Pencil

Pencil, currently at version 3.1.1, is an open-source vector drawing program developed by Pascal Naidon & Patrick Corrieri. Ideal for character animators aiming to quickly plan shots using a straightforward sketch/timeline approach, Pencil serves as a robust tool in the Photo & Graphics category under Viewers & Editors.

This software is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10, and 11 and comes with a modest file size of 69.7 MB. You can easily find the executables as Pencil.exe, Icon7FEDDF27.exe, and pencil2d.exe. Its installation files are compact yet effective, allowing a smooth user experience right from the start.

Pencil heavily emphasizes traditional hand-drawn animation techniques, incorporating a handy timeline that supports four types of layers: bitmap image, vector image, sound, and camera. Users can begin by sketching characters in bitmap format, then transition to vector layers to refine their work using the pen and fill tools. The interface is notably user-friendly compared to higher-end animation software like Flash, with all tools and options available upfront.

Despite being a free tool (under the term download), Pencil does have its limitations. The quality of your drawings might be compromised if you're using a mouse instead of a graphics tablet, as mouses generally don't offer the precision needed for detailed sketches. Additionally, Pencil lacks predefined shapes, objects, or templates that could aid beginners or speed up the workflow.

For those interested, Pencil also has older versions, such as 3.1, 0.4,, and 0.2, available for download for those who may need them for compatibility or preference reasons.

Pros:

• Open source and free download.
• User-friendly interface with all tools visible.
• Effective for learning the basics of cartoon animation.
• Supports multiple Windows versions.

Cons:

• Requires a graphics tablet for precision drawing.
• Lacks predefined shapes, objects, and templates.
• Producing high-quality drawings can be challenging without patience and practice.

For anyone looking to explore the foundations of digital sketching and animation without financial commitment, Pencil remains a commendable choice. Just bear in mind its limitations and consider investing in a graphics tablet for the best experience.

You may want to check out more software, such as PSOFT Pencil+ DEMO, Toon Boom Pencil Check Pro or Pencil Pete's Cursive Writing, which might be related to Pencil.