Computer animation is the process used in digitally generating animated images. The focus of this guide is to provide information and resources about the software that is used in graphic animation.
Before computer-generated animation, moving images were created through stop motion techniques, in which objects were physically manipulated in small increments between individually photographed frames to give the appearance of motion. Clay figures or objects with movable joints were often used. Another early method of animation involved drawing each frame by hand so that, when they were displayed sequentially, the drawn figures appeared to move. This technique was used in early cartoons.
Animation software allows one person to complete work in less time than a team could accomplish the task using earlier methods of animation. The principles behind animation remain much the same, however. To create the appearance of movement, an image is displayed on the screen, then repeatedly replaced by a new image that is similar to it but advanced slightly in time.
Today, most computer animation involves 3D graphics, although 2D graphics are still used in some applications. In 3D animation, models are constructed on the computer monitor, using modeling software, and 3D figures are rigged with a virtual skeleton. In 2D animation, separate objects and transparent layers are used, without or without the use of a virtual skeleton. Then the arms, legs, eyes, mouth, and clothing of the figure are moved by the animater on keyframes, and the differences between keyframes are automatically calculated by the software through a process known as tweening or morphing. Finally, the animation is rendered.
In 3D animation, all of the frames are rendered after the modeling is complete. In 2D vector animation, the rendering process is the keyframe illustration process, while tweened frames are rendered when they are needed.
All of this, and many other steps required in animation, are created through the use of animation software. Some of these applications may be designed to accomplish on a portion of the animation process, while others are more comprehensive or sophisticated. The result may be a wide range of graphic animation, from professional animation software to simple GIF animation.
Some of the resources listed in our 3D Graphics & Modeling category include integrated animation facilities. The decision of whether to list a resource in the Computer Animation category or in the 3D Graphics & Modeling category depends on the primary function of the software. Generally, an application that supports 3D graphics and modeling should be listed in the 3D Graphics & Modeling category even if it also includes animation features, while this category is reserved for applications for computer graphic animation, although some of these, as well, may include other features. In some cases, an application may be listed in both.
Recommended Resources
Bloop Animation is a professional production studio that produces animated films and specializes in premium online animation courses for aspiring filmmakers but also offering several free video tutorials on topics relating to computer animation and computer animation software, as well as a free e-book on making an animated short film, and a selection of premium HD video courses. The site also features reviews of various animation software applications.
https://www.bloopanimation.com/
Designed to create animated pictures, banners, buttons, and GIF videos, the Easy GIF Animator supports the Microsoft Windows operating system. The software can be used to convert video to GIF, to create animated text effects, generate image effects, and others. Supported formats include GIF, PNG, JPEG, BMP, and ICO files. Personal and professional versions are available for purchase, including volume licensing and academic pricing options.
https://www.easygifanimator.net/
Created in 2001, GIF Maker is a software tool for creating animated GIF images, banners, buttons, and presentations. Its key features include an animation wizard and built-in image editor, supporting multiple graphics formats (JPEG, PNG, TIFF, GIF, BMP, PSD, ICO, PCX, PIC, RLE, PCD, AVI, WMF, and others), can convert AVI video files into GIF animations, and full support for all GIF file format variations. The product may be purchased online, and a trial offer is included.
https://www.gif-animator.com/
Freeware since 2017, GraphicsGale is an easy-to-use graphics editor for spriting and pixel art. It supports several formats, including ANI, AVI, CUR, GIF, and ICO, and users can preview animations in real-time while editing sprites. Also supported are multiple layers and onion skinning. The application can be used to create work from scratch, or users may opt to use GraphicsGale’s TWAIN imaging support to import images from a scanner, camera, or other devices.
https://graphicsgale.com/us/
Founded in 1999, Morpheus Development produces and markets digital photo animation software, including its flagship product, Morpheus Photo Morpher. Others include Morpheus Photo Warper, Morpheus Photo Mixer, Morpheus Photo Animation Suite, and Morpheus Photo Compressor, created for the macOS. Each of its products is described in detail, a trial version may be downloaded, and purchases may be made online. Support services and an image gallery are included.
http://www.morpheussoftware.net/
Free and open-source, Pencil2D is a cross-platform software tool that is used to create 2D hand-drawn animations. Available under the terms of the GNU General Public License, the program is supported by FreeBSD, Linux, macOS, and Windows. The site features development notes, notices of upcoming features, and video tutorials on performing various tasks with the application, most in English but some in Spanish and Portuguese.
https://www.pencil2d.org/
Generally known simply as Synfig, the free and open-source computer animation program creates 2D vector graphics and timeline-based computer animation. Available under the terms of the GNU General Public License, it operates on Linux, Mac, and Windows machines. The open-source 2D animation software may be downloaded from the site, which also includes development notes, product and company news, and a full user’s manual in wiki format.
https://www.synfig.org/
