Animation: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Free Animation Programs
Want to try before you buy, or looking for something simple but functional with no strings attached? Here's a list of various animation software packages available for download. Some are entirely free, some are shareware, some are free with limited functions (with more available after paying), and some are free trials that either expire after time or come with certain critical options disabled.
Want to try before you buy, or looking for something simple but functional with no strings attached? Here's a list of various animation software packages available for download. Some are entirely free, some are shareware, some are free with limited functions (with more available after paying), and some are free trials that either expire after time or come with certain critical options disabled.
Embedding an SWF in a Web Page
If you're publishing for the web, you'll need to be able to insert your SWF file into your website, right? Here's a quick guide that will help you figure out how.
If you're publishing for the web, you'll need to be able to insert your SWF file into your website, right? Here's a quick guide that will help you figure out how.
Flash Basic Walk Cycle
The walk cycle is one of the most important animation techniques to master, but you can simplify it a bit in Flash even when drawing each individual frame, whether in whole or in part. This basic stick-figure walk-cycle demonstrates the basic ideas and discusses key concepts of figures in motion.
The walk cycle is one of the most important animation techniques to master, but you can simplify it a bit in Flash even when drawing each individual frame, whether in whole or in part. This basic stick-figure walk-cycle demonstrates the basic ideas and discusses key concepts of figures in motion.
Ask the Magic 8-Ball - Demo
Try out a version of the classic 'Magic 8-Ball' created using Flash ActionScripting.
Try out a version of the classic 'Magic 8-Ball' created using Flash ActionScripting.
Animation Lip-Synching
If you want to add actual expression and realistic mouth-movements to your animation, it helps to study how the shape of the mouth changes with each sound. These ten basic phoneme shapes can match almost any sound of speech, in varying degrees of expression--and with the in-between frames moving from one to the other, are remarkably accurate.
If you want to add actual expression and realistic mouth-movements to your animation, it helps to study how the shape of the mouth changes with each sound. These ten basic phoneme shapes can match almost any sound of speech, in varying degrees of expression--and with the in-between frames moving from one to the other, are remarkably accurate.
Your First Animation
In this lesson we'll cover how to create a new blank movie file in Flash MX, and the tools and steps involved in making your first simple animation using motion tweening.
In this lesson we'll cover how to create a new blank movie file in Flash MX, and the tools and steps involved in making your first simple animation using motion tweening.
The Walt Disney Company
Disney is no doubt one of the most famous names in the animation industry, known for providing entertainment directed to adults and children alike; with theme parks around the world and a world-class animation studio and business franchise, the company nearly dominates the industry.
Disney is no doubt one of the most famous names in the animation industry, known for providing entertainment directed to adults and children alike; with theme parks around the world and a world-class animation studio and business franchise, the company nearly dominates the industry.
Scripting a Simple Stop
The stop command is most likely the most basic of all of Flash's ActionScript commands, and the most essential. It's also a good place to get started with familiarizing yourself with the concepts of working with ActionScripting.
The stop command is most likely the most basic of all of Flash's ActionScript commands, and the most essential. It's also a good place to get started with familiarizing yourself with the concepts of working with ActionScripting.
5 Cheap Mac Software Packages
Frustrated by the dearth of inexpensive animation solutions compatible with the robust and powerful Macintosh platform? Take a look at this list of five software packages that will let you animate for $250 or far less.
Frustrated by the dearth of inexpensive animation solutions compatible with the robust and powerful Macintosh platform? Take a look at this list of five software packages that will let you animate for $250 or far less.
Royalty-Free Music Resources
Find links to the music and sound effects that you need for your animations - royalty-free and free for download.
Find links to the music and sound effects that you need for your animations - royalty-free and free for download.
Importing an Image Sequence
You can import a series of numbered images to Flash and have the program automatically distribute them in sequential order across keyframes.
You can import a series of numbered images to Flash and have the program automatically distribute them in sequential order across keyframes.
Flash Lesson 8
This will be one of the easiest lessons yet; all we're going to do is add a looping audio background to our Flash character animation to complete it.
This will be one of the easiest lessons yet; all we're going to do is add a looping audio background to our Flash character animation to complete it.
Motion Tweening: Rotation
In the first Flash lesson , we covered motion tweening as a basic "Point A to Point B" process, moving
In the first Flash lesson , we covered motion tweening as a basic "Point A to Point B" process, moving
Creating a New Scene
Here we explore the concept of individual scenes in Flash, and how to create and manipulate them to make options to associate with our buttons.
Here we explore the concept of individual scenes in Flash, and how to create and manipulate them to make options to associate with our buttons.
How many frames in 1 second?
There are 8-frame walk cycles, 10-frame motion studies...but how many frames actually make up one second of animation?
There are 8-frame walk cycles, 10-frame motion studies...but how many frames actually make up one second of animation?
Shape/Motion/Classic Tween
Before Flash CS4 there were motion tweens and shape tweens - but now CS4 and CS5 introduce classic tweens. What's the difference?
