OpenToonz for Kids: Learn 2D Animation & Motion Basics

Name: OpenToonz for Kids: Learn 2D Animation & Motion Basics
Rating: 3.9 (7 reviews)

A fun and easy 2D animation course for kids, designed for parents to help their children learn animation using OpenToonz

Created bySohail Arshad Mehmood

Last updated 3/2025

English

What you'll learn

Understand the basics of OpenToonz and how to create digital animations.
Learn frame-by-frame animation, keyframes, and motion paths
Apply the 12 principles of animation to make smooth and realistic movements.
Use advanced tools like the Plastic Tool and Lip Sync for character animation.
Export animations as videos and develop creative storytelling skills.

Course content

3 sections • 21 lectures • 3h 33m total length

Introduction to OpenToonz – What is OpenToonz and How is it Used?4:05
In this lesson, students will be introduced to OpenToonz, a powerful free animation software. They will learn what OpenToonz is, its key features, and how it is used in digital animation and cartoons.
Installing and Setting Up OpenToonz6:42
In this lesson, students will learn how to download, install, and set up OpenToonz on their computer. They will also explore basic settings to ensure the software runs smoothly for animation projects.
Note:at time 3:44 it's win 64 GPL instaed of 24 GPL
Introduction to the OpenToonz Interface11:23
In this lesson, students will explore the OpenToonz interface, understand its main panels, tools, and navigation. They will learn how to access different features and prepare for their first animation.
Customizing the Interface – Using Rooms in OpenToonz8:29
In this lesson, students will learn how to customize the OpenToonz workspace using Rooms. They will explore different layouts, adjust panels, and set up a workspace that suits their animation needs.
Using Brush and Shapes Tools in OpenToonz8:56
In this lesson, students will learn how to use the Brush and Shapes tools to create drawings. They will explore different brush settings, draw freehand, and use shapes like circles and rectangles.
Working with Colors and Styles in OpenToonz9:25
In this lesson, students will learn how to add colors to their drawings using styles. They will explore the color palette, apply different styles, and customize colors to enhance their animations.
Vector vs Raster Levels in OpenToonz11:11
In this lesson, students will learn the difference between vector and raster levels in OpenToonz. They will understand when to use each type, their unique features, and how they affect animation.
Other Drawing Tools in OpenToonz (Eraser, Tape, and More)16:13
In this lesson, students will explore additional drawing tools in OpenToonz, including the Eraser, Tape, and Selection tools. They will learn how to refine their drawings and fix mistakes easily.
Tracing Images in OpenToonz20:53
In this lesson, students will learn how to trace images in OpenToonz to create clean and professional-looking drawings. They will practice importing images, outlining them, and refining their traced artwork.
Creating Your Own Character from Scratch9:11
In this lesson, students will learn how to design and draw their own characters in OpenToonz. They will use various drawing tools, shapes, and colors to bring their unique characters to life.
Quiz: Basics of OpenToonz – Tools & Drawing

Understanding Animation Concepts – Flipbook & Frame-by-Frame4:35
In this lesson, students will learn the basic concepts of animation, including how traditional flipbooks work and how frame-by-frame animation brings drawings to life. They will explore how OpenToonz mimics this process using digital tools to create smooth animations.
Working with the Timeline and Level Strip16:16
This lesson introduces students to the Timeline and Level Strip in OpenToonz. They will learn how to manage animation frames, organize drawings, and control timing to create smooth animations
Creating Animations with the Timeline and Level Strip7:07
In this lesson, students will learn how to animate using the Timeline and Level Strip in OpenToonz. They will explore frame-by-frame animation, auto inbetweening, and how to adjust timing for smooth motion.
Using the Animate Tool3:43
This lesson introduces the Animate Tool in OpenToonz. Students will learn how to move, scale, and rotate objects, creating smooth animations without drawing each frame manually.
Principles of Animation (Simplified for Kids)13:33
In this lesson, students will explore the 12 principles of animation in a simple and fun way. These principles help bring characters and objects to life, making animations more natural and engaging.
Creating Curved Motion Paths with the Function Editor3:46
In this lesson, students will learn how to use the Function Editor in OpenToonz to create smooth, curved motion paths. They will explore how to adjust movement using keyframes for realistic animations.
Quiz – Basic Animation Techniques

