Cheers, It’s interesting to see some discussion on this topic but I think focusing on the precision of certain terms is derailing the conversation a bit.
First off, in my attempt to mediate between opinions and facts, let me state that it is widely regarded that cut-out animation is stop motion animation.
Just as puppet-mation, is specifically stop motion with puppets, hand drawn animation is stop motion with paper based drawings, Cut-out animation is stop motion with paper cut elements and so on.
Along those lines most of the animation techniques in film history have a common root in stop-action / stop-motion techniques developed once the first movie cameras were widespread due to the popularity of early cinematography tools and optic toys.
With that premise it’s important to consider that film was just the medium used to hold the imagery, but the creation process of said imagery is what changes the nature of the technique and gives their actual name.
When I read user AnimatorElisa’s comments on how they are doing something that has not been attempted before in Pencil2D I’m inclined to think that such claim can be valid if we relate it to the software itself, mainly because this program is a tool originally meant to create animation only via sequential drawings made by hand through digital means.
Cut-out animation or camera-to-timeline stop motion animation was never considered to be the main focus of the software. Of course that doesn’t mean you can’t still try them out at your leisure, and even when it does not have dedicated tools to aid the animation production with such techniques, people have been trying out different applications of the tool for some time now.
I’ve personally seen users creating complete digital paintings, “pixel art” for games, and even (surprisingly) real state presentations with Pencil2D only, all of those which would be considered to be far outside of the realm of what’s “meant” to be done with it, and I get that the challenge and feeling that comes with accomplishment is a source of entertainment for them.
Currently I feel there’s been a mild misunderstanding between some of the direct comments and counter arguments, so I ask both to please consider that despite everyone’s best intentions this might escalate unnecessarily.
As such before then, my honest suggestion is to just agree to disagree, sincerely greet the hard work and simply move on. I hope my intent and intervention has been reasonable and I wish you both a good evening 