OpenToonz is a free, open-source 2D animation software built upon the “Toonz” platform, which has been used for decades in commercial studios such as Studio Ghibli. Originally developed by Digital Video S.p.A. as commercial animation software, Toonz was released as OpenToonz in 2016 through collaboration with Dwango, making its core technology accessible to all under the GNU GPL v3.0 license.
OpenToonz provides a comprehensive suite of professional animation tools, including frame-by-frame and cut-out animation, raster and vector drawing, advanced scanning (TWAIN compatible), customizable palettes, powerful FX (with plugin architecture), color and layer management, and support for cross-platform workflows (Windows, macOS, Linux). New features are continuously integrated by community members—recent versions include UI customization, scripting enhancements, color management upgrades, and expanded export formats.
The values behind OpenToonz emphasize open collaboration, transparency, intellectual freedom, and community-led development. The project operates by consensus, welcoming contributions from users of all backgrounds, with a primary goal of democratizing access to high-end animation technology and fostering educational opportunities. Transparency in source code and decision-making is central; users can inspect, modify, and redistribute the software as permitted by the GPL license.
OpenToonz’s user base spans professional animators, indie creators, educators, and hobbyists in more than 50 countries. The global community is deeply engaged—active on GitHub, forums, Reddit (r/OpenToonz), and YouTube—creating new documentation, tutorials, and digital assets to support others. Educational adoption is strong, thanks to zero licensing costs and abundant learning resources, while commercial studios appreciate customizability and pipeline flexibility for both experiments and production work.
