Animation

Learn more about animation and how it's created.

The Definition of Animation

Animation is a series of individual images that create the illusion of fluid movement, usually at 25 or 30 frames per second. In a 3D-based animation, these images are produced by digitally created movements of models, cameras, and/or particles through keyframes, simulations, or a combination thereof. Animations can be exported into various formats, such as a video format (mp4) or a GIF or Lottie file.

What are Keyframes?

Keyframes are individual poses and positions of a 3D model at a specific point in time. Transitions between these are then automatically calculated. The animation is then created with the help of a rig – a type of skeleton with individually movable joints within a 3D model – or simpler movements of the 3D model and/or camera movement from one point to another in 3D space.

What is a Simulation?

Simulation refers to the physically calculated movements of a 3D model or individual particles as they are influenced by gravity, wind, air resistance, and the like. The product properties of the simulated object, such as weight, density, flexibility, and much more, also play a crucial role. Simulation is often used for fabrics, hair, water, fire, gases, and other organic, fluid materials. Chain reactions, such as collapsing buildings, explosions, falling objects, etc., are also popular scenarios where simulation is used.

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