OpenToonz

OpenToonz is a free, open-source 2D animation software based on the Toonz program originally developed by Digital Video S.p.A. It provides a complete workflow for producing traditional and digital animation, combining vector and raster drawing, scan-to-animation, painting, and compositing. The software supports an Xsheet (timeline) based workflow, onion-skining for frame planning, and options for both hand-drawn and cut-out animation. It includes a node-based compositor for applying visual effects, a camera system, and tools for color management and scene organization. OpenToonz runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux and is designed to be extensible through plug-ins and scripts.

OpenToonz traces its roots to Toonz, a commercial software used by several animation studios, including Studio Ghibli. In 2016, an open-source version of Toonz was released as OpenToonz under a BSD-style license, enabling artists and developers to inspect, modify, and redistribute the code. The project is maintained by the OpenToonz community and hosted on GitHub, where ongoing development and user-contributed improvements are shared with the public.

Usage and reception: OpenToonz is used by independent animators, educators, and small studios as a cost-free alternative to proprietary tools. Its open-source nature supports experimentation and customization within animation pipelines and it is often chosen for learning, experimental projects, and small-scale productions. The software continues to evolve through community contributions and official releases, promoting interoperability with other open-source tools and practices in 2D animation.