Last Updated
Overview
Pencil2D helps users develop frame by frame animations with onion skinning, simple controls, and consistent real time feedback. Although it lacks motion curves for smoother animations, its ability to run on standard hardware makes it a dependable choice for freelancers and small creative teams.
Overall Rating
Based on 13 users reviews
4.2
Rating Distribution
Positive
85%
Neutral
15%
Negative
0%
Starting Price
Custom
Pencil2D Specifications
- Multi-Track or Layer Support
- Non-Destructive Editing
- Real-Time Preview
- High-Resolution Output Support
What Is Pencil2D?
Pencil2D is an open-source, desktop-based animation software designed for creating hand-drawn 2D graphics. It provides a lightweight environment where businesses can seamlessly switch between vector and bitmap workflows to produce high-quality digital art. The software offers a specialized timeline for managing layers and keyframes, allowing small creative teams to streamline their production cycles. By utilizing its cross-platform compatibility, organizations can ensure consistent project access across different operating systems, significantly improving flexibility and creative output for various project scales.
How Much Does Pencil2D Cost?
Pencil2D is completely free and open source with no licensing or subscription costs. However, optional expenses may arise depending on hardware, training, and other professional needs. Pencil2D remains free to download and use for all individuals and teams.
In addition to the free base software, organizations and users should account for the following potential costs:
- Training And Onboarding: $10–$50+ for structured independent masterclasses or professional courses
- Hardware (Drawing Tablet – optional): $50+ for entry-level graphics tablets; advanced pen displays for professional animation can range from $300 to $2,000+.
- Hardware (Storage And Performance): $100–$500+ for external SSDs or RAM upgrades to handle high-resolution image sequences and large project files
- Asset And Plugin Integration: $5–$30 for specialized third-party brush packs or custom scripts developed by the community to enhance workflow efficiency.
Disclaimer: Pricing references are based on publicly available third-party information and industry benchmarks. Actual costs may vary.
Pencil2D Integrations
Who Is Pencil2D For?
Pencil2D software is ideal for a wide range of industries and sectors, including:
- Publishing
- Graphic design
- Construction
- Arts and crafts
- Banking
- Information technology and services
- Animation
Is Pencil2D Right For You?
If you are a creative professional or a small studio seeking to work with traditional frame by frame animation without high licensing costs, Pencil2D can be a suitable option. The software addresses the challenge of hardware limitations through its lightweight architecture, allowing it to run smoothly on standard and older systems.
Its open-source structure supports ongoing updates and flexibility, making it a practical choice for users who need a simple, reliable environment that can scale gradually with their creative requirements.
Still doubtful if Pencil2D5 is the right fit for you? Connect with our customer support staff at (661) 384-7070 for further guidance.
Pencil2D Features
Onion Skin
This feature enables users to view previous and next frames simultaneously, helping maintain consistency in motion and drawing alignment. The software improves frame transitions, allowing animators to create smoother, more accurate frame by frame animations.
Adjustable Layer And Keyframe Opacity
The software provides adjustable opacity controls for layers and keyframes, allowing users to manage visibility during animation. This feature enhances precision by helping animators focus on specific elements while maintaining context across frames.
Object Based Interaction
Pencil2D introduces object-based interaction, enabling users to manipulate individual elements directly within the canvas. This feature improves workflow efficiency by simplifying selection, movement, and editing of drawn objects during animation creation.
Frame Exposure Control
This feature allows users to increase or decrease frame exposure easily, adjusting how long each frame appears in the animation timeline. The software helps refine timing, resulting in better pacing and smoother visual storytelling.
Perspective Grids
The software includes perspective grids to assist with accurate drawing and scene composition. This feature helps users maintain proper depth and alignment, improving the visual quality of animations with structured and consistent perspectives.
Pros And Cons of Pencil2D
Pros
Supports both raster and vector graphics
Lightweight software works across multiple platforms
Easy keyframe management streamlines basic workflows
Cons
Frame by frame animation takes significant time
No support for 3D animation features
Pencil2D Reviews
Total 13 reviews
4.2
All reviews are from verified customers
Rating Distribution
5
Stars38%
4
Stars46%
3
Stars15%
2
Stars0%
1
Stars0%
Share your experience
Graphic Design, 1-10 employees
Less than 6 months
“excellent tools for visual effects”
Pros
Using Pencil2D has been a very positive experience overall. It also works really well in terms of usability, the tools are top too and the video editing features let me add visual effects nicely. On top of that, it is very user friendly and easy to work with.
Cons
One downside is that it depends too much on manual frame-by-frame adjustment, it does not include a framerate curve and it is not suitable for motion graphics work.
Rating Distribution
Ease of use
8
Value for money
10
Customer Support
10
Functionality
10
Computer Software, 11-50 employees
Less than a year
“creative freedom but limited tools”
Pros
Pencil2D really lets me be creative especially if I already know how to draw. It's a helpful tool to put ideas together in a simple way.
Cons
I feel like it could use more features to really stand out and the user experience needs to be more beginner-friendly.
Rating Distribution
Ease of use
7
Value for money
6
Customer Support
7
Functionality
7
Graphic Design, 500+ employees
Less than a year
“fun 2d drawing tools”
Pros
After trying a bunch of drawing and painting programs, I can say this one stands out in a good way. The 2D drawing tools are really good and simple to work with. I haven't tested the animation side yet but I am planning to give it a try very soon.
Cons
At this point I haven't come across anything I dislike about�the software�based on how I have been using it.
Rating Distribution
Ease of use
9
Value for money
8
Customer Support
8
Functionality
9
Frequently Asked Questions
What level of support does Pencil2D offer?
Pencil2D support includes detailed tutorials and a comprehensive FAQ section.
Who are the typical users of Pencil2D?
Pencil2D features are ideal for users in publishing, graphic design, construction, arts and crafts, banking, information technology and services, and animation sectors.
Does Pencil2D have a mobile app?
No, Pencil2D does not currently offer a dedicated mobile app.
Does Pencil2D offer an API?
The vendor has not specified any information regarding its API availability.
What types of pricing plans does Pencil2D offer?
Pencil2D pricing is completely free and open source with no licensing or subscription fees. Optional costs may include hardware, training, or plugins to enhance workflow. Get in touch for a personalized Pencil2D price estimate.
What other apps does Pencil2D integrate with?
Pencil2D integrates with MyPaint.
What language does Pencil2D support?
The software is available in English.