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Pencil2D
What it is
Pencil2D is free, open-source software for making hand-drawn 2D animations on Windows, macOS, and Linux; its homepage also names FreeBSD. Users can switch between raster and vector workflows for sketching, inking, and painting. A timeline supports keyframes, while dockable tool and color windows accompany an unlimited canvas with a camera field. Onion skin displays drawings before and after the current keyframe, with controls for count and transparency. Sound can be imported through a sound layer. Export formats include MP4, WEBM, AVI, GIF, APNG, and PNG image sequences. The stable download page lists version 0.7.2, with builds for Windows 7+, macOS 10.14+ on Intel, and 32-bit or 64-bit Linux. Video importing, text, and shape tools are not implemented. The software is free for commercial use, and help resources include a forum, Discord, tutorials, FAQ, and manual.
For and against
For
- Free for commercial use
- Raster and vector workflows
- Onion-skin controls
- Exports MP4, WEBM, AVI, GIF
- Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux
Against
- Video importing is not implemented
- Text and shape tools are unavailable
- Waveform display is still pending
- Legacy builds lack latest security fixes
The verdict
Pencil2D provides a focused hand-drawn animation workspace with keyframes, onion skin, sound import, and varied exports. Its missing video, text, and shape features should be considered before choosing it.
Who it suits
It suits animators making hand-drawn 2D work who want raster and vector workflows, onion skin, keyframes, and multiple export formats. It is also appropriate for commercial use under its free, open-source plan.
Plans and prices
Free
Open source · Free for commercial use · Windows, macOS, Linux and FreeBSD
Read 14 Oct 2026 · pencil2d.org
Pencil2D
Free to use, even commercially · Open source
Read 2 Oct 2026 · pencil2d.org
On the record
- Additional platforms
- The homepage says Pencil2D runs on Windows, macOS, Linux and FreeBSD.pencil2d.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Animation tools
- The manual describes a timeline for keyframes, dockable tool and color windows, and an unlimited canvas with a camera field.pencil2d.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Audio import
- The FAQ documents importing sound through a sound layer and says a waveform display is pending implementation.pencil2d.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Canvas
- The manual describes an unlimited canvas with a configurable camera field that defaults to 800x600 pixels.pencil2d.org · read 14 Oct 2026
- Command-line export
- GetApp describes movie export through a command line as an automation capability.getapp.es · read 14 Oct 2026
- Cross-platform support
- The official site lists Windows, macOS, Linux and FreeBSD support.pencil2d.org · read 14 Oct 2026
- Current release
- The download page lists version 0.7.2 as the current stable release, updated 13 March 2026.pencil2d.org · read 14 Oct 2026
- Custom shortcuts
- Keyboard shortcuts for tools and commands can be edited in Preferences.pencil2d.org · read 14 Oct 2026
- Desktop platforms
- The stable download page provides builds for Windows 7+, macOS 10.14+ (Intel), and 32-bit and 64-bit Linux.pencil2d.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Developer documentation
- Developer documentation targets contributors using C++ and Qt and includes build instructions for macOS, Linux and Windows.github.com · read 14 Oct 2026
- Documentation
- Official documentation includes a user guide, tutorials, FAQ, user manual and a reference manual described as an initial work in progress.pencil2d.org · read 14 Oct 2026
- Export
- The FAQ gives instructions for exporting animated GIFs.pencil2d.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Export formats
- MP4,WEBM,AVI,GIF,APNG,PNG image sequencepencil2d.org · read 21 Sep 2026
- Feature limits
- The FAQ says video importing, a text tool and a shape tool have not been implemented.pencil2d.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Free and open source
- The software is open source and free to use, including for commercial use.pencil2d.org · read 2 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- GetApp reports that no integrations were found for Pencil2D.getapp.es · read 14 Oct 2026
- Known vector limitation
- The 0.7.2 release notes call the vector engine a work in progress and advise against using it for serious projects.pencil2d.org · read 14 Oct 2026
- Legacy-build warning
- The site warns that legacy builds may lack the latest security fixes and may receive less support.pencil2d.org · read 14 Oct 2026
