TVPaint Animation

Overview

TVPaint Animation is a professional 2D bitmap-based animation software developed by TVPaint Développement. Designed to replicate traditional paper-based animation workflows in a digital environment, the platform provides artists with custom natural brushes, timeline controls, storyboard tools, and frame-by-frame onion skinning. Used widely by independent animators, major feature film studios, and art academies globally, TVPaint delivers artistic control over hand-drawn traditional animation.

What it does

• Provides bitmap drawing tools and custom brush engines to simulate paper-based ink and paint textures
• Manages frame-by-frame animation timelines with customizable onion skinning and light table controls
• Facilitates storyboarding and animatic creation with synchronized audio tracks and camera move tools
• Offers advanced color management, CTG (Color & Texture Generator) auto-coloring layers, and multi-layer compositing.

Who it's for

• 2D Animators & Traditional Illustrators
• Animation Feature Film & TV Studios
• Independent Directors & Short Film Creators
• Animation Schools & University Academies

Why it works

• Raster-based bitmap engine gives drawings an organic, handcrafted feel impossible with vector-only software
• Comprehensive frame-by-frame tools streamline traditional pencil testing, clean-up, and coloring in one interface
• Cross-platform availability across Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android allows seamless studio and tablet creation
• Perpetual licensing option provides long-term cost stability without mandatory ongoing cloud subscriptions.

Founder story

TVPaint was created in 1991 by Hervé Adam, a former Fine Arts student and programmer based in Lorraine, France. Frustrated by the rigid, vector-based nature of early computer graphics, Adam built TVPaint to preserve the organic look and feel of traditional paper animation digitally. Over 30 years later, TVPaint Développement continues to operate independently, building specialized software tailored specifically to traditional animators.

Alternatives

• Toon Boom Harmony
• Clip Studio Paint
• Adobe Animate
• Krita

Comparison overview

• TVPaint Animation utilizes a raster bitmap drawing engine designed for frame-by-frame traditional animation, whereas Toon Boom Harmony focuses heavily on vector rigging, cut-out animation, and puppet systems.
• TVPaint offers perpetual software licenses with dedicated Linux support, unlike Adobe Animate which relies exclusively on Creative Cloud monthly subscriptions.