Hey Niels! Animation Paper! What’s happening?

NielsUncategorized157 Comments

I know, I owe you updates. So much.
So. Things are good. But we've had delays. With virtually no budget, it is two steps forward, one step back. Ups and downs. Our programmer, who has put in a lot of effort and is obviously KEY to this project, spread over the last many months, has had to be excused a few times for personal reasons. This has been all right, but progress has naturally been on hold during these times. I have waited with blog updates, because I hoped to be able to publish solid dates for our alpha and beta test launches. We are still not far enough to begin talking about tests though. Right now we are six months behind my original schedule. That is how it is. But I am a seriously determined man - and it's not like I haven't tried hitting a few bumps before. 😉 You are eagerly awaiting Animation Paper, I know! And thank you all for that. You are such a supporting bunch - we get encouraging messages every day. That of course means a lot. We are pressing on! And I promise to keep you updated much more. Windows, Mac and Linux - look out for Animation Paper coming your way! 🎉 Along the long and winding road to success... /Niels
And by the way, did you see what we got from legendary Bill Plympton?
Good luck wishes

157 Comments on “Hey Niels! Animation Paper! What’s happening?”

    1. Niels Krogh Mortensen

      Yeah, others have suggested this too. But how would I properly reward people who contributes monthly? It really only is the new software itself that is of value, which is a one time thing that is only ready some time into the future. If you see what I mean?I am not too familiar with Patreon and what really is possible or the general norm. Ideas are very welcome!

      1. Don’t worry about the rewards, I think setting up a Patreon will be enough to get people to help support and fund the project. The reward will be new updates, maybe once a month(?), if a certain amount per month is reached. People will understand when supporting software that it’s not about getting buttons and stickers, they’ll appreciate weekly updates and seeing what’s coming up next for the app. I think a Patreon would be super successful!

        I’ve been looking into different animation software for over a month now and yours is the one I’m the most excited to try, but I have a Macbook and can’t check out the old version. I’d gladly contribute to a Patreon to help fund development and updates! 🙂

      2. I have a problem:

        SO I downloaded the old version and everything was going well,but when it was done with the regular download, it opened up a screen. It told me to select a file for a project folder, I selected the default, when it started it displayed a “error 32” screen. After it said the setup failed, and now I can’t open the file without an error pop-up. Any ideas on how to fix it?

  3. It really says a lot abt your character if you won’t accept money of off patreon because you’re worried it wouldn’t be fair to the people 🙂 do you guys have a donation box, maybe? For one off donations with no strings attached 👍🏻 (Sorry for my english.. very tired XD)

  4. Niels Krogh Mortensen

    Thanks 🤗

    No, we don’t have a donation button. I did think af that years ago though – when we put the old version up for free download. But I never came round to setting it up. I guess I thought it wouldn’t do much difference anyway. But who knows.

  7. Thanks for your effort! We are all very grateful to you. Do not worry, good things take time to arrive but they always arrive when they are done with care and passion as you do. Working slowly to avoid the obstacles brings better results. Every goal has difficulties. Go ahead, friend, we all support you.

  9. Hey Neils, Thanks for taking time to update everyone. I’ve been watching and anticipating animation paper for a long time, and I really want it to become reality. You seem optimistic about that happening, but I think if that ever changes, you should take crowd funding into consideration a bit more seriously. The animation community maybe be a relatively niche one, but first, who knows how many silent observers like me there are, who want this software but simply have never commented as much, and second, I imagine anyone who is checking this website is someone who already wants to buy this product. So they’re already willing to spend money, and they wont get the chance if the project goes under, so it would only make sense to donate. I can only speak for myself, but if you set up a patreon, even with no rewards at all, I’d make a patreon account just to donate. I guess what I’m saying is you’ve gone and got my hopes up, so keep doing good work and if it ever comes down to it don’t let this thing die with out the people having a say.

  12. Hey, I have a question regarding inking and coloring the animation with photoshop: do have to ink and color the frames one at a time on each tab from photoshop or does the interface of animation paper change that has paint tools? Sorry if I’m not clear because I have photoshop and in your tutorials mention about using either photoshop or gimp and want to experiment it. Help is appreciated. Thanks.

    1. Niels Krogh Mortensen

      Hi Carolyn,

      You are right, with the old version, that is freely downloadable from this site, you will have to use Photoshop or other similar software to paint your animation frame by frame. With the new version things will be easier as coloring is built in.

