The Ultimate Guide to Download OpenToonz on Windows And Mac

What is OpenToonz

OpenToonz is a free and open-source software used for creating hand-drawn animations. It is based on the tool used by Studio Ghibli and supports both vector and raster workflows. Artists can use it for frame-by-frame animation, automatic in-betweening, and adding effects. OpenToonz runs on Windows and macOS and is ideal for beginners and professionals alike.

Why should you download OpenToonz

Many people are looking for animation software that isn't complicated to navigate, is feature-rich, and best of all, free. For both beginners and experienced individuals, there are multiple reasons to download OpenToonz and use it for animation projects. Here are some of those reasons:

• Free and open-source

OpenToonz is free of charge and can be downloaded without the hassle of acquiring a subscription or license. Since the tool is open-sourced, it continues to receive updates from developers globally. This is perfect for students, hobbyists, and small studios.

• Professional tools

OpenToonz serves a vast audience while having advanced features available, such as studios like Studio Ghibli, which adds serious industry-grade value to the software. Users can perform advanced animation techniques such as frame-by-frame animation, utilize automatic inbetweens, and utilize numerous effects.

• Customizable workspace

OpenToonz lets users adjust and customize the layout and tools according to their preferences, whether it is a minimalistic drawing environment or a complex multi-layer animation workspace. Flexibility is one of the top requirements in the animation industry, and OpenToonz meets this need.

• Active community

The community associated with OpenToonz is quite useful. They have developed many video tutorials, provided numerous answers to questions, and even designed various plugins. So, no matter if you are stuck or just want to get some new tips, there's always guidance.

• 2D and 3D support

OpenToonz specializes in 2D animation, but also provides support for 3D features, including camera movement and some 2D effects. These augmentations help users make more sophisticated scenes. For more creative control, artists will be required to download OpenToonz for free and try the 2D and basic 3D workflows.

System requirements to download OpenToonz

Before downloading OpenToonz, it is a must to check if your PC meets the set basic system requirements. These are defined as the minimum specifications that will enable the smooth running of the software. The following information will help avoid problems while downloading OpenToonz:

• Windows: 7+, 2GB RAM, 2.4GHz CPU

The user should have no power than Windows 7 or any newer version of it, equipped with 2GB of RAM and a 2.4GHz processor. Such requirements are quite common among PCs and laptops these days. Hence, if you have these specifications, download OpenToonz for free and begin animating almost immediately.

• Mac: 10.12+, 2GB RAM, 2.4GHz CPU

For Mac users, OpenToonz is compatible with macOS 10.12 (Sierra) or later, as long as the user has sufficient RAM and Processor power. Several older MacBooks usually meet these specifications. This helps Mac users download and start using OpenToonz without requiring any additional upgrades.

• Graphics: OpenGL 2.1+

To ease animation workloads with OpenToonz, its users must have a computer with support for the OpenGL version 2.1 graphics card. This does not pose a major challenge since the majority of readily available and specialized graphics cards support this version.

• Storage: 500MB+ free space

In order to download OpenToonz, its users would need a minimum of 500MB of available storage space on their devices. If your goals are large-scale projects, then additional storage space would be preferred. Having enough storage ensures that you can save your work without issues.

• Internet: For updates

OpenToonz, with a lack of internet connection, can operate smoothly. However, one could benefit from internet access to install necessary updates, add-ons, or support documents that improve the services provided by the software.

How to download OpenToonz on Windows

Downloading and installing OpenToonz on Windows is a simple process, even for those new to animation software. The setup is designed to be user-friendly, guiding users through basic steps with ease. OpenToonz works well on most Windows systems and is suitable for both beginners and professionals. Here is how to easily download OpenToonz on Windows:

STEP 1
1. Run the installer and bypass SmartScreen

After you download OpenToonz, double-click the OpenToonzSetup.exe file. If Microsoft Defender SmartScreen shows you a warning, click "More info" and then "Run anyway" to continue.

STEP 2
1. Choose settings and install

Select your preferred language, accept the Terms of Use, and pick a folder for OpenToonz files. You can also choose to create a desktop icon and keep your existing personal settings.

STEP 3
1. Finish and launch OpenToonz

Click the "Install" button to begin setup. After installation, you can choose to launch OpenToonz immediately and start animating.

How to download OpenToonz on macOS

The process for installing OpenToonz on macOS is easy and fast. After downloading OpenToonz, there is a standard installer package that needs to be run. You have to run the file, complete a couple of steps, and you will be all set to start using the application. Here is how you can do it step by step on macOS:

STEP 1
1. Open the installer file

After downloading OpenToonz, right-click the OpenToonz.pkg file in Finder and select "Open." This will start the installation process even if your Mac blocks unsigned apps by default.

STEP 2
1. Accept the license and select a destination

Choose your language and click "Continue," then agree to the Terms of Use. Pick your installation disk, which is usually Macintosh HD, and proceed.

STEP 3
1. Install and finish setup

Click the "Install" button to complete the process. Once done, click "Close" and you're ready to start animating with OpenToonz.

