OpenToonz is a free and open source 2D animation software which was based on Toonz developed by Digital Video S.p.A. in Italy. The software could be used to create animations and even sprite sheets for 2D games.

Learning OpenToonz would be an asset for; teachers willing to create 2D animations for their students, 2D artists creating animations, and game designers creating sprite sheets for their games.

The aim of this post is to present and compare between free online sources that beginners can rely on to learn OpenToonz, the sources stated here are full-structured courses that beginners can follow along.

If you just want the bottom line (the road map to learn OpenToonz) and you don’t wish to read the entire article then go to the “Bottom Line” section at the end of the article.

Getting Started with OpenToonz from Scratch

Simon Hayes

Simon Hayes is the first free online outlet where beginners can start learning OpenToonz through video tutorials, you don’t have to register to have access to the training.

Structure: The training is available on YouTube (divided into playlists) and Vimeo there are 50 video tutorials in total, it’s better to start from the YouTube tutorial entitled OpenToonz basics.

Interface: The interface is very simple, just click on the platform you want to watch the video tutorials on (YouTube or Vimeo) and if you choose YouTube select the playlist and then the video you’re interested in will start right away.

Now the pros and cons:

Pros

1. Free.
2. The training covers the basics beginners should be familiarized with in order to start using OpenToonz.
3. The training covers some of the advanced topics in OpenToonz.

Cons

1. The training isn’t well organized for complete beginners, though that won’t be a deal breaker for complete beginners.

Verdict: This is a very good free online outlet where beginners can start learning to use OpenToonz through video tutorials.

NobelFrugal Studio

NobelFrugal Studio YouTube Channel is the second free online outlet where beginners can start learning OpenToonz through video tutorials.

Structure: The training is divided into 27 video lessons, each video covers a tool/technique in OpenToonz.

Interface: Standard YouTube interface.

Now the pros and cons:

Pros

1. Free.
2. The training covers the basics beginners should be familiarized with in order to start using the software.

Cons

1. The training doesn’t cover OpenToonz for gaming, but that won’t be a problem for complete beginners.

Verdict: This is an excellent free online outlet where beginners can start learning to use OpenToonz through video tutorials.

OpenToonz Training

OpenToonz Training YouTube channel is the third free online outlet where beginners can start learning OpenToonz through video tutorials.

Structure: The training is divided into 20 video lessons. Each video lesson covers a tool/technique in OpenToonz.

Interface: Standard YouTube interface.

Now the pros and cons:

Pros

1. Free.
2. The training covers the basics beginners should be familiarized with in order to start using the software.

Cons

1. The training doesn’t cover using the software in games development.

Verdict: This is very good free online outlet where beginners can start learning to use OpenToonz through video tutorials.

HulluMel

HulluMel YouTube channel is the fourth free online outlet where beginners can start learning OpenToonz through video tutorials.

Structure: The training is divided into 5 video lessons, these lessons only covers the basics of the software.

Interface: Standard YouTube interface.

Now the pros and cons:

Pros

1. Free.
2. The training covers the basics beginners should be familiarized with in order to start using the software.

Cons

1. The training is more of an overview of the software.

Verdict: This is a good free online outlet where beginners can start learning to use OpenToonz through video tutorials.

Bottom Line

The recipe for learning OpenToonz:

1. NobelFrugal Studio is the best outlet for beginners to start learning to use OpenToonz through video only tutorials.

Remember that the first step is always the toughest step, and the aim of this post is to provide you with resources that will help you take your first step in learning to use OpenToonz.