OpenToonz

Overview

OpenToonz is a free, open-source application for producing 2D animation, suited to animators who want scanning, painting and compositing tools in one desktop workflow. Its breadth is a strong fit for varied production needs, but GTS scanning is Windows-only.

Based on Toonz, which Studio Ghibli customized and used for many years, OpenToonz is licensed under the New BSD License. Its free plan allows commercial and non-commercial projects, making it a practical option for both independent work and school use.

For more options, browse 2D Character Animation Software, Cartoon Maker Software, and Animation Software.

Key features

Scanning and painting

GTS supports four scanning types, saves scanning settings, and works with TWAIN scanners. That can suit workflows built around scanned artwork, though GTS itself is limited to Windows; Mac and Linux users should not choose OpenToonz expecting the same scanning tool. Digital painting supports anti-aliased lines, and painting data remains separate from palette data, giving users distinct control over those elements.

Compositing and effects

Filming provides both xsheet and timeline interfaces, so users can arrange work in either format. A node tree supports effect synthesis, while an effects SDK allows image-processing effects to be added as plug-ins. This makes the application more adaptable than a fixed set of built-in effects, especially for users who can work with extensions.

Image handling and output

OpenToonz supports raster and vector images and converts between colored binarized TGA sequence images and OpenToonz format. Its export formats include 3GP, AVI, BMP, GIF, JPG, MOV, MP4, PNG, RGB, SGI, spritesheet, TGA, TIF, TIFF and WebM. The range covers common video and image outputs as well as several production-oriented formats.

Pricing

Free: free. The plan is open source and permits commercial and non-commercial projects, so there is no paid tier to unlock those uses. There is no free trial because the software is already free.

Platforms

OpenToonz supports Windows, macOS and Linux. The platform coverage is broad for a desktop animation tool, but GTS scanning is available only on Windows. For troubleshooting, improvement requests and bug reports, the official site directs users to a Google Group; development topics go to a GitHub forum.

Who it's for

OpenToonz suits professional and amateur 2D animators, as well as school education. Its combination of painting, scanning, compositing and plug-in support is most compelling for users who want a capable free production environment and can work within its desktop workflow. It is not the right choice for someone who needs GTS scanning on macOS or Linux, or who is looking for 3D modeling; it does not include 3D modeling tools.

Pros and cons

• Pro: The free, open-source plan permits commercial and non-commercial projects, avoiding a licensing charge for either use.
• Pro: Scanning, painting, compositing, image conversion and plug-in support span several stages of a 2D workflow.
• Pro: Windows, macOS and Linux support gives users a choice of desktop platform.
• Con: GTS scanning is Windows-only, which limits scanned-art workflows on the other supported platforms.
• Con: OpenToonz is focused on 2D animation and does not provide 3D modeling.

Alternatives

Tahoma2D is another free, open-source option for full-featured 2D and stop-motion animation creation, so consider it if stop motion is part of your workflow.

Animaker may suit users seeking an Android, iOS or web option; its free plan has basic animation tools, limited premium assets and watermarked exports.

Powtoon is an alternative for users who prefer Android, iOS, web or an extension; its free plan caps output at 720p and three minutes and adds a watermark.

Adobe Character Animator is an alternative for Windows and macOS users considering animation software with a free plan.

Toon Boom Harmony is a paid alternative with Windows, macOS and Linux support; Harmony Essentials costs $31 a month, billed monthly.

Moho is a paid alternative for macOS and Windows users; Moho Debut 14 is a one-time purchase priced at $59.99 a month.

Live2D Cubism is a freemium alternative with Android, iOS, macOS, web and Windows support.

Pencil2D is another free, open-source option for users who want animation software that can be used commercially.

Verdict

Choose OpenToonz if you want a free, open-source 2D animation application that covers multiple production stages and permits commercial work. Its strongest case is the breadth of its workflow without a plan fee; look elsewhere if you need GTS scanning on macOS or Linux, or require 3D modeling.