      Does that answer your question?

      Best,
      Niels

  15. I think it’s worth considering a Patreon even if the reward is just the software itself. I know that I’d be willing to pay more than sticker price to support your effort. Maybe members get sneak peaks at progress and early access to help beta test.

  16. Once that the last version of Animation Paper is released, then can it be possible for the major American feature animation studios to start using it to make hand-drawn animated movies again because it will be a lot cheaper to do hand-drawn animation on computer than on paper with pencil?

    1. Niels Krogh Mortensen

      Hi Scott. Sure. 🙂

      But choosing hand drawn 2D animation for big studio feature film is not a question of getting inexpensive software for the production. I’m sure they decide mainly for practical-, artistic- and, most importantly, popularity reasons (what will sell tickets).

      But you’re right – it would be awesome to start seeing more great hand drawn animation again. And we do see a lot. So I am very optimistic.

      About Animation Paper, reasons for using it, besides doing finished features films, series, commercials, video games, etc, is to train your animation skills, doing studies, plan animation using quickly sketched 2D, then go do it as 3D CG, stop motion, etc.

      Hope you see what I mean. 😉

      Best,
      Niels

  17. When the final version of your Animation Paper is released, could it be possible for Walt Disney Animation Studios to start using it to make hand-drawn animated cartoons again?

  18. Hi, Niels,

    I’m writing from Brazil (I’ve already posted some messages in this blog before).
    Hope you reach your goal soon, because I want to buy my copy as fast as I can (I am 47 years old, and time runs faster when we pass 40) 😉
    (Never mind my rusty English).

  19. Can’t wait for this to come out. I have been chomping at the bit for several years now. Thought it was dead, but I’m excited to see it is still pushing on. If you do plan on doing the Patreon thing I’m there, even though I believe I paid the $79 already. I would still donate more for this, poverty be darned!

    1. Niels Krogh Mortensen

      Hehe thanks Bryan. 🙂

      It would be impossible for you to already have paid – since I have no means of receiving payment (yet). Maybe you’re thinking of the Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign we did in 2014? Since it wasn’t succesful al who contributed got their money back.

  20. Really looking forward to this. Will it be available for iPad Pro? Would be kinda cool to be able to use it with Apple Pencil. I know it’s probably a stretch. Just curious. Thanks.

  21. Oh never mind just found the answer. Apparently your blog is not searchable with Google using the ‘site:’ feature. Sorry about that.

  22. Hi Niels
    ive been using pap for years and get on really well with it! I put my animations on youtube, my channel is skizzysmith. I created some characters, one is Olsen the Viking, hes the main one, so as you are also a Viking you will be happy that hes made with pap! OK a friend of mine Viking Drummer, shes also on youtube, a real person, wanted me to do an animation for her but in colour. Thats the thing missing from pap. SO I look around, and I download and try out 23, yes 23 animation programs! Oh they all have some stupid things, its like the developers never did animation. So what I like to tell you, is that I will buy the new animation paper when it does come up for sale. You must never give up, Try all the ways you can to get the money you need. I am saving up my pocket money ( except for one mars bar and a snickers a week) to give to you. I am 13 now, and have a paper round ( deliver newspapers) but less and less people read papers now, everything is on internet! I know a kid ( Atua Mo’e, hes got a youtube channel) who started 18 months ago with nothing, now hes got 100,000 subscribers and gets lots of views. YOU could do a youtube channel showing how to animate, monetize it and get money that way. Try Patreon, he did, and its paid for a lot. So never give up, your new program will be the best and the only one I want. Lots of huggs, Skizzy

    1. Niels Krogh Mortensen

      Hi Skizzy, very cool that you are doing all that stuff and publishing it on your youtube channel. And thanks a lot for you nice words and good suggestions. 🙂

      Development is going forward and we are doing fine without a lot of funding. We will manage. 🙂 No worries – we will get Animation Paper out to all of you waiting patiently. And it will have coloring!

      Thanks, Niels

  23. I check this blog every few months with great anticipation. It’s sometimes hard to be patient when there’s nothing in the marketplace that comes close to realizing a traditional character animators workflow. I can’t express how much I want this tool. As a veteran animator your insight into the animation process is what sets this project aside from what’s out there. Your perserverance and dedication is clear, keep going knowing that the animators out here appreciate your efforts. All the best to you Niels!

