Should OpenToonz be used in 2025?

I've used OpenToonz both personally and professionally to create various 2D animations. What I particularly appreciated was its functional richness and above all its free aspect without any major compromises on quality, which is a real asset. The numerous drawing and animation tools combined with the management of layers and effects make it a robust software for creating a variety of projects.

OpenToonz excels particularly when working on traditional digitized animations or projects requiring advanced visual effects. Its rendering engine and customization options offer real creative power during the animation phase. I was also able to test its integration with scripts to automate certain tasks, which saves precious time.

Despite its strengths, I did come across a few limitations, notably a sometimes confusing interface for new users and a certain lack of fluidity in interactions compared to more modern software. The lack of dedicated sales support may also hold back some professionals looking for quick guidance.

OpenToonz may be suitable for beginners, but with a few caveats. Its interface isn't the most intuitive, which can be quite a steep learning curve for a complete novice. However, online tutorials and extensive documentation make it easy to get the hang of things gradually.

For a beginner, features such as the use of layers, animation timings management and vector drawing tools are all practical advantages for learning the basics of 2D animation without financial investment. This makes OpenToonz an interesting option for those wishing to take a serious introduction to animation.

OpenToonz is totally free software. This lack of cost makes it a very attractive alternative to traditional animation software that requires an expensive subscription or purchase.

This free availability does not mean a lack of features or lower quality; on the contrary, OpenToonz is positioned as a professional tool that is accessible at no cost, making it particularly suitable for freelancers, students and studios with limited budgets.

One of OpenToonz's key features is its advanced 2D drawing and animation system. It allows you to create drawings from vector or bitmap layers, with fine management of strokes and colors, offering great precision in the realization of traditional or digital animations.

Another important feature lies in its effects and rendering options. OpenToonz incorporates a powerful engine capable of applying various special effects, deformations or filters that visually enrich projects, while offering the possibility of customizing these effects via scripts.

There's no shortage of advanced features, including support for image capture for traditional animation and the ability to import external images or sequences to animate.

Another advanced feature is the ability to automate certain tasks thanks to the integration of customizable scripts. This can greatly speed up repetitive workflows and improve the overall efficiency of animation projects.