Before Flash CS4 there were motion tweens and shape tweens - but now CS4 and CS5 introduce classic tweens. What's the difference?
WMode Transparency
Ever wondered how they make those Flash ads that can be dynamically positioned anywhere on the screen, but that have a transparent background? In just four steps, I'll show you how.
Ever wondered how they make those Flash ads that can be dynamically positioned anywhere on the screen, but that have a transparent background? In just four steps, I'll show you how.
Flash Animation 17
It's time to take a bit of a leap in your Flash education by learning how to control movie clip timelines from within the main timeline. To do this we're going to use buttons to tell Flash when to play individual movie clip animations.
It's time to take a bit of a leap in your Flash education by learning how to control movie clip timelines from within the main timeline. To do this we're going to use buttons to tell Flash when to play individual movie clip animations.
Flash Onion-Skinning
Frame-by-frame animation can be difficult when you're working on one frame at a time with no reference for the previous or next frames. Flash has a solution for this dilemma--known as onion-skinning, an option that you can turn on that shows a range of frames both before and after your current frame.
Frame-by-frame animation can be difficult when you're working on one frame at a time with no reference for the previous or next frames. Flash has a solution for this dilemma--known as onion-skinning, an option that you can turn on that shows a range of frames both before and after your current frame.
Essential Animation Supplies
If you're less of a digital animator and lean more towards the traditional, you've probably got a studio as cluttered as mine--and there are some supplies that you just can't live without.
If you're less of a digital animator and lean more towards the traditional, you've probably got a studio as cluttered as mine--and there are some supplies that you just can't live without.
Flash Detailed Animation I
Creating a detailed, full-color character animation using traditional frame-by-frame methods is a long and at times difficult process, even in Flash. For this lesson we're going to take the first step and rough-sketch our basic motion for a simple action, using block shapes representing a character we wish to animate.
Creating a detailed, full-color character animation using traditional frame-by-frame methods is a long and at times difficult process, even in Flash. For this lesson we're going to take the first step and rough-sketch our basic motion for a simple action, using block shapes representing a character we wish to animate.
Trace Bitmap
In case you missed when it was covered in Lesson 5, here's a quick tip on how to use the trace bitmap function in Flash to turn bitmap art into vector images.
In case you missed when it was covered in Lesson 5, here's a quick tip on how to use the trace bitmap function in Flash to turn bitmap art into vector images.
Motion Tweening: Easing
Another way to control your Flash motion tweens is through an option called Easing.
Another way to control your Flash motion tweens is through an option called Easing.
Keyframe and In-Between Basics
Rather than working with simple shapes and reusable objects, let's work with the techniques used in cinematic animation: hand-drawing each frame using keyframing and in-betweening techniques to describe progressive motion.
Rather than working with simple shapes and reusable objects, let's work with the techniques used in cinematic animation: hand-drawing each frame using keyframing and in-betweening techniques to describe progressive motion.
Review: Cylekx 2.9
Cylekx 2.9 is bland, unimpressive addition to the line-up of second-tier graphics and animation programs.
Cylekx 2.9 is bland, unimpressive addition to the line-up of second-tier graphics and animation programs.
3D Studio Max Lesson 1.1
In this set of tutorials, we'll just be taking a look at the environment of 3D Studio Max version 4.26, and helping you to get more familiar with the tool panels, how to navigate them, and how to use the sets of basic tools you'll need to begin animating.
In this set of tutorials, we'll just be taking a look at the environment of 3D Studio Max version 4.26, and helping you to get more familiar with the tool panels, how to navigate them, and how to use the sets of basic tools you'll need to begin animating.
Building an Animated Character
Whether you draw your 2D animations traditionally or digitally, there are some skills essential to both incarnations of the craft. One is the ability to draw simple but effective animation characters with clean, easy lines and basic shapes.
Whether you draw your 2D animations traditionally or digitally, there are some skills essential to both incarnations of the craft. One is the ability to draw simple but effective animation characters with clean, easy lines and basic shapes.
Flash Animation 11
It's time to combine the buttons and scenes created in Lessons 9 and 10, using ActionScripting to tell Flash how to behave when our buttons are clicked.
It's time to combine the buttons and scenes created in Lessons 9 and 10, using ActionScripting to tell Flash how to behave when our buttons are clicked.
Animating a Zoom Effect
You can simulate a camera zoom effect in Flash using tweens.
You can simulate a camera zoom effect in Flash using tweens.
Persistence of Vision
: "Persistence of Vision" refers to the phenomenon where the retina retains an image for a brief split-second
: "Persistence of Vision" refers to the phenomenon where the retina retains an image for a brief split-second
3D Studio Max Lesson 1.3
The third part of our first lesson in 3D Studio Max's tools covers the panel of primary tools taking up the right-hand side of the interface. These are the main tools that you will use to create, modify, and control your objects.
The third part of our first lesson in 3D Studio Max's tools covers the panel of primary tools taking up the right-hand side of the interface. These are the main tools that you will use to create, modify, and control your objects.
