Pencil2D is a fantastic drawing application that allows you to create traditional animations effortlessly from an intuitive interface. This software is perfect for both beginners and professionals looking for a reliable and comprehensive animation tool. Pencil2D is free, open-source, and released under the GNU General Public License. The application uses the Qt framework and is available for Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.
Pencil2D was inspired by its original version, Pencil, which was abandoned and discontinued in 2009 by its original creators. Several different forks were created, and Pencil2D was one of them, which became the new standard. The main goal of Pencil2D is to help users create cartoon animations using traditional drawing methods such as onion skinning. The program allows you to work with a complex layers system that lets you manage all the drawings you create or import to your canvas.
Pencil2D's interface is divided into four main sections: the canvas, timeline, tool panel, and layer panel. The canvas is where you make your drawings, and the timeline is where you can adjust the duration and position of each animation moment. The Tool panel provides a wide range of drawing tools while the Layer panel enables you to handle multiple layers.
One of the most remarkable things about Pencil2D is its capability to export your projects in several different ways. You can save your projects in the program's native format or export them as a sequence of images in PNG, BMP, JPG, or TIFF. If you prefer, you can also export any project as a video file in AVI, MP4, APNG, or WebM format. In this way, you'll always have the flexibility to work with your animations without restrictions.
Pencil2D is an ideal tool for creating simple animations easily. The official website of the program also provides a wealth of video tutorials that teach you how to create advanced effects. Beginners can learn the basics of creating simple animations and progress to complex jobs through these tutorials effortlessly.
In conclusion, Pencil2D is an excellent traditional drawing tool that makes creating animations of all kinds an enjoyable and easy task. With its intuitive interface, powerful functionality, and flexibility regarding exporting, it is a must-have tool for all those interested in animation creation.
- Windows
- Photo & Design
- Pencil2D
About Pencil2D
Reviewed by Arnold A. Howe
Information
Updated onMar 14, 2026
DeveloperPascal Naidon y Patrick Corrie
LanguagesEnglish,Spanish
Old Versions
How to download and Install Pencil2D on Windows PC
- Click on the Download button to start downloading Pencil2D for Windows.
- Open the .exe installation file in the Downloads folder and double click it.
- Follow the instructions in the pop-up window to install Pencil2D on Windows PC.
- Now you can open and run Pencil2D on Windows PC.
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