Creating compelling characters is essential for artists, game developers, and anyone with a creative vision. Whether you're sketching out an original character for a story or crafting a unique avatar for online games, the right app can make all the difference. This list highlights 20 of the best character design apps for Android and iPhone, including options for beginners and advanced users alike. Standout choices include Dollify, which allows you to create adorable chibi-style characters, AvatarNation, offering a wide range of customization options for creating unique avatars, and Monster Girl Maker 2, perfect for those who want to design fantastical creatures.
Top app for character design
1. Dollify
Download:
Cost: Free (Free), Dollify Pro ($2.99/month)
Dollify is the ultimate character design app on mobile, and I'm obsessed! It's miles better than other apps because it's simple to use and lets you create super cute, customizable avatars in minutes. With over 55 million downloads and a huge following on Instagram, it's clear people love Dollify. The massive library of features, including tons of hairstyles, outfits, and accessories, lets you make your character totally unique. Plus, it's free to use, so you can design as many characters as you want without breaking the bank.
Key Features:
- Create custom avatars with diverse options
- Wide variety of clothing, hairstyles, and accessories
- Share your unique creations with friends and online
✨ Read more: app for 2d drawing
2. AvatarNation
Download:
Cost: Free (Free), AvatarNation Premium ($4.99/month)
AvatarNation is a character design app on mobile that lets you create your own avatar using hundreds of customizable parts. While it's fun to mix and match styles and colors, the app's simplicity might leave you wanting more. Users have pointed out a higher-than-expected frequency of ads, which could be a turn-off for some. While the commercial use permission is a nice perk, the lack of more expressive features, like facial expressions, could be a dealbreaker for those looking for a more robust character design experience.
Key Features:
- Create custom avatars with hundreds of parts
- Mix and match drawing styles for unique looks
- Adjust colors, positions, and sizes freely
✨ Read more: app for 2d animation
3. Monster Girl Maker 2
Download:
Cost: Free (Free), Premium ($2.99/month)
Monster Girl Maker 2 is a mobile character design app that absolutely blows other apps out of the water. It's got over 1,000 customizable parts, so you can create truly unique monster girls. Forget about limiting yourself to boring human features – with Monster Girl Maker 2, you can give your creations wings, horns, scales, and all sorts of other fantastical features. The app is super intuitive and easy to use, even for beginners, and the vast library of options means you can make truly one-of-a-kind characters that nobody else has ever seen!
Key Features:
- Customize monster girls with 1000+ parts
- Design full-body characters with varied poses
- Save and share your unique creations
✨ Read more: app 3d design
4. FlipaClip
Download:
Cost: Free (Free), FlipaClip Pro ($19.99/year)
FlipaClip isn't just another animation app, it's a character design dream come true! With over 60 million downloads and a huge community of artists, FlipaClip is the top choice for bringing your characters to life. I chose FlipaClip because it's incredibly user-friendly and packed with features that other apps just don't have. The layers, onion skinning, and easy-to-use drawing tools make it a breeze to create detailed characters with tons of personality. I can even add sound effects and music, making my creations really come alive!
Key Features:
- Draw and animate characters frame-by-frame
- Add custom backgrounds and props
- Import and use your own assets
✨ Read more: app for drawing
5. REALITY
Download:
Cost: Free (Free), REALITY+ (Monthly) ($9.99/month)
REALITY is a popular mobile app that allows users to design their own unique anime avatars. With a vast array of customization options, from hairstyles and facial features to clothing and accessories, REALITY empowers users to create expressive and personalized characters. The app boasts over 9.5 million downloads and has received a 4.3-star rating on the Google Play Store, showcasing its appeal and user satisfaction. While the extensive customization options are a major draw, some users have reported occasional glitches and a lack of depth in certain features.
Key Features:
- Create and customize anime avatars
- Livestream with your avatar in VR
- Connect with others in a virtual world
✨ Read more: app for social media
Other character design app
- Live Portrait Maker
- Life Makeover
- SuitU
- Everskies
- Magic Poser
- CUSTOM CAST
- BUD
- ZEPETO
- ibis Paint X
- Sculpt+
- Bitmoji
- Lily Diary
- Thetan Creator
- Powerpuff Yourself
- Monster Girl Maker
The most important factors when choosing a character design app
- Ease of Use: A good character design app should be intuitive and user-friendly, regardless of your skill level.
- Customization Options: Look for an app with a wide range of features that allow you to personalize your characters, including body shapes, clothing, accessories, and facial expressions.
- Artistic Style: Consider your preferred art style and choose an app that matches your aesthetic.
- Export Options: Make sure the app allows you to export your character designs in various formats, such as PNG, JPG, or SVG, so you can use them in other projects.