Animation forms & techniques · Specialist
Animation
ELI5
The craft process of creating movement by changing drawings, models, objects or digital elements over time.
Used in conversation
“The animation needs a clear reference before the team starts final work.”
Pitch context
You may encounter “Animation” in vfx, virtual production & animation conversations or materials.
Why it matters: Explains image creation that extends beyond straightforward live-action photography.
Connected terms
- AnimationAnimation can name the kind of finished work, or the craft process used to create movement frame by frame.
- 2D animation2D animation is a narrower kind of Animation.
- 3D animation3D animation is a narrower kind of Animation.
- Cel animationCel animation is a narrower kind of Animation.
- Cut-out animationCut-out animation is a narrower kind of Animation.
- Frame-by-frame animationFrame-by-frame animation is a narrower kind of Animation.
- Full animationFull animation is a narrower kind of Animation.
- Limited animationLimited animation is a narrower kind of Animation.
- Rigged animationRigged animation is a narrower kind of Animation.
- Stop-motion animationStop-motion animation is a narrower kind of Animation.
- CG animationCG animation is a narrower kind of Animation.
Sources & evidence · 6
Supporting source families. This entry is an editorial synthesis rather than a quotation from one canonical glossary.
- Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences / ACES — ACES Glossary and User GuidesSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- Pixar Animation Studios — Universal Scene Description DocumentationSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- Pixar Animation Studios — RenderMan DocumentationSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- Epic Games — In-Camera VFX OverviewSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- Epic Games — In-Camera VFX Best PracticesSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-14
- ScreenSkills — Online Learning Glossary and Job ProfilesSupporting source family · institutional · checked 2026-08-14