{"id":8931,"date":"2021-08-13T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-08-13T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/institutartline.com\/en\/?p=8931"},"modified":"2026-02-19T16:04:31","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T15:04:31","slug":"difference-2d-3d-animation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/institutartline.com\/en\/blog\/difference-2d-3d-animation\/","title":{"rendered":"The Difference Between 2D and 3D Animation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>For students looking into the animation field, it\u2019s crucial to understand the difference between 2D and 3D animation. While 2D and 3D computer graphics both require some level of artistic skill and involve creating animated images, the skills and processes involved in getting there are quite different. Here\u2019s what you need to know about the differences between 2D and 3D animation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:120px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"A_Common_Foundation\"><strong>A Common Foundation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In order to excel in either type of animation, students need to start with a foundation in a handful of common skills, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Fundamental drawing skills<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Approaching projects creatively<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Using the right tools and artistic approach for any animation project<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Communicating ideas effectively<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Seeing an animation project through from start to finish<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s why Artline Institute offers the<a href=\"https:\/\/artlineinstitute.com\/foundation-art\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&nbsp;Foundation Art and Design<\/a>&nbsp;course. The well-rounded curriculum sets students up for success in the animation field \u2013 whether you know which area of animation piques your interest or you\u2019re still figuring it out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:120px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Differing_Components_and_Production_Processes\"><strong>Differing Components and Production Processes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2D Animation<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>In traditional 2D animation, everything is hand-drawn frame by frame. This technique dates back to the 19<sup>th<\/sup>&nbsp;century, when folioscopes and flipbooks were used to create the illusion of movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, the principles are largely the same (though the technology used to do this has advanced considerably). Objects can move horizontally (along the x-axis) or vertically (along the y-axis) to move back and forth or up and down, respectively. Because 2D animation only uses length and height, all objects are 2-dimensional as well. Animators can work with rectangles, squares, triangles, and polygons to create their objects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3D Animation<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>In 3D animation, all characters and objects are designed within a 3D environment in specialized software. Those objects can then be manipulated to create animations. This produces movements that feel more lifelike. 3D objects have length, height, and depth, meaning each individual component is more complex, but is also capable of being manipulated in more ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of being limited to 2-dimensional shapes, 3D animators can work with cylinders, spheres, cubes, pyramids, and prisms. In addition to the x-axis and y-axis, 3D animation also utilizes the z-axis, so objects can be moved closer or further away. To achieve the same effect in 2D animation, the object would have to be made bigger or smaller to give the appearance of distance or closeness. This is much easier to achieve in 3D animation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:120px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"The_2D_Animation_Process\"><strong>The 2D Animation Process<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>All 2D animations begin with a script. This is the outline of what the video will be about. The animator then creates a storyboard, a shot-by-shot rough to base the animation on. During visual development, all elements to be included in the video (including characters) are created.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The production phase is when the actual animations are created. The animator draws the key frames and splices them together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Audio is added in post-production. The video is then edited, polished, and reviewed to ensure it\u2019s ready for viewing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"529\" src=\"https:\/\/institutartline.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Houda-BENYOUSSEF_Caregivers_Cover-1024x529.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8940\" srcset=\"https:\/\/institutartline.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Houda-BENYOUSSEF_Caregivers_Cover-1024x529.webp 1024w, https:\/\/institutartline.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Houda-BENYOUSSEF_Caregivers_Cover-300x155.webp 300w, https:\/\/institutartline.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Houda-BENYOUSSEF_Caregivers_Cover-768x396.webp 768w, https:\/\/institutartline.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Houda-BENYOUSSEF_Caregivers_Cover.webp 1238w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:120px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"The_3D_Animation_Process\"><strong>The 3D Animation Process<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Similar to 2D animation, all 3D animations begin with scripting and storyboarding. But that\u2019s when the process begins to differ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The animator must then create 3D models of every character, prop, and object to be included in the video. Then, 2D images called \u201ctextures\u201d are overlaid onto the 3D models to add color and complexity to the designs. Next, it\u2019s time for rigging and skinning. The animator creates skeletons for every object. This allows for realistic, fluid movements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After all that post-production work, the animator is then ready to create the movements in 3D software. Lighting is manipulated to make each frame look more realistic. During compositing and special FX, each visual element is put into a single scene so they can interact with one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Like 2D animation, post-production includes adding sound and editing and reviewing the video. 3D animations must then be rendered as a final step. This involves exporting the file into a video format so it\u2019s ready to watch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/institutartline.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Copie-de-Visuel_PFA_Anita_BOUALAVONG_2009B3I3D.