Pencil2D Animation (32-bit)

Pencil2D Animation 32bit is a lightweight but incredibly effective cross-platform 2D animation software built in an open-source environment under the Qt framework. After more than a decade on the market, this app managed to emerge as one of the most capable drawing software solutions for animating cartoons using not only traditional techniques but also utilizing new tools for managing bitmap and vector drawings.

This and many more features are packed in an archive of less than 50MB in size, enabling everyone to easily install this popular static and animated drawing tool to their desktop or laptop PC.

The history of Pencil 2D Animation development is long and turbulent. The app was originally unveiled as “Pencil” in 2006 but was abandoned by its developers in 2009 and became supported by the open-source community in 2013 when it was renamed to its current name. Since that moment, the app very quickly advanced to its current stage, incorporating numerous advancements in the 2D drawing and animation world, with numerous changes to the UI, bug fixes, and stability fixes transforming the app into a competent and reliable animation tool.

Pencil2D Animation features a minimal but tightly packed design that allows users to very quickly reach all the tools needed for tight management of both drawing layers and animation frames. The layout is additionally enhanced with the presence of advanced tools, such as the ability to load the video behind the canvas to more easily animate your 2D art. This makes the app perfect for all types of work, from training and experimentation to finalizing school projects, designing web art, and professional projects.

Testing and experimentation are helped with the presence of bitmap layers, with a seamless tool for switching to vector art that is used for final animation.

Finished single stills or animations can be exported to a wide variety of supported formats, including XML, SVG, GIF, AVI, MOV, and WMV for animation and BMP and PNG for still images.

PROS

• Lightweight, cross-platform 2D animation software.
• Open-source, Qt framework, supports bitmap and vector drawings.
• Minimal design, easy access to tools for drawing and animation.
• Wide range of export formats, including XML, GIF, AVI, PNG.

CONS

• Lack of official support and updates.
• Turbulent development history.
• Dark mode support varies by platform.
• Eyedropper functionality limited to pixel boundary.
• May lack some advanced features found in premium software.

Also Available: Pencil2D Animation (64-bit) and Pencil2D Animation for Mac