Open-source Animation Production Software
- Software for the production of 2D animation.
Based on the software "Toonz", developed by Digital Video S.p.A. in Italy, OpenToonz has been customized by Studio Ghibli, and used for the creation of its works for many years. Dwango has launched the OpenToonz project in cooperation with Digital Video and Studio Ghibli.
- OpenToonz can be used free of charge for both commercial and non-commercial projects.
- Available as an open-source so that anyone can modify its source code freely.
- We aim to develop a new platform for connecting the academic research with cutting edge animation production.
How it has been used in Studio Ghibli
Since the software "Toonz", which is the original version of OpenToonz, was first used for some cuts of Princess Mononoke, it has been used in the ink and paint, color design and digital composition process(*) of almost all of the works by Studio Ghibli. After "Arrietty/The Secret World of Arrietty" it was customized inside the company, and evolved to become more usable according to its production style.
(*) The ink and paint, color design and digital composition: Processes from the scanning of hand drawn pictures to the production of final footages
Open source, which can be used by anyone free of charge
The source code of OpenToonz can be modified freely, based on the license(*). It can be used by anyone free of charge, for both commercial and non-commercial projects. It can be used in all kinds of scenes, such as professional production, amateur production, and school education.
(*) For further information on the license of the software (installer), see the rules of use of OpenToonz. Its source code is available under the terms of the New BSD License.
Functions to meet on-site needs
OpenToonz has unique features that have been iterated on based on the opinions of production staff, including the scanning tool "GTS" specializing in animation, which was developed in Studio Ghibli. For details, see "Introduction of the functions unique to OpenToonz" written below.
Effects development kit (SDK)
Dwango has developed a new SDK; a plug-in effect for image processing for OpenToonz. By using the SDK anyone can add effects to OpenToonz. Video expression researchers can receive swift feedback from on-site workers by developing and releasing their outcomes as plug-in effects.
By using the plug-in effect SDK, the effects developed by Dwango's machine learning research and development team are released. They include the effect of automatically changing picture styles by applying the deep learning technology and the effect of producing affected incident light like those in classic works before the digitization of the production environment.
Changing picture styles
Affected incident light
GTS, a scanning tool developed by Studio Ghibli
- Sequence number scanning can be conducted efficiently according to in between animation numbers.
- Compatible with 4 types of scanning.
(black & white, colored, with or without binarization) - The settings for scanning can be saved. Processes can be reproduced when some cuts are rescanned.
- Compatible with the TWAIN standards
Digital painting
- Anti-aliased lines can be used.
- Since the data of paintings are independent of those of the palette, it is easy to paint with provisional colors.
- Smooth operations even with high definition image data.
Filming
- Both an xsheet and a timeline interfaces available.
- Effects can be synthesized easily with the GUI using the node tree.
- Images can be handled with the real scale considering resolution [dpi] (units, such as millimeter, are specified).
- It is possible to use more effects by using plug-ins.
Other features
- Compatible with both raster and vector images
- Interconversion between the sequence image of the colored binarized TGA and the OpenToonz format, to ensure compatibility with your existing workflow.
- Localized Japanese version available.
※ GTS and IwaWarper are available for Windows only
Download OpenToonz, GTS, effects, KumoWorks or IwaWarper via PC browser.
※ GTS and IwaWarper are available for Windows only
For users
- Start-up manual for OpenToonz
Introduction Inknpaint (PDF) (in Japanese) - Start-up manual for GTS (PDF) (in Japanese)
- Manual for installing the effects plug-in
(in Japanese) - Manual for effects plug-ins developed by DWANGO
(in Japanese) - User community for English speakers
- Sample Data
- System Requirements
The requirements for using OpenToonz comfortably are as follows:
Windows
- Microsoft Windows 7 SP1/8.1/10 (64bit required)
- Intel Core i series processor
- 4GB or more RAM
- 500 MB or more available storage space
- 1280 x 1024 or higher monitor resolution
macOS
- (required) macOS 10.14 (Mojave) or a later version
- Intel Core i series processor
- 4 GB or more RAM
- 500 MB or more available storage space
- 1280 x 1024 or higher monitor resolution
The requirements for using GTS comfortably are as follows:
- Microsoft Windows 7 SP1/8.1/10
- Intel Core i series processor
- 2 GB or more RAM
- 8 MB or more available storage space
- Scanner compatible with the TWAIN standard (including the driver software)
※EPSON DS-50000 is recommended.
- If I find a defect or have a problem, what should I do?
- OpenToonz has a Google group to provide a place where users can solve problems. Join the group to request functional improvements, report bugs, and have discussions with other users.
In addition, there is a forum for developers and video researchers in GitHub. Please offer development-related topics here.
- Can I interview you?
Thank you very much for having interest in OpenToonz. If you want to interview us, please contact the following.
dwango-contact@dwango.co.jp
This address is exclusively for inquiries from the media. We will not respond to inquiries from anyone other than media staff. We appreciate your understanding.
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