AS 2.0 or 3.0 in Flash CS3
With ActionScripting 3.0 taking such a drastic turn away from the old paradigm of ActionScripting 2.0, it helps that Flash CS3 allows you to create a document using the old scripting style; here's how.
With ActionScripting 3.0 taking such a drastic turn away from the old paradigm of ActionScripting 2.0, it helps that Flash CS3 allows you to create a document using the old scripting style; here's how.
Animation Character Sheet
Before you start animating, it's a good idea to draw up a character sheet/character breakdown of the subject of your animation, both for reference and to familiarize you with drawing different views. Let's take a look at the basics for a character sheet.
Before you start animating, it's a good idea to draw up a character sheet/character breakdown of the subject of your animation, both for reference and to familiarize you with drawing different views. Let's take a look at the basics for a character sheet.
Flash Animation 12
This lesson touches upon a small but essential piece of knowledge for working in Flash: exporting as a movie instead of a Flash SWF file.
This lesson touches upon a small but essential piece of knowledge for working in Flash: exporting as a movie instead of a Flash SWF file.
Introduction
Just what is computer animation? For decades, animation has been a trade that rested solely in the hands
Just what is computer animation? For decades, animation has been a trade that rested solely in the hands
Freelance Work: Pros and Cons
While working for yourself can be extremely rewarding and quite convenient, you should always be aware of the added responsibility and obligation implied, and of any hardships that you might encounter and will need to plan for. The points that I'll cover here are things that I've learned from my own experiences as a freelance artist, animator, designer, and writer; I hope that they'll help you as well.
While working for yourself can be extremely rewarding and quite convenient, you should always be aware of the added responsibility and obligation implied, and of any hardships that you might encounter and will need to plan for. The points that I'll cover here are things that I've learned from my own experiences as a freelance artist, animator, designer, and writer; I hope that they'll help you as well.
How To Create A 3D Bump Map in Photoshop
3D bump maps are used to create raised texture surfaces on 3D models - but they actually start off as flat 2D images.
3D bump maps are used to create raised texture surfaces on 3D models - but they actually start off as flat 2D images.
Keeping Up With the Studios
Computer animation can be be fun, but it can also be quite costly. But it's not always necessary to spend that kind of money; for the curious, the studious, or even the aspiring professional, there are much more cost-effecitve ways to get your feet wet. If you know where to look and how to shop, it's not that hard to compete with the big boys without spending the big bucks.
Computer animation can be be fun, but it can also be quite costly. But it's not always necessary to spend that kind of money; for the curious, the studious, or even the aspiring professional, there are much more cost-effecitve ways to get your feet wet. If you know where to look and how to shop, it's not that hard to compete with the big boys without spending the big bucks.
Layer Definition
Layers can be confusing for some people, especially when they're used to painting or drawing on a flat surface.
Layers can be confusing for some people, especially when they're used to painting or drawing on a flat surface.
Beneton Movie GIF Review
Beneton Movie GIF is a fairly useful GIF animation / editing / sequencing program that may not be particularly special, but at least it serves its intended purpose flawlessly.
Beneton Movie GIF is a fairly useful GIF animation / editing / sequencing program that may not be particularly special, but at least it serves its intended purpose flawlessly.
Publishing GIFs vs. SWFs
While Flash SWFs are considered one of the more advanced methods for publishing animated and streaming content to the web, there are times when using an animated GIF for smaller, shorter animations would be more to your advantage.
While Flash SWFs are considered one of the more advanced methods for publishing animated and streaming content to the web, there are times when using an animated GIF for smaller, shorter animations would be more to your advantage.
Motion Capture Technology
While there is, in fact, a great deal of work involved in realistic computer animation, there's less magic, mystery, and painstaking effort than you might think. Those unreal motions are, in fact, all too real, and are accomplished through the use of motion-capture technology. Many movies and video games make use of this technology to animate their digital models.
While there is, in fact, a great deal of work involved in realistic computer animation, there's less magic, mystery, and painstaking effort than you might think. Those unreal motions are, in fact, all too real, and are accomplished through the use of motion-capture technology. Many movies and video games make use of this technology to animate their digital models.
Flash vs. Animated GIFs
Asking if Flash is better than an animated GIF is rather like asking if a USB thumb drive is better than a floppy disk. Both have their purposes, and both can be useful - even if one is a bit limited and outdated.
Asking if Flash is better than an animated GIF is rather like asking if a USB thumb drive is better than a floppy disk. Both have their purposes, and both can be useful - even if one is a bit limited and outdated.
Tween
: "Tween" is actually short for "in-between", and refers to the creation of successive frames of animation
: "Tween" is actually short for "in-between", and refers to the creation of successive frames of animation
Toon Boom Animate Review
Toon Boom Animate is yet another installation in a growing line of award-winning animation packages.
Toon Boom Animate is yet another installation in a growing line of award-winning animation packages.
Flash Animation 13
A Flash preloader is a short, low-key animation that plays while the rest of your animation is loading, and can either loop or show a growing progress percentage.
A Flash preloader is a short, low-key animation that plays while the rest of your animation is loading, and can either loop or show a growing progress percentage.
Flash Animation 2
With this lesson, we'll pick up at the end of where we left off in Lesson 1, with a lesson on shape tweening in Flash MX. Shape tweening can take two different shapes at keyframes set any number of frames apart, and mathematically calculate the frames in between to produce a smooth animation depicting the transformation between one and the other.
With this lesson, we'll pick up at the end of where we left off in Lesson 1, with a lesson on shape tweening in Flash MX. Shape tweening can take two different shapes at keyframes set any number of frames apart, and mathematically calculate the frames in between to produce a smooth animation depicting the transformation between one and the other.
DigiCel Flipbook Review
DigiCel Flipbook is an animation software package that creates an animation studio, complete with tools, on your desktop.
DigiCel Flipbook is an animation software package that creates an animation studio, complete with tools, on your desktop.
2D Animation
: The creation of moving pictures in a two-dimensional environment, such as through "traditional" cel
: The creation of moving pictures in a two-dimensional environment, such as through "traditional" cel
3D Studio Max Lesson 1.4
The last set of tools that we’ll discuss as part of the standard 3D Studio Max interface is located at the bottom of the window, stretching along the width of the working area below the multiple views. These tools help control how you view your animation, your timeline, and how you view your scene.
The last set of tools that we’ll discuss as part of the standard 3D Studio Max interface is located at the bottom of the window, stretching along the width of the working area below the multiple views. These tools help control how you view your animation, your timeline, and how you view your scene.
AnimatorDV Review
AnimatorDV is a stop-motion animation program that could convince even those who hate stop-motion to give it a try.
AnimatorDV is a stop-motion animation program that could convince even those who hate stop-motion to give it a try.
So You Want to be a....
Anyone can seek out a career in computer animation, regardless of any measure of artistic talent; all that you need is to know what you want, and to be willing to put in the necessary effort to achieve it. This article gives a basic set of guidelines on where to start, and a little advice on how to pursue your chosen field.
Anyone can seek out a career in computer animation, regardless of any measure of artistic talent; all that you need is to know what you want, and to be willing to put in the necessary effort to achieve it. This article gives a basic set of guidelines on where to start, and a little advice on how to pursue your chosen field.
Loop Playback
Usually when you play back your Flash timeline, it plays once and then stops on the last frame. If you
Usually when you play back your Flash timeline, it plays once and then stops on the last frame. If you
Storyboarding
Using a storyboard will help you organize your animation, and match you mental visualizations of scenes with the written script. If you use a storyboard you'll find that you'll be able to plan your animations more cohesively with clear marker points to show progress, and you'll save yourself a lot of time and trouble when struggling to make the entire thing come together from beginning to end.
Using a storyboard will help you organize your animation, and match you mental visualizations of scenes with the written script. If you use a storyboard you'll find that you'll be able to plan your animations more cohesively with clear marker points to show progress, and you'll save yourself a lot of time and trouble when struggling to make the entire thing come together from beginning to end.
Guide Review: Anime Studio 5
While Anime Studio 5 definitely isn't a program that you can dive in and start using without at least a passing knowledge of the fundamentals of animation, it still provides a rich, full-featured animation experience that simplifies the process and allows you to produce high quality animations for less effort.
While Anime Studio 5 definitely isn't a program that you can dive in and start using without at least a passing knowledge of the fundamentals of animation, it still provides a rich, full-featured animation experience that simplifies the process and allows you to produce high quality animations for less effort.
Flash Lesson 7
It's time to get our characters moving, using the movie clip symbols that we set up in previous lessons to control our limbs as a whole, and in sub-parts--and also to animate our facial features and give them expression and lip movements.
It's time to get our characters moving, using the movie clip symbols that we set up in previous lessons to control our limbs as a whole, and in sub-parts--and also to animate our facial features and give them expression and lip movements.
Video Games vs. Movies
Creating animations for video games is much different from creating animations for movies. The major difference is that a movie is meant simply to be viewed, while the purpose of a video game is to interact. For this reason, animating for video games can be much more difficult than animating for video games; however, this reason is only a broad generalization of the differences between the two genres.
Creating animations for video games is much different from creating animations for movies. The major difference is that a movie is meant simply to be viewed, while the purpose of a video game is to interact. For this reason, animating for video games can be much more difficult than animating for video games; however, this reason is only a broad generalization of the differences between the two genres.
Flash Hotspot Buttons
In Lesson 9 , we covered creating standard buttons with a rollover effect; to expand on that, however,
In Lesson 9 , we covered creating standard buttons with a rollover effect; to expand on that, however,
DreamWorks
Dreamworks Animation SKG, is the highly successful, animation-oriented subdivision of Dreamworks SKG. While DreamWorks is a fairly recent addition to the animation industry, it has skyrocketed to become a major player, competing with several other shining newcomers.
Dreamworks Animation SKG, is the highly successful, animation-oriented subdivision of Dreamworks SKG. While DreamWorks is a fairly recent addition to the animation industry, it has skyrocketed to become a major player, competing with several other shining newcomers.
FAQ: Flash Projector
Use the Flash projector to make your files available to those without the Flash plugin.
Use the Flash projector to make your files available to those without the Flash plugin.
Flash Animation 15
Let's pick up on the last lesson to add a bouncing sound effect to our squash and stretch animation, using Flash audio to bring more life and depth to the animation.
Let's pick up on the last lesson to add a bouncing sound effect to our squash and stretch animation, using Flash audio to bring more life and depth to the animation.
Preparing a Demo Reel
For an animator, the demo reel is like that final exam in your senior year, complete with all of the extra work, stresses, and last-minute panics. And like the final exam, it can mean success or failure--not only in your education, but in your career. You've probably worked on a variety of projects during animation school, some fun, some not. But do you need to include every last one of those projects in your demo reel?
For an animator, the demo reel is like that final exam in your senior year, complete with all of the extra work, stresses, and last-minute panics. And like the final exam, it can mean success or failure--not only in your education, but in your career. You've probably worked on a variety of projects during animation school, some fun, some not. But do you need to include every last one of those projects in your demo reel?
Vector Animation
: "Vector animation" is a term used to refer to animation whose art or motion is controlled by vectors
: "Vector animation" is a term used to refer to animation whose art or motion is controlled by vectors
Flash Free Transform Tool
Use the Free Transform Tool to scale and change your shapes in any number of ways.
Use the Free Transform Tool to scale and change your shapes in any number of ways.
What's the Difference?
: What's the Difference Between Traditional Animation and Computer Animation? : In essence, there is
: What's the Difference Between Traditional Animation and Computer Animation? : In essence, there is
FlashEffect SiteBuilder Review
Flash Effect SiteBuilder is an interesting little gem of a Flash animation and website building program that's really a diamond in the rough - or a diamond in the glitz, if you can find the core functionality underneath the glitter and shine.
Flash Effect SiteBuilder is an interesting little gem of a Flash animation and website building program that's really a diamond in the rough - or a diamond in the glitz, if you can find the core functionality underneath the glitter and shine.
Drop Shadow Text in CS3
One great thing about the newest versions of Flash is that many effects that previously had to be constructed manually are now automatic features - including text drop shadows.
One great thing about the newest versions of Flash is that many effects that previously had to be constructed manually are now automatic features - including text drop shadows.
FotoMorph Review
FotoMorph is free image morphing and animation software that lets you apply changes and effects to image morphs.
FotoMorph is free image morphing and animation software that lets you apply changes and effects to image morphs.
Beginner Flash Tutorials
With the number of Flash tutorials on this site, starting at basic beginnings can be a little difficult when it's hard to even find the basic beginnings and figure out what to do first. With that in mind, I've put together a handy list of categorized starter Flash tutorials and what they do to help you build your base foundation of Flash skills before moving on to more complicated projects.
With the number of Flash tutorials on this site, starting at basic beginnings can be a little difficult when it's hard to even find the basic beginnings and figure out what to do first. With that in mind, I've put together a handy list of categorized starter Flash tutorials and what they do to help you build your base foundation of Flash skills before moving on to more complicated projects.
Hide/Unhide with _visible & !
Learn how to hide and unhide Flash movie clips with the click of a button and a very easy three-line actionscript, using _visible and the logical NOT operator (!) to alter the visibility state.
Learn how to hide and unhide Flash movie clips with the click of a button and a very easy three-line actionscript, using _visible and the logical NOT operator (!) to alter the visibility state.
textColor Function
textColor is an ActionScript property that lets you define or change the text color inside of a dynamic text field on a movie clip event.
textColor is an ActionScript property that lets you define or change the text color inside of a dynamic text field on a movie clip event.
Flash Valentine's Card
Need an animated e-card with a personal touch, but don't have much time? This 26-step Flash lesson can be completed in just a little over thirty minutes, for a simple Valentine's e-card that uses a few new alpha effects prettily enough to please any friend or sweetheart.
Need an animated e-card with a personal touch, but don't have much time? This 26-step Flash lesson can be completed in just a little over thirty minutes, for a simple Valentine's e-card that uses a few new alpha effects prettily enough to please any friend or sweetheart.
How to Choose Software
Considering how expensive animation software can be and the difficulty of returning software to many retailers, picking the wrong animation software for your needs can be a costly mistake. What questions should you ask yourself when selecting an animation software package?
Considering how expensive animation software can be and the difficulty of returning software to many retailers, picking the wrong animation software for your needs can be a costly mistake. What questions should you ask yourself when selecting an animation software package?
Reverse Timeline Frames
It's possible to switch the order of Flash timeline frames without manually moving them
It's possible to switch the order of Flash timeline frames without manually moving them
Cyberdelia 3D Software
It's hard to review a software package that you can't even run. While often program problems are a result of user errors, in this case I'd have to say to stay away.
It's hard to review a software package that you can't even run. While often program problems are a result of user errors, in this case I'd have to say to stay away.
