3D Animation Terms

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The creation of moving images through the use of computers. These images can be created in either a two or three-dimensional space, and can be applied to video games, movies special effects, cartooning, and many other applications.

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computer animation

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The creation of moving pictures in a two-dimensional environment.

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2D animation

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The creation of moving pictures in a three-dimensional environment; objects can be rotated and moved like real objects.

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3D animation

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Animation produced by arranging real objects, taking a picture of them, slightly repositioning them, then taking another picture of them, to create a sequence of consecutive images that create the illusion of motion. One of the most common forms of this is claymation.

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stop-motion animation

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Actors wear sensors that record their motions. This is then used to animate digital character models in 2D or 3D computer animation.

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motion capture animation

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The process of using a motion capture system to puppet a 3D character live. It can be used for previsualization, so a director can preview an animation while the mocap actor is performing, or as a live feed so a real person or audience can communicate with the 3D character in front of them.

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real time animation

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Refers to any artwork or animation created with computers. The term can apply to both 2D and 3D renderings.

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CGI

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The principles of beauty, often specifically as they relate to art.

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aesthetics

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The smallest visible unit of measurement on your screen - it is a tiny dot. Together, groups of these create recognizable images. They are also as the general measuring standards for screen sizes (i.e. 1024 x 768), image documents, videoes, etc.

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pixel

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A single complete image out of the sequence of images comprising an animation. Taken alone, it is just a drawing or piece of art. When sequenced with other drawings it becomes part of the animation.

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frame