Adobe has reversed the decision to shut down its 2D animation software after receiving pushback from users, which includes animators, instructors, and tech developers.
The implications regarding compatibility and integration with other tools in Adobe’s Creative Cloud suite were also expressed by IT professionals.
User Backlash Forces Adobe to Reconsider
The blowback spread quickly on the social media platforms, indicating that many users depend on the application to get their work done.
Adobe, after receiving responses from the critiques, changed its mind, emphasizing that the users’ requirements will be met simultaneously and the company will focus on the development of anew product.
Recently, Adobe shared an email with its Animate customers while apologizing for the confusion that was created due to the announcement.
According to the company, the application is in maintenance mode, meaning that security, performance, and bug fixes will be handled by the company.
The users will not be able to access new features like AI improvements, effective animation tools, and new export options under this mode.
Moreover, the company states that Adobe Animate will be available to current and future customers.
Adobe has presented this as a way to reallocate development resources to flagship products like Photoshop, After Effects, and the recently acquired AI-powered animation tools, all while maintaining support for current users.
At a broader level, this step explains the updated strategy of Adobe to align with the new trends of the tech industry, which includes the integration of AI and cloud-based systems.
However, Animate, which was initially launched as Flash Professional, has a committed but smaller community compared to the other applications, such as Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat, Lightroom, and many more.
Adobe knows very well that Animate has loyal customers, and it will not be a wise decision to abandon them without any reassurance.
However, they clarify that they will not spend financially on the latest updates in the future.
As for the animation industry, this clearly explains the importance of existing or older software that has a loyal customer base. Users will be able to work on Animate and save their projects without any issues.
Maintenance mode will not be able to bring the latest options, but it won’t hinder the work of users.
For many creators, maintaining older projects without having to migrate to new platforms and producing content effectively depend on having a reliable tool, even in the absence of new features.
In conclusion, Adobe’s decision to halt the shutdown of Animate shows how much the company respects and considers client feedback while keeping future outlay in mind.
People will still be able to use Animate, but without future updates—an effort to maintain a balance between existing and potential new users, preferring AI over traditional creative tools.
(Source: Tech Crunch, Adobe Community)