UNIT - 3

Introduction To
2D Animation
Class - 11
 TABLE OF
CONTENTS

• Session 1: Concept Of 2D Animation.

• Session 2: Types Of 2D Animation.

• Session 3: Basics Process Of 2D Animation.

• Session 4: Flash Animation.

Introduction To 2D Animation | 2
Session 1
CONCEPT OF
2D ANIMATION
In this session you will learn about
the major forms of animation,
production and post production.
 What is 2D Animation?

• 2D animation refers to the creation of moving

pictures in a two-dimensional environment using
traditional cel animation or computerized animation
software.

• It is done by sequencing consecutive images or

"frames" that simulate motion by each image
showing the next in a gradual progression of steps.

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2D Animation Techniques

• 2D animation figures are created and/or

edited on the computer using 2D bitmap
graphics or created and edited using 2D
vector graphics.

• This includes automated computerized

versions of traditional animation techniques
such as interpolated morphing, onion
skinning, and interpolated rotoscoping.

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 Applications of 2D Animation

• 2D animation has many

applications such as
analog computer
animation, Flash
animation, and
PowerPoint animation.

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2D Animation Process

• The overall process of creating a 2D animation is divided

into three parts: pre-production, production, and post-
production.

• Pre-production involves establishing the plot of the

completed animation, storyboarding and taking care of the
shots.

• Production is the process of creating the animation, it's

divided into sketching, inking, coloring, and layering.

• Post-production is where the final touches are made on the

animation like sound effects and final editing.

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 Conclusion

• 2D animation is a complex and time-consuming

process that requires skill and attention to detail to
create engaging and believable animations.

• The use of 2D animation has many applications and is

widely used in animation and digital media industry
today.

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Session 2
TYPES OF
2D ANIMATION
In this session you will gain
knowledge on how animation is
created on a computer using
bitmap images.
 2D Animation Techniques

• 2D animation is created on a computer using

bitmap images or 2D vector graphics. It can be
used for a variety of applications such as video
games, advertisements, or animated films.

• The most common types of 2D animation are

Cel Animation, Digital Animation, Path
Animation, Stop Motion Animation, Sand
Animation, Cut-out Animation, Rotoscoping,
Cinema graphs and Flip book Animation.

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Cel Animation

• Cel Animation, also known as traditional

animation, is based on a series of frames or
cels in which the object is redrawn in each
consecutive cel to depict motion.

• It is done on celluloid sheets and was the

most common technique used in the early
days of animation.

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 Digital Animation

• Digital Animation is a paperless version of

traditional animation, where drawings are
drawn straight out the computer.

• This technique has become more popular in

recent times due to the advancement of
computer technology.

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Path Animation

• Path-based animation is the simplest form of

animation and the easiest to learn. It moves
an object along a predetermined path on the
screen.

• The path could be a straight line or it could

include any number of curves.

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Stop Motion Animation

• Stop Motion Animation is a technique where

real-world objects are moved in small
increments and photographed to create the
illusion of motion.

• This technique can be used with 2D objects

like illustrations or photographs and can also
be classified as 3D animation.

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 Sand Animation

• Sand Animation is a technique where sand is

moved around on a back- or front-lighted piece of
glass to create each frame for an animated film.

• This creates an interesting effect when animated

because of the light contrast.

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 Cut-out Animation

• Cut-out Animation is made by cutting out

pieces of paper, card, fabric, etc. and
placing them under glass.

• Each frame is taken and the cut-out is

moved slightly and a new frame is taken.

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Rotoscoping

• Rotoscoping is a technique of tracing

over live video to create realistic
movement.

• Each frame is traced over individually

and then the reel footage is removed,
leaving you with just the traced drawing.

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 Cinema Graphs

• Cinema Graphs are still photographs in the

form of animated GIFs where the animator
chooses the part to animate.

• This creates an effect of a still image with a

small looping animation that attracts the
viewer's attention.

IntroductionAnimation
Traditional To 2D Animation
| 0 of |40 18
Flip Book

• A Flip Book is a book with a series of pictures

that vary gradually from one page to the next,
so that when the pages are turned rapidly,
the pictures appear to animate by simulating
motion or some other change.

• Flip books are often illustrated books for

children, but can also be geared towards
adults and employ a series of photographs.

• Flip Books are a primitive form of animation

that creates an illusion of motion through
persistence of vision.

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Conclusion

• 2D animation is a technique that can be

done using different methods, all the
method has its own merit and demerit.
Each of these techniques has its own
special effect when animated. However, all
are used to create the illusion of motion
and bring still images to life. The choice of
which method to use often depends on the
specific project, budget and personal
preference.

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Session 3
BASICS PROCESS
OF 2D ANIMATION
In this session you will learn about
the basic principles of animation.
 Techniques and Tools

• The difference between 2D and 3D animation is

the appearance of depth.

• 2D animation is flat and all actions happen in

the x-y axes, while 3D animation includes an
extra dimension, the z axis.

• 2D animation uses onion tool kits, while 3D

animation requires digital modeling.

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Walk Cycle in 2D Animation

• In animation, a walk cycle is a series of frames or

illustrations drawn in sequence that loop to create
an animation of a walking character.

• Walk cycles can be broken up into 4 key frames:

Forward Contact Point, Passing Pose 1, Back
Contact Point, and Passing Pose 2.

• Many details are necessary for a convincing walk

cycle, like animation timing, movement of the arms,
head, and torsion of the whole body.

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 Creating a Walk Cycle

• There exist many techniques to create walk

cycles.

• Traditionally, walk cycles are hand drawn but with

new technologies, walk cycles can be made using
pixel art, 2D computer graphics, 3D computer
graphics, stop motion, cut-out animation or using
techniques like rotoscoping.

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Software for 2D Animation

• Pencil, Adobe Flash, Synfig, Toon Boom

Studio, Creatoon, and Animate are popular
software options for 2D animation.

• Each software offers a unique set of

features, making them suitable for different
types of animation projects and skill levels.

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Conclusion

• Understanding the difference between

2D and 3D animation and the techniques
and tools used in each can help
animators make informed decisions
when creating their animation projects.

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Session 4
FLASH
ANIMATION
In this session you will learn about
the flash animation technique.
 Introduction

• Cut-out animation is considered the oldest

animation technique.

• The arrival of the computer has taken cut-outs

to a new level of creativity.

• Computer cut-outs have the advantage of being

able to go back and forth on the timeline and
work with key frames.

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Cut-Out Animation in the Digital Era

• Cut-out animation got a new life with the arrival of

Flash software, which made it easy for anyone to
become an animator.

• Flash is used for everything from banner web

animations to full-feature films shown in the cinema.

• Flash Animation or Flash Cartoon is an animated

film created by Adobe Flash or similar software and
often distributed in .swf file format.

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 Flash Animation and Tweening

• Flash is able to integrate bitmaps and other

raster-based art, as well as video.

• When building animations in Flash, animators

have the option to create each frame individually
or use Flash's built-in tweening features.

• Tweening is the automatic rendering of graphics

between two key frames by Flash.

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Types of Tweening in Flash

• Flash has three forms of tweening: motion

tweening, classic tweening, and shape
tweening.

• Motion tweening animates symbols moving

in space, while classic tweening connects
key frames with motion tweens.

• Shape tweening performs distortions on

non-symbol shapes or vector graphics.

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Conclusion

• Cut-out animation is a versatile and widely

used technique in the world of animation.

• The computer and software like Flash have

expanded the possibilities for cut-out
animation and made it accessible for
animators of all skill levels.

• Understanding the different tweening options

available in Flash can help animators create
more dynamic and polished animations.

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