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The software behind the headline is OpenToonz, a 2D animation program based on Toonz Studio Ghibli Version. Studio Ghibli customized the earlier Toonz software and used it in production; OpenToonz is the later open-source project built from that lineage, not a claim that every Ghibli film was made entirely with OpenToonz.
What animation software did Studio Ghibli use?
Studio Ghibli used a customized version of Toonz, originally developed by Italy’s Digital Video. The studio’s official project page says Toonz was used from some cuts of Princess Mononoke onward in nearly all of its works for finishing, color specification and compositing: the OpenToonz project site.
OpenToonz is the open-source continuation of that software lineage. The official repository describes it as a 2D animation program published by DWANGO, based on Toonz Studio Ghibli Version, which Digital Video originally developed and Studio Ghibli customized over many years: OpenToonz on GitHub.
How did Toonz become OpenToonz?
On March 18, 2016, Digital Video announced that Toonz Studio Ghibli Version would become the basis of OpenToonz and that the project would include features developed by Studio Ghibli. DWANGO, Digital Video and Studio Ghibli launched the open-source project that year. The company’s announcement is available at Digital Video’s March 18, 2016 press release.
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The English project page also highlights GTS, a scanning tool for animation developed at Studio Ghibli. That connection reflects the software’s production heritage; it does not establish that OpenToonz includes every tool or internal production system used by the studio.
Is OpenToonz free, and can it be used commercially?
OpenToonz is open source, and the repository says files outside the thirdparty directory and the MyPaint-brush library are covered by the Modified BSD License. Under that license, the covered program files may be used and modified for personal or commercial purposes. Third-party components and the brush library have separate notices and terms, so the repository’s licensing information should be checked for the components relevant to a particular use: license details in the official repository.
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In practical terms, “open source” means the source code is available under applicable licenses, not that every bundled component has identical permissions or that commercial use removes the need to follow license notices.
Where can you download OpenToonz?
- Go to the official project download page: opentoonz.github.io/e/index.html.
- Choose the installer or build guidance for your operating system. The project provides guidance for Windows, macOS, Linux and BSD.
- For older releases or unstable nightly builds, use the official GitHub releases page. The repository identifies the project site and its GitHub repository as official sources.
What is the latest OpenToonz version?
As listed on the official releases page on October 2, 2026, the latest tagged release is OpenToonz V1.8, and the page lists a nightly build dated September 26, 2026. Nightly builds are distinct from tagged releases; check the release page for current availability and release notes before choosing one. V1.8 notes include improvements to drawing and animation tools, audio support, export features and new effects.
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Is OpenToonz the same as Toonz?
They are related, but not identical names for the same release. Toonz Studio Ghibli Version was the customized predecessor; OpenToonz is DWANGO’s open-source project based on it. The shared lineage explains the Ghibli connection without implying that the open-source release is identical to Ghibli’s complete in-house setup.
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