2D vs 3D Animation: A Guide for Film Enthusiasts and Aspiring Animators

What is 2D Animation?

2D animation involves drawing or creating two-dimensional, flattened images frame by frame on digital software such as Toon Boom Harmony or Adobe Flash. In 2D animation, the width and height of characters or objects are the only elements that animators need to focus on. 2D animation is a time-consuming process since each frame is meticulously curated to create a movement of a character or the shifting of an object. Frames that are drawn or created are played back at a speed of 24 frames per second (24fps), crafting the illusion of motion for viewers.

2D animation got its start in 1908 with the creation of Fantasmagorie, a short cartoon created by artist Emile Cohl. After the discovery of 2D animation, countless movies and TV shows began to feature this innovative style, showcasing a new approach to design. Outlined below are a few 2D animations you may be familiar with:

• Classic Disney Movies (e.g., Snow White, Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, etc.)
• TV Shows (e.g., The Simpsons, South Park, Family Guy, etc.)
• Looney Tunes (e.g., Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, etc.)

When 2D animation began, designers would hand-draw each frame, making it an extremely time-consuming process. With new technological advances, animators now use online software programs to create and draw 2D animations, though some designers still prefer hand drawing. Today, 2D animation is significantly less popular than 3D techniques. Nevertheless, you may catch a glimpse of 2D animation in various anime films and a multitude of interactive mobile games, where audiences deeply appreciate its traditional style.

What is 3D Animation?

3D animation requires making three-dimensional objects and environments with depth. While 2D techniques involve drawing images frame-by-frame, 3D animators use specific software to create 3D replicas of objects, characters, and spaces. These 3D models are then animated and manipulated into the final product of a 3D creative project. 3D animation is an extremely detailed process from start to finish, but it also produces breathtaking, life-like results. 

The first ever computer-generated (CG) 3D animated feature-length film, Toy Story, was released in 1995. Toy Story quickly became an overnight success, paving the way for 3D animators to craft countless films and TV shows using this upgraded technology. Here is a list of popular computer-animated films that followed the 1995 Pixar blockbuster hit:

• Shrek
• A Bug’s Life
• Finding Nemo
• Pocahontas
• Avatar
• Up

3D animation is now the preferred method for animators worldwide. As technology and software continue to advance, 3D animation follows suit and consistently improves every year. Nowadays, animators integrate CG animation technology into pre-filmed footage, enriching numerous films with this innovative technique. A prime example is Marvel’s action-packed movies, which use 3D animation to enhance their films and create an immersive experience for viewers.

5 Key Differences Between 2D and 3D Animation

You’ve probably already guessed that 2D and 3D animation are quite different in the design and implementation process. Here are 3 of the main differences between 2D and 3D animation techniques:

Cost

Animation can be cheaper or extremely costly, depending on the scope of the project and what format you choose to go with. 2D animation tends to be cheaper than 3D because of the resources, skills, and experience needed for the latter. The digital software and high-end technology needed to create CG or 3D animations cost exponentially more than 2D tools. If you’re trying to decide which type of animation to choose for your film project, consider the following: budget, the complexity of the production, and the overall look and feel you’d like the project to have.

Dimensionality and Design Process

The most notable difference between 2D and 3D animation is the overall design process for each creative technique. As we’ve explained previously, 2D animation is composed of drawing and redrawing for every movement or pose, while 3D involves changing keyframes through digital software and rendering it into the final production. 3D animation is like controlling a puppet through the computer screen, where animators manipulate and move a three-dimensional character within a digital space. In contrast, 2D animation is likened to sketching that puppet’s every movement frame by frame, capturing the smallest of shifts in its facial expression or actions.

The dimensionality differences between 2D vs 3D animations also impact the overall appearance of the production. If you were to see a 2D character next to a CG animated character, there would be no doubt as to which one is three-dimensional while the other appears to lay flat. Why do these characters appear so different if they’re both animated? That’s because 2D shapes show up only in length and width, while 3D animations consist of length, width, and height. This is why 3D animators can create real-life models or characters to be added to any project and instill a life-like premise in the entire production.

Frame Rate

2D and 3D dramatically differ when it comes to frame rates. 2D animations require a frame rate (usually 24fps) to show actions or movements. In other words, there is a drawing for every frame, 24 times a second. However, if there isn’t any noticeable movement happening, animators can use “on twos,” which is drawing 1 image lasting for 2 frames, translating to 12 frames per second. 