    1. Niels Krogh Mortensen

      Hi Scott,
      I do not know the Pixelbook well, but if I understand it correctly it runs Android apps, right? Then it should be able to run Animation Paper just fine, once we get the Android version done (the special touch version (for Android and iOS) we’ll do immediately after we release the desktop versions (PC/Mac/Linux). It will contain the same core code, so all versions will be compatible with each other (load/save fileformat).

      Best,
      Niels

  25. Will it have some algorithm allowing the user to paint just key frames, and every inbetween being automatically colored based on the key? Again, sorry if I cant make myself clear, hope you understand…

  29. Hi Niels,
    Just wanted to let you know that as one of those people who are waiting on bated breath for the release of animation paper, your quick and helpful responses to every post in your blog is very appreciated. Your willingness to reach out to your potential future customers goes above and beyond what I normally see from other companies, your anticipated pricing is more than fair, and the fact that you’re not slapping us in the face with a subscription model is quite simply awesome. So thank you from the bottom of my heart, Niels. You are going to be a real hero to “tradigital” 2d animators everywhere. Oh, and happy holidays to you and your family!
    Todd

  30. I have been debating on which animation software to use and what is the best option for me. So many choices but I can’t wait for this to come out. In the meantime I’ll just keep using PS.

  31. Hi Niels,
    A couple of quick questions.

    1. How will AP compare to DigiCel’s FlipBook, which at least three animators rave about on DigiCel’s website – https://digicel.net/

    2. Will there be an option for a educational version, either with limited save/size options or AP educational watermark, for free or heavily discount.

    Granted, with respect to question 2, you are already offering it at an amazing price. However, to get out to as wide a market as possible, getting students to use it will make it easier to encourage its uptake in both large and small animation studios.

    Best regards
    Michael

    1. Niels Krogh Mortensen

      Hi Michael, to be honest, it’s been years since I tried Flipbook. I have to get back to you on your first question later. But I guess it is a good time for me to get more familiar and up to date with this part of my competition. 😉 about your second question: yeah, I do believe it is quite affordable already – but doing discounts for students and schools are something we are seriously considering. I do believe though, that we only need one version – the full and only version for all. 🙂

  32. Hey Niels,

    Good to see there’s still progress on this, I understand that you want to make sure the program is solid and complete before releasing it, but is there a reason there hasn’t been any like demo version yet?

    With what some people are suggesting Patreon wise, releasing demo builds could easily be your reward system.

    I also do somewhat admire the fact you haven’t asked for money via Patreon, given that so many projects take forever there and even with that cashflow the end result ends up a scam or disappointing. Its heartening among the skepticism of this taking so long you havent been begging or leading us on.

    Keep at it and keep us updated!
    -EK

    1. Niels Krogh Mortensen

      Thanks for your comment and suggestion EK.

      Why we haven’t released any test-version, is simply because we are not far enough yet. It is not a matter of me being too perfectionistic – we really can’t release what we have at this point. But this doesn’t mean we will not do it – we ARE progressing rapidly now – and things are looking very promising. So as soon as it makes sense to release a test version, we will. Beta is scheduled to be in 5 months.

      Thanks a lot. I will keep you updated.
      Best,
      Niels

  33. Very excited to see this project Will check in and monitor. Much speed to your progress. We will be buying. Working now on pencil on Mac. Many thanks and good luck with your innovation X

  34. The new Animation Paper’s beta version will be released in June and its alpha or full version will be released in December. Would that be?

    1. Niels Krogh Mortensen

      Hi Scott. We can not say for certain yet. We need to do more detailed planning, but our rough plans have earlier release dates that what you mention. Anyway, it is so hard to say for sure with software development. 🙂

      But to give it to you as straight as possible: Your months look realistic to me.

      Best, Niels

  35. Just some encouraging words for you and your development team: Don’t give up; we are still waiting for PAP to become alive. We have been here since 2013 or some…

    I also think the donation button is a good idea (a free cup of coffee always tastes good)

    Best wishes!
    Michael.

    1. Niels Krogh Mortensen

      Thanks a lot Michael! I assure you, I am not giving up. And why would I? Progress on development is greater and better than ever. I am very much enjoying working with my programmers right now, making decisions on the tiniest details for stuff like the UI or the memory usage or the line quality or… so on. 🙂 Great fun!

      I’ll send your greetings on to the team. Thanks!