Introduction to the Plastic Tool8:07
In this lesson, students will learn how to use the Plastic Tool in OpenToonz to create smooth character and object movements. They will explore rigging, mesh creation, and basic deformations.
Understanding Stage Schematic in OpenToonz21:49
In this lesson, students will explore the Stage Schematic panel in OpenToonz. They will learn how to manage scene elements, create parent-child relationships, and organize animations efficiently
Adding and Recording Voice in OpenToonz10:00
In this lesson, students will learn how to import, record, and sync voice in OpenToonz. They will explore the basics of audio integration to bring characters and animations to life with sound.
Automatic Lip Sync in OpenToonz10:55
In this lesson, students will learn how to use OpenToonz's automatic lip-syncing feature. They will match mouth shapes to voice recordings, making characters talk realistically with minimal effort.
Exporting Your Animation and Next Steps7:15
In this final lesson, you will learn how to save and export your animations as video files. We will go through different export settings to ensure your animation is high-quality and ready to share. Finally, we will discuss the next steps in your learning journey, including the next course in our Next Generation Technologies – AI & Programming for Kids series, where we will move from digital animation to building and animating real robots with physical components
Final Quiz – Exporting & Voice Animation

Requirements

No prior animation experience is required, beginners can follow along easily.
A computer or laptop capable of running OpenToonz.
OpenToonz software installed (free to download, installation guide included).
Basic computer skills such as using a mouse and keyboard.
A creative mindset and willingness to practice animation techniques
A basic understanding of English, as the course is taught in simple and easy-to-follow language.

Description

Do you want your child to learn animation in a fun and easy way? This course introduces kids to 2D animation using OpenToonz, a free and professional animation software. With step-by-step lessons, your child will learn how to create animated characters, understand movement, and bring their drawings to life.

This course is part of the Next Generation Technologies-AI and Programming for Kids series, designed to help young learners build essential digital skills. The lessons use basic English and a simple teaching style, making it easy for kids to follow along, even if English is not their first language.

What Your Child Will Learn:

How to use OpenToonz and its basic tools
The concepts of animation, including frames, keyframes, and timing
How to create smooth animations using motion paths and tweening
The 12 principles of animation to make animations look more natural
How to animate robotic movements, facial expressions, and lip-syncing
How to add voice, sound effects, and export their final animation

Who This Course Is For:

Kids aged 7 to 15 who are interested in animation
Beginners with no prior animation experience
Parents looking for an educational and creative course for their child
Children who prefer easy-to-understand English instructions

Why Choose This Course?

Step-by-step lessons designed for beginners
Fun projects and quizzes to keep kids engaged
No prior animation experience needed
Learn at your own pace with lifetime access

By the end of this course, your child will have created their own animations and developed valuable creative skills. Enroll today and let your child explore the world of animation with OpenToonz.

Who this course is for:

Kids aged 7 to 15 who want to learn digital animation in a fun and simple way.
Young learners interested in creating cartoons, animated stories, or basic robotics animations.
Students who have completed the Canva and Scratch courses in the "Next Generation Technologies – AI & Programming for Kids" series.
Kids whose first language maybe is not English, as the course uses very basic and easy-to-understand English.
Parents and teachers looking for a beginner-friendly animation course for children.

OpenToonz for Kids: Learn 2D Animation & Motion Basics

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Getting Started with OpenToonz10 lectures • 1hr 46min

Bringing Drawings to Life – Basic Animation Techniques6 lectures • 49min

Advanced Animation – Bringing Characters to Life5 lectures • 58min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: