.

According to an update released on Monday, the company stated that the product will no longer be available for purchase after March 1, 2026.

The decision is part of Adobe’s strategic shift toward artificial intelligence. It is pertinent to note that the Animate “served its purpose well” for 25 years. However, new platforms and paradigms have emerged that better meet modern users' needs.

The announcement has sparked frustration among global users, and many of whom are vocalizing that the software should be open-sourced. Many creators have also expressed concern how this change will directly impact their professional workflows.

The move was unexpected as Adobe has largely sidelined Animate during its recent Adobe Max conference. At present, the company is not expected to offer a direct replacement for the discontinued software. Adobe has advised Creative Cloud Pro users to transition new workflows by utilizing other applications in the suite.

Specifically, the company suggests experimenting with After Effects for keyframe animation and Adobe Express for simpler creative projects in the future.