      AP will be awesome. Thanks a lot for your patience.

  36. Hi Niels,
    my drawings are better than my english , excuse !
    I understand : I can´t buy it before June , 2018? ( need windows version)
    You will send an email, when it is available?
    But you´ve presented a running software in your video….???
    Do you think about a german manual ?

    Thanks, Peter

    1. Niels Krogh Mortensen

      Hi Peter – thanks for your comment and questions!

      You are right, we are in development, and if things go according to plans we have it ready for release this summer. At least a beta version I hope.

      Yes, we send out an email when we have serious news, like a beta version ready for test or the final release. Remember to sign up at the front page of this site (https://animationpaper.com) to get this email.

      Actually the video is only made from a few clips from the old free version (called Plastic Animation Paper (PAP:Pro 4.0)) and then the design (still image) of the UI of the new version. By the time of the video I only had this one image of the new Animation Paper to show.

      It would be great to localize AP for major languages – including german. But it is too early for me to think about setting up translators and all that. 🙂 We’ll get to that when time comes. 🙂

      Best, Niels

  37. Hi Niels,

    If any are available, could you post one or two screenshots. Granted, the UI is not the first priority in development but it would be great to see it if it has been started.

    Best regards
    Michael

    1. Niels Krogh Mortensen

      Hi Michael,

      I am not able to post any actual screenshots just yet – but I can let you know, that we are keeping it VERY close to the design that you see in the video. Screenshots would have been almost indistinguishable from the still used in the video (apart from we do not have that much implemented by this point in time).

      Cheers,
      Niels

  38. Hey man, been following this for some time now (possibly almost 4 years ago I saw it first), Just wanted to let you know that you have my full support. What you’re doing here is awesome and I can’t wait to buy the programme.

  39. I only recently started animation and went looking for some software to practice with. Was blown away at what I saw here. Buying Adobe Animate or something like that is, well, impossible because you can only pay a recurring subscription. Then I saw the video explaining Animation Paper and it’s incredible what you’re doing for for a one-time price that’s so easy to afford. And then Plastic Animation Paper itself is just free. I downloaded it immediately and, while I had a little rough start figuring it out, the tutorials explained what I needed and I’m already loving PAP and am all the more excited for Animation Paper.
    I only found out about all this two days ago but it looks like you’ve been hard at work at it for years. Just want to voice my admiration and thanks for what you’re doing. Good luck! I’ll be looking forward to the release!

    1. Niels Krogh Mortensen

      Wow, Thanks!

      Yeah, I’ve been at it for a while. 😉 but finally the right programmers are in place and we have great progress every day now. We are soon to reach our goal finishing Animation Paper. (“Soon” is a broad term) 😉

      But thanks for your very nice words. Happy we got discovered by you (and so many others all the time). Great to have one more customer! Thanks.

      Best, Niels

  40. I know you have gotten this exact comment many times but I still thought it was worth bringing up again. I really think that after the desktop version has been completed what you should focus on an iPad Pro version that works with the Apple Pencil. The iPad Pro and Apple Pencil have been giving a lot of traffic recently with some really great art programs being added to the iTunes Store. There are full desktop versions of software available right now for the iPad but there’s really only one app that actually lets you do 2D animation and that one doesn’t even work that well. Many artists are flocking to this hardware for a good reason and I think you’d really feel a niche of amazing animators who will be looking for a good app for this tool. Like I said, it would most likely be something for the future but I really think it could only be for the best if you could make it.

    1. Niels Krogh Mortensen

      Thanks for your comment UsaMiKo. I couldn’t agree more. It is totally our plan to do the iPad-Pro-with-Pencil version immediately after we finish the desktop version. And since we planned on this, all the internal workings is the same for both versions, so they will be fully compatible – and quite fast to develop as well.

      And by the way, we also plan on doing a version for the Android fans. 😉

      Cheers, Niels

  41. I bet that if your animation paper app is released in its final version, animation studios like Walt Disney Animation Studios should start to use it with Toon Boom Storyboard Pro and Toon Boom Harmony to make hand-drawn animated movies again.

    1. Niels Krogh Mortensen

      Hi Scott, I know it is hard to wait for us to finish Animation Paper. But it is going very well – better than ever actually. So remember to use “when” not “if” it is released, like you used to. Hehe 😉

      Disney will do what is best of them of course. Don’t know if that includes neither Animation Paper nor Toon Boom. But Animation Paper would no doubt be a good choice for them. It really would.

  42. I’m going to make a new hand-drawn animated movie called “Wonder Dragon Galileo: I Wonder What’s Wrong with the Moon” and I’m going to use the Animation Paper app for the hand-drawn animation for my characters and use Toon Boom Harmony to make the cartoon. I’m not going to use references to or stuff from Pete’s Dragon because it would be against the law and would be copyright infringement. I’m going to draw my own dragon and my characters and write my own story in my own words. It’s going to be an original animated movie. I could show it to you when I’m finished.

  43. Do a patreon, give early access to them and when it’s released change the rewards to something education based. Like learning to animate and what not. Or just close it after.

  45. Hi, have been waiting for this software for like 2 years now, and… Just wanna ask, what’s the plan for beta phase? Specifically, are you trying to get major features done and without major bugs before releasing a beta (that can more or less represents the quality of the final product), or just a version that is “launchable” and barely “useable” (can create a project, draw some stuff and save it, basically a barebone animation software that looks new but still less capable than PAP4)?

    I know both are fine, just being curious.

    1. Niels Krogh Mortensen

      Hi FlameRat,

      Yeah, it takes time this stuff. 🙂 But we are getting along. Right now we are working on the Quick Select functionality. It will still be a wile before we can release anything.

      What you describe is basically alpha and beta stages. When we are ready for it, we first do alpha versions, which are very early versions with still-to-be-done features. Eventually we will get to beta stage, where we release beta versions, with is basically the full featured software, but it will have bugs and issues. After a few rounds of beta releases, we will be ready with the final actual release and launch.

      Alpha stage will be with a few invited users. Beta will be for a greater userbase.

      Thanks,
      Niels

  47. Having just learnt about this software today. This is a godsend for somebody who enjoys the barebones frame tools of Adobe Animate but finds the interface too indulgent. You’re bringing professional tools in the most perfect interface I could imagine. So excited!

    I’m a filmmaker and incorporate animation into my films frequently. Would import tools allow for JPEG sequences to be imported and will export allow me to export at the resolutions I am looking for back into JPEG sequences, or even 4K movie files.

    Thanks and I am so excited for all your efforts,
    Mika

    1. Niels Krogh Mortensen

      Hi Mika – glad you found AP and like its interface!

      You will easily be able to both import and export as JPEG sequences. Also in all kinds of resolutions – including 4K. You will be able to have your live action film in one layer and draw on top in other layers. 🙂

      Looking forward to being able to show it to you and others when we are ready!

      Best,
      Niels

  48. I see it’s been a few months since any updates have been released for this software but I just signed up and I’m very excited to see this get released. I’m an artist and I draw as a hobby right now but I would love to pursue art and animation in college at some point, but I didn’t know where to start when it came to animation programs. I just knew I wanted to do 2D animation. TV Paint is my goal but I can’t afford it right now and this program seems like it would be an amazing alternative at a much more affordable price.

    I will be spreading the word about this program and try to get more support for it. I’m looking forward to seeing more updates!

    1. Niels Krogh Mortensen

      Hi Ariana, thanks very much for your kind words and offer on helping spreading the word. Much appreciated.

      Actually it has been quite a bit more than a few months since the last software update. 😉 Well over a decade. 😀 Haha. But we are working on the brand new version (done from scratch) and development is progressing nicely. I so much look forward to being able to release alpha versions (for only a few selected testers) and later the beta for a much larger userbase.

      Cheers,
      Niels

  49. I need this, please, it looks so damn good. It’s been so long… can we just see something, a video, anything of what it looks like right now.

    2. Niels Krogh Mortensen

      Hi Oliver – thanks for your enthusiasm! I will at some point be showing stuff. But we are not far enough just yet. I know I ask for a lot of patience in you and others, but unfortunately that’s how it have to be.

      I will get back with a peek here and there though. I promise. Thanks for kicking me, suggesting this. 😉

      Best,
      Niels

    1. Niels Krogh Mortensen

      Hi Bryan! Yeah, I am not in risk of over-emailing here – I know. 😉 Things are going better than ever. It all takes time, but progress is good. We are soon able to show some sneak peeks I think. These days we are working on eraser functionality and some GUI issues.

      Best,
      Niels

  51. Hi Niels, what features will be available for colouring? In TVPaint they have CTG layers will AP have anything similar?

    Is there any chance that AP will be out by the end of September?

    Best regards,
    Michael

    1. Niels Krogh Mortensen

      Hi Michael,
      The chances for a september launch is very slim. However, we have great progress, and our software is improving a lot these days.
      I am optimistic but reluctant still to set any solid dates though. I wish I could.

      Chances are much better for some kind of test release end of September though. I will do a news message when we have info on alpha and beta releases.

      AP will have coloring, but let me come back to you on the comparison to TVP…

      I’ll reply again here.
      Cheers,
      Niels

    2. Niels Krogh Mortensen

      Hi again 😉

      So, on coloring! As I understand it, TVPaint has a method for users to fairly quickly fill closed areas – also in several neighbouring frames. It has multiple settings to achieve doing this more or less successfully, including how to deal with antialiasing on the bitmap lines – and gaps.

      We haven’t focused that much on coloring in our development yet, but for our finished version our goal is a much more simple (on the surface) and user-friendly system compared to TVP. Hopefully semi (or even fully) automated.

      As a minimum we will have high quality and efficient filling of areas, with no need for fiddling with technical settings.

      Best,
      Niels

  52. Niels,

    Please keep us posted on this and the progress you make.
    I would be happy to test any version you prototype there and provide constructive feedback and advise

    1. Niels Krogh Mortensen

      Hi Tri – I will. At some point soon, I will do a status update.

      But I can tell you now, that things are going forward, faster than ever. Our software is really taking form. At some point (still a few months from now) we will let a few people do alpha tests – and after that, we invite a greater pool of people to test the beta. I will do posts about this, and how to participate, when we get a bit closer.

      Best,
      Niels

  53. As much as I’m excited for your desktop software after reading about the possibility of an iPad Pro version I got really hyped! Don’t know why there just isn’t any PROPER 2d fbf animation software on that otherwise great device. Hope yours will change that because tbh I prefer using my iPad Pro instead my small Cintiq. It’s just so handy and responsive at what it does. I have done some 2d fbf work in Clip Studio on iOS recently and apart from the app being kind of sluggish to operate the experience was a blast and most importantly let me achieve some really good results on the go.
    Can’t wait!

    1. Niels Krogh Mortensen

      Good to hear, Folo! I think it will be absolutely amazing on iPad Pro with Pencil. Doing this is first priority immediately after the desktop version is released. And since we are reusing most of the code (basically only the interface will be changed) it shouldn’t take too much time.

      Thanks,
      Niels

  54. Let me also vote for a iPad pro version as well!
    I would prefer that to be the initial version but hope that wont be delayed much after the desktop on

    Niels,
    Keep it up and us posted!

  56. I, too, long for an iPad Pro version. I currently use Rough Animator, which is actually surprisingly good but doesn’t seem to be in further development. Your program offers many more of the common tools animators need for timing on the xsheet and has a nice interface, though I must say, Rough Animator is well designed in terms of how a tablet interface ought to work…the most used commands are easily reached on the side where one holds the tablet, leaving the other hand free for drawing. Zooming and rotating with a pinch gesture is really great and very organic. You might take a look at it for some inspiration if you haven’t already.

    Looking forward to your iPad version whenever it might appear!

    Good luck with it!

    1. Niels Krogh Mortensen

      Hi Peter! Hehe 😀 thanks for your comment. We are only a few brains working on it. My self and a couple of programmers.

      But it is great fun to have your brain run lose – figuring out every little detail of how to make the best and most simple to use and intuitive animation program. Every day I’m enjoying this opportunity and the development it self a lot!

      Best,
      Niels

  58. So where are we now with this??? It’s Summer 2018 and I’m just curious. Is this Animation Paper really going to happen? I know this must be a massive undertaking but would love to get the latest update.

    1. Niels Krogh Mortensen

      Hi Todd, thanks for asking 🙂 Things are progressing better than ever. We are aiming to have our first alpha test version ready in september. This will be tested by a few selected animators. After a few months more, then we should be at beta stage, which means a public test version.

      Will do a blog post with some screenshots and stuff soon. Stay tuned. 😉

      Best,
      Niels

  59. I wish I could make programs, I would love to update the old PAP (which I use every day) , just add colour, a way to quickly erase bits of the image thats behind other layers, tweening, and, um, lets see, er, not a lot else would satisfy me! It may be ancient but it still works for me!

