Adobe Will Discontinue Adobe Animate on March 1

Adobe said it will shut down its popular 2D animation software, Adobe Animate, on March 1. Typically, this application is used to create vector-based animations

In line with this closure plan, Adobe will stop accepting new user registrations. However, old users are still allowed to use the application for several years until the application is completely discontinued in 2027.

Adobe recommends that creators immediately back up all files before the application is discontinued. That way, creators won't lose data containing their animation vectors in the future.

"Animate is a product that has been around for more than 25 years and has performed well," Adobe said, quoted on Wednesday, February 4. "As technology evolves, new platforms and paradigms emerge that better serve user needs."

As a substitute, Adobe recommends users switch to After Effects which can handle more complex and detailed tasks. Meanwhile, the Adobe Express application is recommended for users who want to create simple animation effects.

For corporate customers, Adobe has given a grace period to export files until 2029. An official notification via email has been sent to all customers to ensure the transition process runs smoothly.

This news made professional animators and content creators on social media feel disappointed. Many users feel that this decision will hinder their workflow, especially for animated series that have long relied on Adobe Animate.

Experts argue that this move is part of Adobe's larger strategy to integrate more Artificial Intelligence (AI) features into the Creative Cloud ecosystem. To achieve this, Adobe needs to simplify its product line.