OpenToonz for Mac

OpenToonz for Mac is a highly advanced open-source modeling and animation suite that is completely focused on 2D animation and enabling 2D artists to take full advantage of their drawing and animation skills.

Originally developed as a proprietary modeling and animation suite Digital Video S.p.A. in Italy, this application gained worldwide recognition when it was accepted and customized in the offices of Studio Ghibli, a famous Japanese animation film studio based in Koganei, Tokyo, Japan.

In March of 2016, open-source of this entire application was released to the public, enabling talented 2D artists and animators to embrace the same tools that Studio Ghibli used in the creation of many of their popular feature films.

The core features of the Open Toonz app for Mac are its powerful tools for vector and bitmap drawing, advanced algorithms for scanning and cleanup of scanned images, automatic vectorization, indexed color palettes, a wide array of effects and compositing tools, frame-by-frame and motion tweening animation tools, support for bones, IK support and mesh deformation for advanced animation techniques, support for motion tracking and automatic synchronization of 2D animation with video footage, a full complement of particle filter effects and much more.

The app has full control for touch-based drawing accessories, and its drawing tools can even be used on touch-equipped laptops and tablets.

The user interface of OpenToonz for macOS does not move away from the traditional style found in many other drawing and animation suites, enabling both novices and seasoned professionals to easily learn how to control its vast toolset.

The app features the traditional large focus on drawing/animation canvas, a complex array of tools on the right, and a large timeline control area on the bottom.

This entire feature set is available from a very small application that can be installed on your Mac desktop or Macbook in mere seconds by simply following the on-screen instructions from the automated installer app.

How to Use

Install the application in the Applications folder

Launch the program and select a project type

Use the Xsheet or Timeline to organize animation

Draw with vector/raster tools in the Level panel

Import images or videos to integrate into scenes

Animate using keyframes and motion paths

Apply effects using the FX Schematic

Preview your animation in the viewer

Export final animation via Render > Output Settings

System Requirements

• macOS 10.14 Mojave or later
• Intel or Apple Silicon (via Rosetta)
• 4 GB RAM minimum (8 GB recommended)
• OpenGL 3.3 compatible GPU
• At least 500 MB free disk space

PROS

• Free and open-source software
• Advanced 2D animation features
• Supports both raster and vector
• Compatible with Studio Ghibli tools
• Customizable with plug-ins and scripts

CONS

• UI may feel outdated or complex
• Limited official support resources
• Occasional bugs and crashes
• Performance lags on older Macs

Also Available: Download OpenToonz for Windows