    1. Niels Krogh Mortensen

      Yeah it would be great to be able to code. Programmers are cool. 😉

      You will not be disappointed with the new version. I think it got all you are looking for. 🙂

      By the way – what do you mean by “quickly erase bits behind other layers”? One way to quickly erase areas is to cut the area (as if you are picking up a cutout) and then just hit Esc to get rid of the cutout immediately. If you see what I mean?

      Best,
      Niels

  60. Thanks Niels! I will mark September on my Calendar and check back on this page in the hopes that a really intuitive and cool 2D animation program will be ready for release. Any idea what the price will be? I hope its at least affordable as so many of the top animation programs seem to be priced for the larger studios or independently wealthy.

    I also hate it when they sell a “toothless” or stripped down version for the poor and the best featured version for the wealthy (as they like to add the word “Pro” at the end of it to justify the exorbitant price.

    1. Niels Krogh Mortensen

      To be exact: It will not be ready for release in September. We will start having serious alpha testing in September. A few months later we should be entering Beta. And after that – final release.

      I share your view on having “toothless” and “pro” versions. It doesn’t make any logical sense. So we are doing only one version – the best version we can do. And it will be only $79 USD. One time fee for the full license – not any subscription nonsense! 🙂

      Best,
      Niels

      1. Hi Niels, I commented on here previously before and wanted to say that my sister and I are so excited for the program’s progression! We have been checking back on here from time to time for several years and want to say thank you and your team for working hard to produce a program that could help a variety of animators and artists interested in animation. An alpha testing sounds so exciting 😀 we would love to be one of the artists to test it out when the time comes.

        I don’t know if anyone mentioned this already but I wanted to ask, have you all thought of having some kind of auto save feature for the program?
        It would be beneficial for artists, especially if their file were to crash or anything like that.
        Hope you all have a great rest of the week and we will continue to support this project and let people know about it.

        1. Niels Krogh Mortensen

          Thanks so much, Jalen! For your patience too. 🙂

          An autosave function could be a good idea to add. Not that the program would crash of course! 😉 🙂 we’ll add autosave to the nice-to-have list and will definitely consider it. Thanks!

          Best, Niels

  61. Hi Niels! I am looking forward to your upcomin release at the end of the year, I am just wondering to be able to get to grips with the program fast should I be learning pap4? I do struggle with layer transparency issues ( white blocks on either side of line when i draw over reference layer ) but if it helps to be able to transition i might be willing to push on. what ya think?

    1. Niels Krogh Mortensen

      Hi Ben,

      There will be many similarities, but at the same time, the new Animation Paper will be quite easy to learn, so I don’t know if I would bother with that old piece of … 😉

      The bright pixels around the lines was done on purpose. We only had 1 bit transparency in the software back then – for it to be fast. So the pixels was the smooth anti aliasing. When compositing later on, you would use the lines as the alpha channel and then get perfectly composited and antialiased lines. I hope this makes just a little bit sense to you. 🙂

      Train all you want with the old PAP – it might help you I think. But on the other hand – maybe you don’t need to. As I said, the new version is very self-explanatory and easy (and so much better in every way).

      Best,
      Niels

  62. Niels,

    That is fantastic news! I also apologize about the September release assumption; especially since you clearly stated that it would be in the Alpha stage at that point! Oops! I should have gone back and read it again….not sure what I was reading but the older I get, the more I seem to get things mixed up! That’s my excuse and I’m sticking with it!

    $79 is an AMAZING deal if it ends up being as robust and user friendly as it appears it will be!

    Thanks!

  63. Hi Niels,

    Just wanted to check, are the keyboard shortcuts for PAP going to remain the same on AP, and if not what will the changes be?

    Best regards,
    Michael

    1. Niels Krogh Mortensen

      Well, some are the same. But I have taken the liberty to rethink everything – including shortcuts. I want them to be easy to remember, make as much sense as possible and if at all possible be as close to convention from other software.

      Right now I’m sitting on a campsite in the mountains in Germany. So I’m quite limited with my computer and Internet access 😉 I might post a keyboard layout with all shortcuts for you to see soon after I get home from vacation…

      Best, Niels

  64. Was the animation from the short film Mops & Ollie by Christian Kuntz that has been showcased on the main website made using PAP4?