How to use OpenToonz

Getting started with OpenToonz may seem overwhelming at first, but with just a few simple steps, you can begin creating your 2D animations from scratch.

STEP 1
1. Set up your project and scene

Begin by launching OpenToonz and creating a new project. Give your project a name and choose a save location. Once the project is created, set up a new scene. This involves configuring your workspace, including the timeline, drawing area, and tool windows, to prepare for animation work. Ensuring everything is neatly organized will help streamline your workflow.

STEP 2
1. Create and animate your drawing

Start drawing your characters or objects using the brush or pencil tools in the drawing panel. After sketching your key image, move to the Xsheet or timeline to manage frames. Use the onion skin feature to see the previous and next frames as you draw, which helps maintain consistency across frames. Animate by duplicating drawings across multiple frames and making slight changes to simulate movement, or by using vector animation tools if needed.

STEP 3
1. Render and export your animation

To export MP4 files in OpenToonz, go to "Import/Export" and set the "FFmpeg Path" to the location of ffmpeg.exe on your computer (e.g., C:\ffmpeg\bin\ffmpeg.exe). Set the "FFmpeg Timeout" to 600 seconds to allow enough time for processing. Then, set the "Fast Render Path" to your preferred output location, such as your desktop (C:\Users\[YourUsername]\Desktop).

Pros and cons of using OpenToonz

Bonus tip: Effortlessly edit your 2D videos with AI tools in CapCut

The CapCut desktop video editor is ideal for video creators looking to further enhance their 2D works using AI, as it automates and simplifies most of the tasks. Automated scene transitions, voice syncing, and visual improvements can all be done without complicated editing skills. This helps accelerate post-production work on animation projects.

Key features

Here are some key features of the CapCut desktop video editor that help bring animated videos to life quickly and creatively:

• Copyright-free material library

Access a wide range of music, sound effects, and visuals without worrying about copyright issues. It is perfect for YouTube, social media, or educational content, saving time on sourcing assets.

• Smart color grading

Automatically adjust tones, contrast, and mood with AI-driven tools, making it easy to create visually stunning animations with a professional touch, even if you're new to color grading.

• Various AI stickers

Use CapCut's AI sticker generator to create custom and context aware stickers, perfect for making scenes more engaging, creative, and interactive for your audience without extra editing effort.

• Voice changers

Easily switch character voices to match different personalities with the voice changer, enhancing storytelling and animated dialogues, making it easier to create multiple characters for one project.

• Export videos in 4K

Render your final animations in ultra-high quality, ensuring your visuals remain sharp and clear on all screens, from mobile devices to large monitors, and are suitable for professional presentations.

How to efficiently edit and enhance videos in CapCut

To efficiently edit and enhance videos in CapCut, simply download the desktop version by clicking the download button below. Once downloaded, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. After installation, you're ready to start editing your videos.

STEP 1
1. Import the video

Open CapCut on your desktop, click “Import” or drag your video into the workspace, then place it on the timeline to begin editing.

STEP 2
1. Edit videos

Click on the video in the timeline and use the "Split" tool to remove any unwanted clips. Adjust the video size to match your target social media platform. Then, go to the "AI stylize” tab, choose a suitable AI effect, or generate one using a prompt. Apply the effect to give your animated video a more engaging look. To make your content more accessible, add accurate captions by navigating to "Captions" > "Auto captions", selecting the spoken language, and clicking Generate.

STEP 3
1. Export and share

After finishing the edits, click "Export," select the desired resolution and file format, then click "Export" again to save or use "Share" to upload it directly to TikTok or YouTube.

Conclusion

In conclusion, learning how to download OpenToonz is a great step for anyone looking to create high-quality 2D animations. The software has powerful tools for animating, drawing, and adding effects, all for free. After completing your animation, you can easily refine your work with a bit of editing. For those looking to enhance their videos further, the CapCut desktop video editor is an excellent choice.

FAQs

1
1. How do I ensure the downloaded OpenToonz version is the latest?

For OpenToonz, always revisit the OpenToonz official site or have a look at the GitHub page for the most recent download, as the latest stable release will always be listed there. The latest version as of now is 1.7.1 ,which was released on May 9, 2023. Checking these sources regularly will help you stay up-to-date. For advanced video editing and AI features, you may want to check out the desktop video editor, CapCut.

2
1. Does OpenToonz have a mobile version available for download?

At the moment, no such mobile version exists for OpenToonz on Android and iOS. There have been talks regarding a mobile port, but nothing has officially come out. For now, Animation Desk can be used for mobile animation purposes. However, for quick editing with professional tools, you can opt for tools like the CapCut desktop video editor.

3
1. Is it safe to download OpenToonz from third-party websites?

Using trusted sites such as the official website to download OpenToonz ensures you will avoid the risk of unsupported malware and keep your system safe. Likewise, third-party sites may be a little more worrying and unreliable. However, to safely use an efficient and virus-free tool on your desktop, consider using CapCut.