Beginner's Guide to OpenToonz

Introduction

• OpenToonz: Free 2D animation software for character animation.
• Focuses on technology and software usage.
• Additional resources available in the playlist for principles of animation.
• Compatible with Mac and Windows.

Getting Started

• Download OpenToonz:
  • Follow the link provided in the video or description.
  • Upon opening, you will see a start screen.

Projects in OpenToonz

• Organizes animations into different projects.
• Each project comprises multiple scenes, drawings, and color palettes.
• Sandbox Project:
  • Default project for beginners to experiment.
  • For larger projects, create a new project.
• Save locations are managed by the project; avoid changing unless necessary.

Creating a Scene

• Name your test scene (represents a shot in the animation).
• Resolution Settings:
  • Recommended: 1920 x 1080 pixels (Full HD).
• Frame Rate:
  • 24 frames per second is standard.
• Auto Save:
  • Set to every five minutes to prevent loss of work.

Timeline and Viewport

• OpenToonz 1.5 features a horizontal timeline.
• Viewport Navigation:
  • Use the mouse wheel to zoom in/out.
  • Hand tool (hold spacebar + left click) to pan the viewport.
  • Fit to window option available.
• Drawing on Timeline:
  • Activate brush tool (click or press "B").
  • Drawing creates a bitmap layer (A1).

Bitmap vs. Vector Layers

• Bitmap Layers:
  • Good for special/soft brushes.
  • Images become pixelated when zoomed in.
• Vector Layers:
  • Resizable without losing quality.
  • Select individual strokes or sections.
  • Unique functions in vector layers:
    • Accuracy Setting:
      • Low: smooths out lines.
      • High: retains original details.
    • Smooth Setting:
      • Low: follows cursor directly.
      • High: lags behind cursor, allowing for curves.

Contour Point Editor Tool

• Accessed with (C).
• Allows manipulation of line points and tangents for refining lines.
• Can break tangent links for sharper corners.

Creating New Drawings

• Use arrow keys to navigate the timeline.
• Draw on new frames to create additional drawings (B1, B2).
• Levels vs. Layers:
  • A "level" is a stack of drawings; a "layer" is a column in the animation.
  • Levels can be reused across scenes.

Timing and Animation Playback

• Extend exposure of drawings by dragging the gray handle in the timeline to adjust timing.
• Play button allows for animation preview.

Copying and Cloning Drawings

• Drawings can be copied, pasted, and extended.
• Use "D" on selected drawing to create a new, unlinked drawing.
• Copying and pasting drawings links them together.

Onion Skin Feature

• Activates visual aids for previous/next frames.
• Adjust settings to see through drawings.

Working with Colors in Vector Layers

• Create fill colors with the + symbol.
• Use the fill tool (F) to fill closed shapes.
• Ensure linework closure for proper filling.
• Color swatches linked to the level; changes applied across all frames using that swatch.

Conclusion

• Basics of OpenToonz covered; much more to explore.
• Invitation to support on Patreon for group mentoring and critiques.
• Thank you for watching; keep animating!