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OpenToonz: Powerful Open-Source 2D Animation Software

OpenToonz

OpenToonz, the open-source 2D animation software used by Studio Ghibli, provides a powerful and versatile toolset for creating stunning animations. Free to use for commercial and non-commercial projects.

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OpenToonz: Powerful Open-Source 2D Animation Software

OpenToonz: Open-Source Animation Software

OpenToonz is a powerful, open-source software for 2D animation production. Originally developed as "Toonz" by Digital Video S.p.A. in Italy, it was refined by Studio Ghibli and used extensively in their animation process for many years. Now, thanks to Dwango, it's available to everyone, free of charge for both commercial and non-commercial projects.

Key Features and Capabilities

OpenToonz boasts a comprehensive suite of tools designed to streamline the 2D animation workflow. Key features include:

  • GTS Scanning Tool: Developed by Studio Ghibli, this specialized scanner efficiently handles animation sequence numbers and supports various scanning types (black & white, color, with/without binarization).
  • Digital Painting: Offers anti-aliased lines and independent painting data from palettes, enabling smooth operations even with high-definition images.
  • Flexible Filming: Provides both xsheet and timeline interfaces, facilitating easy effects synthesis using a node tree. Supports real-scale image handling with resolution considerations.
  • Effects Development Kit (SDK): Allows developers to create and integrate custom effects using plug-ins, fostering collaboration and innovation.
  • Compatibility: Supports both raster and vector images and offers interconversion between TGA and OpenToonz formats.
  • Open Source: The source code is freely modifiable under the New BSD License, encouraging community contributions and development.

Studio Ghibli's Legacy

OpenToonz's roots are deeply intertwined with Studio Ghibli's animation legacy. Starting with Princess Mononoke, it played a crucial role in their ink and paint, color design, and digital composition processes for nearly all subsequent films. Studio Ghibli's feedback and collaboration significantly shaped the software's evolution, resulting in a tool finely tuned for professional-grade animation.

Community and Support

OpenToonz benefits from a vibrant community of users and developers. A Google group provides a platform for troubleshooting, feature requests, and discussions. A dedicated GitHub forum caters to developers and researchers interested in contributing to the project's ongoing development.

System Requirements

OpenToonz:

  • Windows: Microsoft Windows 7 SP1/8.1/10 (64-bit), Intel Core i series processor, 4GB+ RAM, 500MB+ storage, 1280x1024+ resolution.
  • macOS: macOS 10.14 (Mojave) or later, Intel Core i series processor, 4GB+ RAM, 500MB+ storage, 1280x1024+ resolution.

GTS (Windows Only):

  • Microsoft Windows 7 SP1/8.1/10, Intel Core i series processor, 2GB+ RAM, 8MB+ storage, TWAIN-compatible scanner (EPSON DS-50000 recommended).

Conclusion

OpenToonz stands as a testament to the power of open-source collaboration, offering a robust and versatile tool for 2D animation. Its history, features, and active community make it an excellent choice for both professionals and aspiring animators.

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