On the other hand, 3D animators utilize keyframing instead of drawing images for individual frames. This involves animators creating keyframes, which are specific frames where they set the poses and traits of characters and objects. 3D animators then use a computer software program to insert the motion between these keyframes. This process is known as “tweening.” 

While both 2D and 3D animators use frame rates, how frames are crafted and implemented differs between mediums. 

Pros and Cons of 2D vs 3D

After discovering the differences between 2D and 3D, you may be asking yourself, “Which type of animation is better for my film project?” Both 2D and 3D animations uniquely enhance creative productions and bring viewers’ imaginations to life. The choice between these two forms of animation can depend on factors such as budget, the complexity of your production, and the desired aesthetic of the final creative production. To assist you in making a well-rounded decision, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of 2D vs 3D animation in the section below:

Pros of 2D Animation

1. It’s a cheaper option overall. Due to the advancement of technology, not all 2D animations need to be drawn frame by frame, which decreases overall production costs. The software programs used for 2D animation are also significantly cheaper than their 3D counterparts.
2. Less production time. Once again, enhanced technologies have made the 2D animation process less time-consuming and more accessible to a variety of creatives.  2D objects and characters also don’t involve much maneuvering like 3D. 
3. Extremely versatile and customizable. Since 2D characters and objects are drawn, animators can customize their 2D projects in just about every way possible. 2D animations are also very versatile and can be used in a variety of projects, from teaching videos to animated short stories. 

Cons of 2D Animation

1. It is less realistic and engaging. 2D animations can tend to look boring and flat compared to 3D objects and characters. The 2D technology is limited to less realistic subjects and can be missing a wow factor that captivates audiences. 
2. Dramatic decrease in popularity. In today’s world, 3D animation is dominating the film industry. Over the past few decades, 2D has slowly stepped out of the spotlight and continues to lose demand within Hollywood.
3. Limited movement and fluidity. Since 2D animations are only two-dimensional, it can make it challenging to craft fluid movement or differing camera angles. Because of this, 2D animation isn’t usually the go-to for adventure-packed films or swift animations. 

Pros of 3D Animation

1. Life-like qualities. Characters in 3D animation are far more realistic than those in 2D. Due to the three-dimensional qualities and technological advancements in 3D animation, characters and objects are more photorealistic and believable than 2D design.
2. Easier movement. Since all animations are created in a 3D space, there is significantly more freedom and flexibility of movement for 3D animations. You can move your character and change angles in 3D software without having to draw the changes frame by frame.
3. Expansive possibilities. Over the last few decades, 3D has continued to advance, changing the film industry as we know it. Animators can combine CG animation with real-life footage, making viewers’ worst nightmares or biggest dreams come true. 3D animation makes the impossible possible, which isn’t always obtainable with 2D tools. 

Cons of 3D Animation

1. Longer setup time. Before 3D animators even make a character, stylizing and behind-the-scenes work can take extensive periods of time. Without proper planning, this can push back production time and cause problems that impact the end product.
2. Limited personalization. Compared to the customization of 2D animations, CG designs are limited by the rig when creating a character. If you’ve ever noticed that numerous 3D characters look similar, it’s most likely because CG designs can’t always be personalized to fit the animator’s specific preferences. 
3. More skill-oriented. Learning 3D animation is often harder to learn compared to 2D techniques. When designing in 3D, animators need to craft the character, animate him/her, add lighting, and create textures before even seeing what the final product will look like. It can take hours, sitting in front of a computer and re-working small details to get the ideal 3D animation. This process demands not only extensive skill but also intense determination from animators!

Animation Services to Entertain Your Target Audience

Want to try out animation for your next video project but don’t have the skills to do it yourself? Avalanche Studios is a Utah-based team of skilled animators, producers, directors, and creatives ready to make your vision become reality. With 25 years of experience, our team has the resources and knowledge to add CG designs to a variety of productions, from music videos to corporate training videos. If you’d like to upgrade your video, it’s time to implement animation that will make the end product an instant hit.

Request a quote to partner with Avalanche Studios’ award-winning crew. Tell us the details of the project, including the target audience, storyline, scope, deadline, animation desires, and anything else you’d like us to know. We’ll get back to you shortly and start creating a video enhanced with animations that exceed your expectations!