FAQ: Grapic vs. Movie Clip?
Flash symbol types can, at times, be a little confusing.
Flash symbol types can, at times, be a little confusing.
Anime Studio Pro 6 Review
While Anime Studio Pro 6 offers valuable tools that meet the demands of the professional animator, hobbyists or small-time animators won't see much difference between Pro and Debut.
While Anime Studio Pro 6 offers valuable tools that meet the demands of the professional animator, hobbyists or small-time animators won't see much difference between Pro and Debut.
Adobe Flash CS5 Review
The latest version of Flash brings the shiny.
The latest version of Flash brings the shiny.
Animated Flash Dropdown Menu
This is a simple, animated Flash menu that drops down/expands when your mouse rolls over the menu header.
This is a simple, animated Flash menu that drops down/expands when your mouse rolls over the menu header.
Light Tables
Whether you're drawing 2D animation for cel painting or doing the preliminary pencil work to be scanned in for a computer animation, a light table is one of the most important tools for frame-by-frame animation that you'll ever own.
Whether you're drawing 2D animation for cel painting or doing the preliminary pencil work to be scanned in for a computer animation, a light table is one of the most important tools for frame-by-frame animation that you'll ever own.
Flash: Determine Screen Size
One of the many functions of System.capabilities is to allow you to use ActionScripting to determine a user's screen resolution.
One of the many functions of System.capabilities is to allow you to use ActionScripting to determine a user's screen resolution.
Expand to Browser
You can expand your Flash movies to fit any browser at any side just by changing the measurements in the HTML embedding to fit a percentage instead of a fixed pixel amount.
You can expand your Flash movies to fit any browser at any side just by changing the measurements in the HTML embedding to fit a percentage instead of a fixed pixel amount.
Flash Tip: The Pen Tool
This overview will help you become more comfortable with Flash's pen tool and how to create different types of anchor points in paths.
This overview will help you become more comfortable with Flash's pen tool and how to create different types of anchor points in paths.
Flash Tip: Brush Tool
Using the Brush tool, you can paint in freeform in Flash, fine-tuning the way your fills are applied using various options.
Using the Brush tool, you can paint in freeform in Flash, fine-tuning the way your fills are applied using various options.
Review: Flash Media Show
Flash Media Show is a tool that allows you to organize, display, and share your images as a Flash movie.
Flash Media Show is a tool that allows you to organize, display, and share your images as a Flash movie.
Swap Symbol
The Swap Symbol function is just like Flash's Swap Bitmap function, but instead lets you switch any symbol on your stage out with any symbol in your library.
The Swap Symbol function is just like Flash's Swap Bitmap function, but instead lets you switch any symbol on your stage out with any symbol in your library.
Google SketchUp Review
As a 3D modeling program, Google SketchUp successfully unites principles of line drawing with 3D for a bare-bones program that lets you produce surprisingly complex 3D artwork.
As a 3D modeling program, Google SketchUp successfully unites principles of line drawing with 3D for a bare-bones program that lets you produce surprisingly complex 3D artwork.
Key Frame
An animation key frame is a single still image in an animated sequence that occurs at an important point in that sequence.
An animation key frame is a single still image in an animated sequence that occurs at an important point in that sequence.
Non-Flash Website
While designing a website in Flash, it's easy to assume that your viewers will not have some version of the Macromedia Flash player. However, you may find that a large percentage of your users either have an older version of the Flash player or none at all. For these users, it's helpful to have a non-Flash version of your website available.
While designing a website in Flash, it's easy to assume that your viewers will not have some version of the Macromedia Flash player. However, you may find that a large percentage of your users either have an older version of the Flash player or none at all. For these users, it's helpful to have a non-Flash version of your website available.
Review: Toon Boom Studio 2.5
It's easy to see why Toon Boom Studio has been the choice of many major animation studios for their 2D animation and 2D special effects needs. With 3D scene planning, advanced drawing modes, automated lip sync mapping, dynamic cameras and effects, and integrated sound scrubbing, it's a complex and richly-featured tool ideal for serious animators; the software is a great advance in the animation field, while maintaining the familiar and comfortable feel of cel animation methods.
It's easy to see why Toon Boom Studio has been the choice of many major animation studios for their 2D animation and 2D special effects needs. With 3D scene planning, advanced drawing modes, automated lip sync mapping, dynamic cameras and effects, and integrated sound scrubbing, it's a complex and richly-featured tool ideal for serious animators; the software is a great advance in the animation field, while maintaining the familiar and comfortable feel of cel animation methods.
Top 5 Uses for Flash
Flash has many useful applications; from character animation to programming, it offers a dynamic platform for a multitude of uses. What's your favorite use for Flash?
Flash has many useful applications; from character animation to programming, it offers a dynamic platform for a multitude of uses. What's your favorite use for Flash?
Ask the Magic 8-ball
Will you have a merry Christmas? Will 2007 be a good year? Will you get that promotion? Ask the magic 8-ball....or use Flash and Actionscripting to make your own.
