2D animation is a traditional form of animation that has been around for over a century. It is a popular form of animation that involves creating a series of drawings, which are then played in rapid succession to create the illusion of movement.
Basics of 2D Animation
2D animation involves creating a series of drawings, which are then played in sequence to create the illusion of movement. Each drawing is called a frame, and the frames are played at a rate of 24 frames per second (fps) to create a smooth animation.
Traditionally, 2D animation was created using hand-drawn techniques, but today, digital software such as Adobe Animate and Toon Boom Harmony has made the process much more efficient. These programs allow animators to draw directly on a computer, making it easier to edit and manipulate frames.
The process of creating a 2D animation
- Storyboarding: This is the process of creating a rough sketch of the animation, which includes the storyline, characters, and key poses.
- Layout: This involves creating a detailed drawing of each scene, including the placement of characters and objects.
- Keyframe animation: This involves creating the main poses of the animation, which will be used as reference points for the final animation.
- Inbetweening: This is the process of creating the frames between the keyframes to create a smooth animation.
- Cleanup: This involves refining the drawings and ensuring that they are consistent throughout the animation.

Uses of 2D Animation
2D animation is a versatile medium that can be used in a wide range of applications. Here are some of the most common uses of 2D animation:
- Cartoons and animated TV shows: 2D animation has a long history of being used in cartoons and animated TV shows. Many popular shows, such as The Simpsons, Family Guy, and South Park, use 2D animation to create their characters and stories.
- Animated movies: 2D animation is also used in full-length animated movies, both for children and adults. Disney has a long history of using 2D animation in its movies, from classics like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to modern hits like The Princess and the Frog.
- Advertising: 2D animation can be used to create eye-catching advertisements and promotional videos. Animated characters or explainer videos can be used to communicate complex ideas in a simple, entertaining way.
- Educational videos: 2D animation can be used to create engaging and informative educational videos on a variety of topics. Animated characters or infographics can be used to explain complex ideas in a way that is easy to understand.
- Web animations: 2D animation is often used in web design to create interactive elements and animations. For example, animated icons and buttons can be used to make a website more engaging and user-friendly.
Features and benefits of 2D animation
Features:
- Flat design: 2D animation uses flat design, which means that characters and objects are represented in a two-dimensional space without depth. This creates a simple and clean aesthetic that is easy to read and understand.
- Frame-by-frame animation: 2D animation is often created using frame-by-frame animation, which involves drawing each individual frame of an animation by hand. This allows for precise control over the movement and timing of the animation.
- Vector graphics: 2D animation often uses vector graphics, which are graphics that can be scaled up or down without losing quality. This makes it easy to create animations that can be used across a range of different platforms and devices.

Benefits
- Cost-effective: 2D animation is often more cost-effective than 3D animation, as it requires less time and resources to create.
- Quick turnaround: Because 2D animation is often created using frame-by-frame animation, it can be produced quickly compared to other forms of animation.
- Versatile: 2D animation can be used in a wide range of applications, from cartoons and animated movies to advertising and educational videos.
- Engaging: 2D animation is highly engaging and entertaining, making it a great way to capture and hold the viewer’s attention.
- Easy to understand: The simplicity of 2D animation makes it easy to understand, even for those who are not familiar with the medium. This makes it a great tool for communicating complex ideas in a simple, accessible way.