3D Animations Apps

3D animation refers to the process of taking digital objects and making them come to life by creating the illusion that they’re moving through a three-dimensional space. These computer-generated objects appear on a two-dimensional screen, but they’re crafted to mimic the principles of a 3D world. They appear to move, turn, and rotate like a real-world object, allowing for a 360-degree view of all sides.

3D animation was originally used primarily in video games, television, and filmmaking. Pixar’s “Toy Story” is an early example of 3D animation.

Today, 3D animation is used in a much wider array of digital environments. From marketing materials to medical imaging, 3D animation serves many purposes. This article provides a quick overview of 3D animation, including:

What is 3D animation?

3D animation is the process of creating moving three-dimensional images in a digital context. These visuals are made using 3D software, allowing animators to create computerized objects that look 3D even though they’re on a 2D surface. Through visual effects and precise timing, animators can make anything from a video game character to a car in an advertisement look like it’s moving through a three-dimensional space.

Differences between 2D and 3D animation

In a 2D world, the images all look flat, spanning only an x-axis (horizontal) and a y-axis (vertical). However, 3D animation adds a critical third axis, the z-axis, which creates depth. Old-school Disney animated movies like “Sleeping Beauty” and “Bambi” provide an example of 2D animation. In contrast, “Frozen” and “Ice Age” offer examples of 3D animation.

The technical processes to create 2D versus 3D animation are responsible for this key difference. How is animating in 3D different from animating in 2D? To create a 2D animation, the animator creates a sequence of drawings on a flat plane. The illusion of movement is created by slightly altering the animation figure’s position across frames, which are then played in rapid succession to create a dynamic image.

Traditional animations like “Bambi” were hand-drawn. Today, computer graphics software can be used to create 2D animations much more quickly. Animation software is also used to create 3D computer animations. However, the animations are created in three dimensions based on tangible physical (3D) models. You’ll find more details on how 3D animation is made below.

Ways to use 3D animation

3D animation first got its start in gaming, TV shows, and movies. However, it’s become widely used beyond these contexts. From corporate ad campaigns to architectural modeling and medical research, 3D animation is used across many industries and for diverse purposes. Here’s an overview of common uses of 3D animation today.

Television and movies

3D animation is often used for character animation in TV and movies. The technique can make characters seem more lifelike, enhancing the emotional connection viewers establish with them. A 3D animated character is more vivid and engaging, almost like playing with a toy.

This makes 3D animation very useful for kids’ entertainment. The “Frozen” movies are a great example. Elements of the story, like the main character Elsa transforming objects into ice, become more enchanting in 3D. Scenes like having the character sing, dance, and twirl also gain impact in a 3D image. Even facial expressions gain poignance.