Our verdict: Live2D Cubism Editor is the standard tool for rigging VTuber avatars and animated 2D game characters from a flat illustration. The FREE version is enough to learn and to build a simple model, but its limits on ArtMeshes, parameters and textures are quickly reached by a full avatar. Serious work needs the PRO subscription.
About Live2D Cubism Editor
Live2D Cubism Editor is made by Live2D Inc. in Japan. You import an illustration split into layers as a PSD file, the editor turns each layer into a deformable mesh, and you add parameters such as head angle, eye blink or mouth open. The Animation tab then combines those parameters on a timeline, with physics and lip-sync.
On first launch you choose between a 42-day trial of PRO and the FREE version. FREE is always free and can be used commercially by individuals and companies with annual sales under 10 million yen, but it limits a model to one 2048 px texture, 100 ArtMeshes, 30 parameters and 50 deformers, and caps video export at 1280 × 720. PRO for individuals and small businesses costs $13.15 a month or $90.31 for the first year on the official store. An internet connection is needed to authenticate the license.
What it does well
- PSD to model. Imports a layered PSD and creates a mesh for each layer automatically.
- Deformers and parameters. Warp and rotation deformers driven by parameters such as angle, blink and mouth.
- Physics and lip-sync. Hair and clothing sway with physics settings; mouth movement follows WAV audio.
- Animation timeline. Keyframe motions and scenes from model parameters in the Animation tab.
- Export. Exports runtime models for the Cubism SDK and nizima LIVE, plus PNG, GIF and MP4 video.
Who it is for
Good fit
Illustrators building VTuber avatars and indie developers adding animated 2D characters to games.
Look elsewhere
Frame-by-frame animators and anyone without layered artwork; the editor animates existing PSD layers rather than drawing them.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Industry standard for VTuber and 2D game models
- FREE version allows commercial use for individuals
- Physics, lip-sync and animation timeline built in
- Models work with the Cubism SDK and nizima LIVE
Cons
- FREE version limits are too small for a full avatar
- PRO is a subscription, no one-time license
- Needs a dedicated GPU; integrated graphics may misbehave
How to install Live2D Cubism Editor
The button downloads the official 64-bit Windows installer of the current release version from live2d.com; ignore the beta build listed on the same page. On first start choose "Start as FREE Version" if you do not want the 42-day PRO trial clock to begin; the trial can be started only once per PC.
Questions about Live2D Cubism Editor
Is Live2D Cubism Editor free?
Yes, the FREE version is free for good, with limits such as 100 ArtMeshes, 30 parameters and one texture. PRO removes the limits and costs from $13.15 a month; a 42-day PRO trial without a card is offered once per PC, after which the editor keeps running with FREE-level saving and export.
Can I use the FREE version commercially?
Individuals and small businesses with annual sales under 10 million yen may use it commercially. Larger companies may use it only for non-commercial or supervision purposes.
What artwork does Live2D need?
A PSD file with the parts of the character, such as eyes, hair and mouth, on separate layers. Live2D recommends Photoshop or Clip Studio Paint for preparing it.
