Our verdict: OpenToonz brings a studio-grade 2D animation pipeline to everyone for free. Xsheet timing, scanning and a node-based effects system cover the whole production. The interface is dense and can feel unfamiliar to newcomers.
About OpenToonz
OpenToonz is based on Toonz Harlequin, a commercial animation package that Studio Ghibli customized for its films. DWANGO released it as open source in 2016, and it is now developed by a community under a modified BSD license.
Animators draw frames with vector, raster or Toonz raster brushes, or scan paper drawings with the companion GTS tool. Timing is managed in the Xsheet, a digital exposure sheet, and the FX schematic connects effects such as blur, light and color correction as nodes. The plastic tool deforms artwork with bones for cut-out animation.
What it does well
- Xsheet timing. Plan exposures frame by frame like a traditional exposure sheet.
- Vector and raster drawing. Draw with vector, raster or Toonz raster levels.
- Scanning. Import and clean up scanned paper drawings.
- FX schematic. Node-based effects such as blur, light and color correction.
- Plastic tool. Bone-based mesh deformation for cut-out animation.
Who it is for
Good fit
Traditional and digital 2D animators and small studios who want a full production pipeline.
Look elsewhere
Beginners looking for a simple flipbook-style animation app.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free and open source
- Professional studio heritage
- Powerful node-based effects
- Supports paper scanning workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- Interface feels dated and crowded
How to install OpenToonz
Run OpenToonzSetup.exe from the official download page; the nightly builds listed on the same page are for testing only. On first start choose a project folder, because OpenToonz organizes scenes and drawings inside projects.
Questions about OpenToonz
Is OpenToonz free?
Yes. It is open source and free for personal and commercial use.
Was OpenToonz used by Studio Ghibli?
OpenToonz is based on Toonz Harlequin, which Studio Ghibli customized and used in its productions.