  65. Niels Krogh Mortensen

    Funny no one has asked this before. 😉 No, Christian wanted to do it with Animation Paper (new version), but when my crowdfunding campaign failed, development stopped (or didn’t start), and his production was about to start, so he chose to do it the old fashioned way – pencil on paper – but using various digital tools as well.

    So I use it as an example of what you can do with Animation Paper – once it is ready.

    Best, Niels

  66. Hi Niels! Thanks for the insight regarding the anti aliasing programming. That does make a little sense 😁 thanks for your insight i will wait of our for animation paper and just use other software that is more recent until your projects develops further. Peace!

  67. Hi Niels. Been patiently waiting for your project to come out. Kudos to your commitment and dedication. I was wondering if you are considering any hardware integration. https://palettegear.com/ would be a great addition to your software. I can just imagine one hand on a dial for flipping while the other holds a pencil. I’ve tried rough animator and just can’t get used to the keyboard as a control source. I hope your program really taps into the simplicity of hand drawn animation.

    1. Niels Krogh Mortensen

      Hi Mateusz,

      Thanks for your patience – and for your message. Yes, I do have looked into various ideas and hardware to help flipping etc. Also the one you link to.

      The plan is to utilise these kinds of gadgets and make AP compatible with as many as possible. It totally makes sense.

      Thanks,
      Niels

  68. Hi Neils,
    I’m running my last (until Sept) animation workshop, at the Tech Club I volunteer at, tomorrow (Sat. 17 Jul). While I was thinking about preparing a video showing a breakdown for the project I am planning for the members to make I had an idea for a future AP feature. In a similar way to how it would be beneficial to me, a history replay feature added to AP would be handy for artists/animators that create tutorials online eg YouTube etc.

    Best regards,
    Michael

    1. Niels Krogh Mortensen

      Hi Michael,

      Thanks for your comment and suggestion. Considering your idea, it wouldn’t be too difficult to implement, since we do have almost everything you do queued up already – in the undo/redo buffer. However, it could potentially take up a lot of memory if you wanted to save every single move for a full animation scene. Pros and cons. Maybe some preferences setting thing. But I’m trying to not have too many settings and stuff users are forced to consider. Trying to keep it simple as you know. 🙂 Tell you what – I’ll think about it… 🙂

      Thanks, Niels

  69. Hi Niels,

    Sorry to mention it again but as you said you will think about it I just wanted to address a couple of points.

    What about an option to switch to an advanced mode. Keep everything else straightforward so only those that would benefit from recording would use it. To cope with the increasing demands on the memory, switch parts of the buffer out to a file keeping this as an option linked directly to the recording setting.

    I honestly believe this could be a feature that would prove hugely beneficial, not just to YouTube artists etc, but anyone that uses AP in a teaching capacity.

    All the best, Michael

    1. Niels Krogh Mortensen

      Hi Paul. First you get an email – and then you click the link in the email. It only takes very few seconds to download actually. And the email normally arrives almost immediately. But of course it’s a problem if you don’t even get your email. Did you check your spamfilter?

      Best,
      Niels

    1. Niels Krogh Mortensen

      We haven’t decided yet. We are focusing on developing the features of the software for the time being. But soon we’ll have to start setting up plans for the testing period.

      I imagine that we will accept many beta testers. Maybe just everbody interested. Maybe we can let people buy their license early and then get the beta, and free upgrades all the way to the final version. We’ll have to work out what is possible and best…

      Stay tuned, we’ll announce it here, when we are ready! 😉

      Thanks,
      Niels

  75. Niels, I want to be a tester. It would be nice if we could pay for the lifetime license right during the testing phase, by the way…

    1. Niels Krogh Mortensen

      Sounds good Pedro! We’ll have to wait until we figure out and announce how exactly we do it and how you become a beta tester. Right now we are investigating our options – we might do the get-your-license-early thing. 🙂

    1. Niels Krogh Mortensen

      Hi Tri,

      Yes, really. 🙂 But please note, this is NOT the beta. It is our first alpha test. That is something completely different. Internal test only. The beta will come later this year. I am still not setting any solid dates though. We need to get a bit closer yet. 🙂 Working hard on it!

    1. Niels Krogh Mortensen

      Well, in a couple of weeks we will indeed have our first working ALPHA version. But it will not be public. Only for a few internal testers. Alpha means it has some features implemented and working, but some features are still to come. Look forward to the BETA which will have everything implemented (but still have some remaining bugs). We are working towards making the beta hopefully available for all.

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