Adobe to discontinue sales of 2D animation software 'Adobe Animate'

Adobe , the developer of creative tools such as Photoshop and Illustrator , has announced that it will stop selling its 2D animation software, Adobe Animate .

Adobe Animate release notes October 2023 release
https://helpx.adobe.com/animate/release-notes.html

Adobe Animate is shutting down as company focuses on AI | TechCrunch
https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/02/adobe-animate-is-shutting-down-as-company-focuses-on-ai/

Adobe updated the Adobe Animate release notes page on February 2, 2026, announcing that support and sales of Adobe Animate will end on March 1, 2026. Enterprise users will be able to access the application, download content, and receive technical support until March 1, 2029. All other users will be able to receive technical support, access the application, and download content until March 1, 2027.

In conjunction with the end of support for Adobe Animate, a page summarizing frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the end of support has also been published.

Animate discontinuation
https://helpx.adobe.com/animate/kb/end-of-life.html

In this FAQ page, Adobe explains the end of sales for Adobe Animate: 'For over 25 years, Animate has served its purpose well: to create, nurture, and advance the animation ecosystem. As technology evolves, new platforms and paradigms emerge that better meet the needs of our users. In light of these changes, we will be ending support for Animate.'

However, technology media TechCrunch points out that Adobe continues to invest in AI, and that 'Adobe appears to believe Animate no longer represents the company's current direction and is placing a greater emphasis on products incorporating AI technology.'

There have also been concerns online that Adobe has not provided an alternative to Adobe Animate.

One user called for Adobe Animate to be open source.

Hey @Adobe open source this instead of ending it pic.twitter.com/ZZNn5cZYS4

— Tyler Glaiel (@TylerGlaiel) February 2, 2026

One student said, 'I've been taking Adobe Animate classes for an entire semester, and now it's being discontinued.'

we literally had a whole semester of adobe animate class and now they're discontinuing it 😭 https://t.co/Xsn9t05qpV

— Kiyuri (@kiyuri_P) February 2, 2026

One commenter pointed out that 'Adobe is notorious for destroying great products.'

Adobe Animate will be discontinued. @adobe has been legendary at destroying great products. pic.twitter.com/ABOUIJkQqS

— Carl 💥 Creative Coding Club (@snorklTV) February 2, 2026

Adobe did not make any announcements about Adobe Animate at its annual conference, Adobe Max, and the 2025 version of Adobe Animate has not been released.