OpenToonz vs Pencil2D: Pricing and Ratings Compared (2026)
Entry prices and free plans as read on each vendor's pricing page, and user ratings as published on review sites, for OpenToonz and Pencil2D side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below the two are close or not directly comparable, so we do not name a winner for this pair.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
OpenToonz
Open-source 2D animation software based on Studio Ghibli's production tool.
Best for you if:
- • You want free and open-source for all types of use
Pencil2D
Create hand-drawn 2D animations with an intuitive, open-source, and cross-platform tool.
Best for you if:
- • You want completely free and open-source, even for commercial use
| At a Glance | OpenToonz | Pencil2D |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free 100% free | Free 100% free |
Category | Animation Video & Media | Video & Media Graphic Design |
Rating | 3.5/5 G2 4.4 · SourceForge 2.3 9 reviews | 3.4/5 SourceForge 2.3 · G2 4.1 · Capterra 4.2 78 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose OpenToonz or Pencil2D?
Choose OpenToonz if
- You want free and open-source for all types of use
- You want proven track record in professional animation studios like Studio Ghibli
- You work in animation, not video & media
Choose Pencil2D if
- You want completely free and open-source, even for commercial use
- You want intuitive and easy to use for beginners
- You work in video & media, not animation
In-Depth Analysis
OpenToonz
Open-source 2D animation software based on Studio Ghibli's production tool.
OpenToonz is incredibly generous as it is completely free, offering a professional-grade 2D animation suite without any cost.
Strengths
- Pro: Free and open-source for all types of use
- Pro: Proven track record in professional animation studios like Studio Ghibli
- Pro: Highly customizable through source code modification and SDK
- Pro: Includes specialized tools developed for production environments
- Pro: Active user community and developer forums
Weaknesses
- Con: GTS scan tool is Windows-only
- Con: May have a learning curve for new users due to professional features
- Con: System requirements can be demanding for complex projects
Key features
Pencil2D
Create hand-drawn 2D animations with an intuitive, open-source, and cross-platform tool.
Pencil2D offers an exceptionally generous pricing model, as it is entirely free and open-source.
Strengths
- Pro: Completely free and open-source, even for commercial use
- Pro: Intuitive and easy to use for beginners
- Pro: Supports both raster and vector graphics
- Pro: Available on multiple operating systems
- Pro: Actively developed with new features and bug fixes
Weaknesses
- Con: Some legacy builds or packages might not be immediately updated after a new release
- Con: May lack advanced features found in professional paid animation software
Key features
Plans and prices: OpenToonz vs Pencil2D
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| OpenToonz |
| opentoonz.github.io read Oct 8, 2026 |
| Pencil2D |
| pencil2d.org read Sep 30, 2026 |
Prices as read on each vendor's own pricing page on the date shown. Plans are listed per tool and are not matched against the other tool's plans: a plan name or price in one column says nothing about the same row in the other. Details on OpenToonz pricing and Pencil2D pricing.
Key Takeaways
OpenToonz
- Choose if you want open-source 2D animation software based on Studio Ghibli's production tool
Pencil2D
- Choose if you want create hand-drawn 2D animations with an intuitive, open-source, and cross-platform tool
What the data shows
On the data below the two are close or not directly comparable, so we do not name a winner for this pair.
- User ratings rest on too few reviews to rank (3.5/5 from 9 reviews for OpenToonz, 3.4/5 from 78 reviews for Pencil2D; we compare ratings only above 20 reviews on both sides).
- Both have a free plan.
Criteria: user rating (only above 20 reviews on both sides, gap of 0.2 or more), entry price (only on the same billing basis), free plan. How we rate
Frequently Asked Questions
How do OpenToonz and Pencil2D compare in 2026?
On the data below the two are close or not directly comparable, so we do not name a winner for this pair. User ratings rest on too few reviews to rank (3.5/5 from 9 reviews for OpenToonz, 3.4/5 from 78 reviews for Pencil2D; we compare ratings only above 20 reviews on both sides). Both have a free plan.
What are OpenToonz and Pencil2D used for?
OpenToonz: Open-source 2D animation software based on Studio Ghibli's production tool. Pencil2D: Create hand-drawn 2D animations with an intuitive, open-source, and cross-platform tool.
What does OpenToonz cost vs Pencil2D?
OpenToonz is free. Pencil2D is free. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Oct 8, 2026.
What's the main difference between OpenToonz and Pencil2D?
OpenToonz's main strength: free and open-source for all types of use. Pencil2D's main strength: completely free and open-source, even for commercial use.