- What is Paper Animation?
- Paper Animation is a free, browser-based tool that transforms any photo into paper cut-out graphics. Upload a picture, isolate the subject with AI segmentation, then apply torn or clean-cut edges, drop shadows, and a stop-motion “boil” wiggle effect. Everything runs locally in your browser — nothing is uploaded to a server.
- Is it really free? What's the catch?
- There is no catch. Every feature — paper cutouts, magazine letter text, image segmentation, green screen export, transparent PNG and WebM video export — is available at no cost. There are no premium tiers, no credit systems, no daily limits, no login required, and exports are watermark-free.
- How do I create a paper cut-out effect?
- Open the editor, upload a photo, and click on the subject to isolate it. Then adjust the border thickness, edge roughness (torn vs. clean), shadow depth, and optional boil movement. When you're happy, export as a transparent PNG for static graphics or a WebM video for animated content.
- What is the magazine letters / text tool?
- The text tool turns any typed words into magazine-style cutout letters — think ransom-note typography. Each letter is randomly selected from a library of magazine and newspaper clippings. Click “Randomize” for a new unique arrangement, then download the result as a transparent PNG.
- How do I make a paper animation video?
- In the editor, increase the “Movement” slider to add the signature boil wiggle. Choose either a transparent or chroma-green background, then export to WebM. The resulting file is lightweight and supports alpha transparency, making it easy to overlay in Premiere, After Effects, or CapCut.
- Can this replace After Effects for paper cut-out effects?
- For the specific look of torn paper edges and stop-motion wiggle, yes. Traditional After Effects workflows involve complex masking, roughen-edges effects, and frame-by-frame adjustments. Paper Animation achieves the same visual result with a few sliders in your browser — no expensive software needed.
- What export formats are supported?
- The cut-out editor supports transparent PNG (for static graphics) and WebM video with an alpha channel (for animated overlays). The text tool exports transparent PNGs. You can also enable a green-screen background for chroma keying in any video editor.
- Does it upload my images to a server?
- No. All processing happens locally in your browser using WebAssembly and the Canvas API. Your photos never leave your device, which means full privacy and instant results regardless of your internet speed.
- What file types can I upload?
- The editor accepts JPG, PNG, and WebP images. For best results, use a high-contrast photo where the subject has a clear silhouette — this helps the AI segmenter produce a clean selection on the first click.
- What browsers and devices are supported?
- Paper Animation works in modern versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge on both desktop and mobile. Since it runs entirely in the browser, there's nothing to install — just open the site and start creating.
