Pencil2D for MAC
Free, open-source 2D animation app for Mac: make hand-drawn, frame-by-frame cartoons with raster and vector drawing, easy to learn.
Pencil2D Overview
Pencil2D is an easy, intuitive tool for making 2D hand-drawn animation. Draw frame by frame, like traditional cartoons, and switch freely between raster and vector drawing so you can sketch, ink and paint as you go. Its minimal design keeps the tools simple, so you can focus on animating rather than on which button to press next.
Pencil2D is developed entirely by volunteers and is free and open source under the GPL-2.0 license, even for commercial work. It runs on Mac, Windows, Linux and FreeBSD. Version 0.7.2 focuses on stability with 18 bug fixes and safer project saving and backups, and the Mac version now comes as a DMG and is verified by Apple, so it opens without an unidentified developer warning. It is an Intel build that needs macOS 10.14 or later; on Apple Silicon Macs it runs through Rosetta 2. A legacy version is available for Mac OS X 10.7 to 10.13.
Key Features
Pencil2D makes hand-drawn animation simple.
- Frame-by-frame: traditional hand-drawn animation.
- Raster and vector: switch freely between them.
- Minimal design: lightweight and easy to learn.
- Sketch, ink and paint: all in one place.
- Free for commercial work: open source and free to use.
- Cross-platform: Mac, Windows, Linux and FreeBSD.
- Verified by Apple: opens without warnings.
- Community made: built by volunteers.
What’s New in Version 0.7.2
Pencil2D 0.7.2 is about stability and polish.
- 18 bug fixes and several quality-of-life improvements
- Safer project saving and backups
- The Mac version now comes as a DMG
- The Mac app is verified by Apple, so no unidentified developer warning
Pencil2D FAQ
Is Pencil2D free?
Yes. Pencil2D is free and open source under the GPL-2.0 license, even for commercial work.
Which macOS version does Pencil2D need?
Pencil2D 0.7.2 needs macOS 10.14 or later. A legacy version is available for Mac OS X 10.7 to 10.13.
Does Pencil2D run on Apple Silicon?
The Mac download is an Intel build; on Apple Silicon Macs it runs through Rosetta 2.
What kind of animation can I make?
Traditional hand-drawn, frame-by-frame 2D animation.
Can I draw with vectors?
Yes. You can switch freely between raster and vector drawing.
Is Pencil2D good for beginners?
Yes. It has a minimal, lightweight design that is easy to learn.
Will macOS warn me when I open it?
No. Since 0.7.2 the Mac app is verified by Apple and opens without the unidentified developer warning.
Can I use Pencil2D for commercial work?
Yes. It is free to use, even commercially.
Can I install Pencil2D with Homebrew?
Yes. Run brew install --cask pencil2d.
Where does the Pencil2D download on pencil2d.FULLMAC.app come from?
The download button leads to the official Pencil2D download page at https://www.pencil2d.org/download/. pencil2d.FULLMAC.app does not change or repackage the app.
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