Will you have a merry Christmas? Will 2007 be a good year? Will you get that promotion? Ask the magic 8-ball....or use Flash and Actionscripting to make your own.
Animating a Pan Effect
You can use motion tweens to create the illusion of a panning camera on your Flash stage.
You can use motion tweens to create the illusion of a panning camera on your Flash stage.
Paint Bucket Tool
The Paint Bucket tool is a simple, easy-to-use fill tool for Flash.
The Paint Bucket tool is a simple, easy-to-use fill tool for Flash.
Bitmap Fills
Bitmapped images can be used as more than just rectangular block graphics in Flash--in fact, they can be fitted to fill just about any shape by using them as bitmap fills.
Bitmapped images can be used as more than just rectangular block graphics in Flash--in fact, they can be fitted to fill just about any shape by using them as bitmap fills.
Drawing in Flash w/a Tablet
If you've been working in Flash for any period of time, by now you've probably realized that mouse-drawing anything beyond a basic pre-defined shape can be pretty time-consuming, and pretty difficult, if not downright impossible (and maddening). I'd recommend getting a graphics tablet.
If you've been working in Flash for any period of time, by now you've probably realized that mouse-drawing anything beyond a basic pre-defined shape can be pretty time-consuming, and pretty difficult, if not downright impossible (and maddening). I'd recommend getting a graphics tablet.
Is Flash the Only 2D Animation Software?
While Adobe Flash gets a lot of coverage as a major 2D animation and rich content production package, is it the only 2D animation software package out there?
While Adobe Flash gets a lot of coverage as a major 2D animation and rich content production package, is it the only 2D animation software package out there?
Demo Reel Faux Paus
Although we should always be free to express ourselves in any way through our art, at times certain forms of expression can be inappropriate and even detrimental to your career. One of those times is when you're putting together a demo reel for potential employers--and while I can't tell you how to cultivate good taste, I can give you a list of the cardinal sins of demo reels and just why they're so bad.
Although we should always be free to express ourselves in any way through our art, at times certain forms of expression can be inappropriate and even detrimental to your career. One of those times is when you're putting together a demo reel for potential employers--and while I can't tell you how to cultivate good taste, I can give you a list of the cardinal sins of demo reels and just why they're so bad.
What is an Instance in Flash?
flash instances, symbols, copies, manipulating instances, changing instances, symbol timelines, flash movie clip, flash graphic, flash symbol, flash button, flash library
flash instances, symbols, copies, manipulating instances, changing instances, symbol timelines, flash movie clip, flash graphic, flash symbol, flash button, flash library
Easy Flash CrossFade Effect
Fade between one image and another using layers, alpha controls, and tweens.
Fade between one image and another using layers, alpha controls, and tweens.
Anime Studio Debut 8 Review
To be honest, the latest version of Anime Studio Debut - Anime Studio Debut 8, to be exact - is a little underwhelming, and I'm not entirely sure why. The automatic image tracing feature, especially, is impressive.
To be honest, the latest version of Anime Studio Debut - Anime Studio Debut 8, to be exact - is a little underwhelming, and I'm not entirely sure why. The automatic image tracing feature, especially, is impressive.
Ulead GIF Animator 5 Review
Ulead GIF Animator is a nicely packaged little program that would be extremely useful for the hobbyist or casual animator.
Ulead GIF Animator is a nicely packaged little program that would be extremely useful for the hobbyist or casual animator.
Flash Detailed Animation IV
Time to add a little color to our plain world of black and white, and start painting in shades in a process that would normally be done using cels in standard traditional animation. Flash shaves hours of work off of the process.
Time to add a little color to our plain world of black and white, and start painting in shades in a process that would normally be done using cels in standard traditional animation. Flash shaves hours of work off of the process.
Shape Tweening Alpha
Use shape tweens to create a fading opacity effect.
Use shape tweens to create a fading opacity effect.
Shape Hints
Shape Hints make it easier for Flash to interpret how it's supposed to morph one complex shape into another in a shape tween.
Shape Hints make it easier for Flash to interpret how it's supposed to morph one complex shape into another in a shape tween.
Poser Pro 2010
For less than $500 Poser Pro 2010 lets animators create content that nears the sophistication of basic models from high-end studio animation programs that cost thousands of dollars.
For less than $500 Poser Pro 2010 lets animators create content that nears the sophistication of basic models from high-end studio animation programs that cost thousands of dollars.
Animoids Review
Animoid 3D Movie Maker is almost shockingly complex, considering the low price. That complexity lends a richness and fullness of features, but also presents a fairly steep learning curve for the novice.
Animoid 3D Movie Maker is almost shockingly complex, considering the low price. That complexity lends a richness and fullness of features, but also presents a fairly steep learning curve for the novice.
Rough Motion Sketches
The first step in starting off your animation is to get your basic motion down. For that you don't need perfect drawings; you can use stick figures, as long as they capture your basic proportions and get your motion down. Grab your light desks and get ready to go.
