Toon Boom Harmony ’s relationship with Linux is specific: Harmony Server is the only version that officially supports Linux.
While Harmony is a powerhouse used for shows like Rick and Morty, the Linux support is designed for studio pipelines rather than standalone creative use. Linux Compatibility & Setup
Harmony Server Only: GNU/Linux is supported as a client only when the Harmony Server is running on macOS or Linux itself. If the server is on Windows, it will not support Linux clients.
Target Audience: This setup is typically reserved for Harmony Premium users—the industry standard for complex production pipelines.
Not for Essentials/Advanced: The entry-level "Essentials" and "Advanced" editions are tailored for hobbyists and students on Windows or Mac. Core Tools for New Users
If you are moving a "piece" or project into a Linux-based Harmony environment, these are the essential workflows: toon boom harmony linux new
Adding Assets: You can add new vector or bitmap layers via the Layer > New menu or the Add buttons at the bottom of the Layer panel.
Keyframing: To speed up animation, use the Create Keyframes icon in the Timeline view to automatically set frames on "twos" (every other frame).
Onion Skinning: Activate this in the toolbar to see previous and next frames; use the red and green sliders in the timeline to adjust the visible range.
Custom Scripts: You can import external scripts (common in Linux pipelines) through the Script Editor > File > Import Script. Toon Boom Harmony | 2D Animation Software
Toon Boom Harmony 25 on Linux remains the definitive choice for professional studios, though it demands a highly specific environment to function correctly. This latest release, along with the recent Harmony 24.1 introduces powerful AI-driven features Toon Boom Harmony ’s relationship with Linux is
and structural optimizations that solidify its status as the industry standard Key Highlights & New Features Toon Boom Ember (AI Suite): This new opt-in add-on introduces AI Masking
, allowing you to isolate and remove elements from imported images using the AI Mask Selector, Brush, and Eraser. Compact File Structure: A new scene format introduced in Harmony 25
bundles drawings and palettes into a single file, significantly reducing file count and optimizing storage for large productions. Performance Anti-Aliasing:
A new interactive OpenGL mode provides a faster preview during playback, trading slight visual quality for much smoother interactive performance. Industry Dominance: It continues to be the engine behind massive hits like Rick and Morty Family Guy The Simpsons The Linux Experience
Running Harmony on Linux is a "pro-only" affair with strict requirements: What is the difference between the Harmony Editions? The "New" Pitfalls (What Still Sucks on Linux)
Toon Boom Harmony 25 (the latest 2026 version) continues to support Linux, but it remains a highly specialized environment primarily aimed at studio pipelines and server configurations
. While technically powerful, running Harmony on Linux requires a specific setup that differs significantly from Windows or macOS. Toon Boom Online Help Official Linux Support & Requirements
As of 2026, Toon Boom Harmony is only officially supported on a narrow range of Linux distributions: Toon Boom Online Help Supported Distros Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9 , Rocky Linux 9, and other RHEL-compatible systems. Hardware Baseline : Minimum 8 GB; 32 GB recommended for professional production. : Requires an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 or better with proprietary drivers installed. Peripheral Support Wacom Intuos or Cintiq tablets are supported; Wacom Bamboo tablets do not work on the Linux version. Toon Boom Online Help New Installation Workflow
Installing Harmony 25 on Linux involves several command-line steps to ensure all dependencies are met. Toon Boom Online Help Dependency Setup : You must manually install several libraries (e.g., rabbitmq-server ) before running the main installer. Package Extraction : Download the archive and extract it via terminal. The Install Script sudo ./install
to launch an interactive terminal-based setup. This requires the tool to display the interface. License Activation : If you aren't using a central server, you must run the License Wizard with elevated privileges ( ) to activate your product. Toon Boom Online Help Pro Tips for Linux Users Toon Boom Harmony 24 System Requirements
Let’s be honest. It isn't perfect. If you are switching from macOS, these "new" issues will annoy you.
libinput / wacom-driverThe biggest hurdle for new Linux users is licensing. Toon Boom no longer supports local software licenses on Linux for "Premium" (you need a floating network license).
.deb or .rpm package) on your Linux machine or a Windows server.export TB_LICENSE_SERVER=your-server-ip:27000flatpak run com.toonboom.Harmony