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8941\" srcset=\"https:\/\/institutartline.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Copie-de-Visuel_PFA_Anita_BOUALAVONG_2009B3I3D.webp 960w, https:\/\/institutartline.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Copie-de-Visuel_PFA_Anita_BOUALAVONG_2009B3I3D-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/institutartline.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Copie-de-Visuel_PFA_Anita_BOUALAVONG_2009B3I3D-768x432.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:120px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Use_Cases_for_2D_and_3D_Animation_in_Multimedia\"><strong>Use Cases for 2D and 3D Animation in Multimedia<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>2D animations feel nostalgic for the viewer. Most adults today grew up watching 2D cartoons, so they feel familiar and instantly-recognizable. Because they\u2019re less lifelike and tend to be more stylized, 2D animations also tend to appear more friendly. This comes in handy when creating short entertainment or infotainment videos for widespread consumption. 2D animations can also be a good medium for explanatory videos like online tutorials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3D animations are better for conveying technical information that needs a higher degree of visual accuracy. This can be necessary in some professional settings, such as videos demonstrating a surgical operation, where conveying depth is just as important as communicating height and width.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But 3D\u2019s usefulness isn\u2019t limited to technical applications. While 2D once reigned supreme in the entertainment world, 3D animation is quickly becoming the standard in video games, movies, and cartoons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:120px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Price\"><strong>Price<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>2D videos are usually significantly cheaper to make than 3D ones. This is due to 3D\u2019s higher level of technical complexity and because 3D generally involves higher-end production value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:120px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Technical_Skill_Involved\"><strong>Technical Skill Involved<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>2D and 3D animations involve similar foundational skills, but they each require specialized expertise as well. 3D animation involves<a href=\"https:\/\/buzzflick.com\/difference-between-2d-animation-and-3d-animation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&nbsp;modeling, animating, and rendering figures<\/a>. 2D animation involves drawing multiple frames per second. It also requires the animator have an in-depth understanding of anatomy, movements, and the physics involved in every movement being animated. While drawing skill is relevant for both types of animation, it\u2019s generally far more crucial for 2D animation than it is for 3D.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:120px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Software_Used\"><strong>Software Used<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Because the technical components of 2D and 3D animation are so different, most animators use different software to complete each type of task.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Examples of Software Used for 2D Animation<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;After Effects<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Photoshop<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Adobe Animate<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Examples of Software Used for 3D Animation<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Nuke<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Houdini<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Autodesk 3Ds Max<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Maya<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Most students find it helpful to try, test, and experiment with different types of skill sets to help them decide which type of animation is a better fit for them. That\u2019s why Artline Institute offers specialized programs tailored to get students started in whichever type of animation they want to pursue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:120px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Concept_Art_Certificate\"><a href=\"https:\/\/artlineinstitute.com\/concept-art\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Concept Art Certificate<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This course is tailored for students interested in pursuing a career in 2D animation. Students will learn how to develop and illustrate concepts, model objects, and apply textures, colors, and lighting to convey their ideas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:120px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Computer_Animation_Certificate\"><a href=\"https:\/\/artlineinstitute.com\/computer-animation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Computer Animation Certificate<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This course is tailored for students interested in learning the fundamentals of VFX and 3D animation. The curriculum includes learning how to model, rig, and texture 3D elements, as well as other crucial skills for the field.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"\/info\/your-project\">Start the Process<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>2d or 3d, that is the question. Artline institute offers 2 different programs that can enhance student\u2019s graphic design skills to the next level.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":8938,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[87],"tags":[55],"class_list":["post-8931","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-non-classe-en","tag-concept-art"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/institutartline.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8931","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/institutartline.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/institutartline.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/institutartline.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/institutartline.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8931"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/institutartline.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8931\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/institutartline.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8938"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/institutartline.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8931"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/institutartline.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8931"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/institutartline.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8931"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}