The first step in starting off your animation is to get your basic motion down. For that you don't need perfect drawings; you can use stick figures, as long as they capture your basic proportions and get your motion down. Grab your light desks and get ready to go.
Why are Animated GIFs Grainy?
Animated GIFs are a good way to get soundless animated images on the web without needing any additional plugins or viewers...but why are they so grainy?
Animated GIFs are a good way to get soundless animated images on the web without needing any additional plugins or viewers...but why are they so grainy?
Sqirlz Morph 2.1
While I wouldn't call Sqirlz Morph 2.1 a bad program, it's an essentially useless one.
While I wouldn't call Sqirlz Morph 2.1 a bad program, it's an essentially useless one.
The Flash "Screaming Maze" Prank
Collected here is a gallery of still shots and media files of a few examples of About.com Guide Adrien Sanders' computer animation work.
Collected here is a gallery of still shots and media files of a few examples of About.com Guide Adrien Sanders' computer animation work.
Grouping and Ungrouping
Flash lets you group and ungroup objects so that you can move or transform them as a single unit before ungrouping them to work on them individually.
Flash lets you group and ungroup objects so that you can move or transform them as a single unit before ungrouping them to work on them individually.
Review: iClone by Reallusion
iClone reminds me a great deal of Bryce's Poser, but advanced to the next level. Like any program, it
iClone reminds me a great deal of Bryce's Poser, but advanced to the next level. Like any program, it
Graphics Tablet
: Graphics tablets, also known as digitizing tablets, are computer peripheral devices that allow "hand-drawn"
: Graphics tablets, also known as digitizing tablets, are computer peripheral devices that allow "hand-drawn"
Flash Detailed Animation II
Now that we've used Flash to create a basic rough-sketched animation of our desired motion, it's time to start layering a little detail on top of it to flesh everything out.
Now that we've used Flash to create a basic rough-sketched animation of our desired motion, it's time to start layering a little detail on top of it to flesh everything out.
Snap to Objects
Snapping to objects means that items dragged around on your Flash stage will automatically jump to align with the vertices of the nearest objects.
Snapping to objects means that items dragged around on your Flash stage will automatically jump to align with the vertices of the nearest objects.
Difference between = and ==
Read a quick tip on the differences between = and == operators in Flash ActionScripting.
Read a quick tip on the differences between = and == operators in Flash ActionScripting.
Review: Xara 3D 6.0
Xara 3D 6.0 is a great 3D animation program for beginners or those with simple needs for their animations and 3D designs.
Xara 3D 6.0 is a great 3D animation program for beginners or those with simple needs for their animations and 3D designs.
KoolMoves 7.0 Software Review
KoolMoves 7.0 doesn't exactly fail at substituting for Flash, but it doesn't exactly succeed, either.
KoolMoves 7.0 doesn't exactly fail at substituting for Flash, but it doesn't exactly succeed, either.
Flash Animation 4
Now that we’ve set the stage for our E-card, let’s go ahead and animate it. For the first part of that, we’re going to use a new kind of symbol called a Movie Clip.
Now that we’ve set the stage for our E-card, let’s go ahead and animate it. For the first part of that, we’re going to use a new kind of symbol called a Movie Clip.
Mouse.hide( ) & Mouse.show( )
You can conceal and reveal the default mouse cursor on the Flash stage, with an easy single-line Actionscript.
You can conceal and reveal the default mouse cursor on the Flash stage, with an easy single-line Actionscript.
Animation Showcase Submission
Looking for somewhere to display your animations? Why not submit to the animation showcase?
Looking for somewhere to display your animations? Why not submit to the animation showcase?
Flash Debugger
Use the Flash debugger to isolate and correct errors in your ActionScripting or object functions.
Use the Flash debugger to isolate and correct errors in your ActionScripting or object functions.
Flash Tip: Lasso Tool
The Lasso Tool is a free selection tool that lets you select all or parts of your shapes in various fashions.
The Lasso Tool is a free selection tool that lets you select all or parts of your shapes in various fashions.
Review: GifSplitter 2
GifSplitter 2 from XoYo Software does exactly what it says it does and no more: it splits animated GIFs into separate frames and saves those frames to bitmap files.
GifSplitter 2 from XoYo Software does exactly what it says it does and no more: it splits animated GIFs into separate frames and saves those frames to bitmap files.
Pixar
Based out of Emeryville, CA, Pixar is an award-winning animation studio famous for its computer-animated film shorts and for the feature films that it produces in conjunction with Disney, who splits costs of production and distribution by covering all distribution issues while Pixar handles production.
Based out of Emeryville, CA, Pixar is an award-winning animation studio famous for its computer-animated film shorts and for the feature films that it produces in conjunction with Disney, who splits costs of production and distribution by covering all distribution issues while Pixar handles production.
What Are Variables?
One of the most important building blocks in ActionScript 3.0 is the variable.
One of the most important building blocks in ActionScript 3.0 is the variable.
Video Codecs
When saving your 2D or 3D animations into video format, don't forget to check your video compression settings and remember that not everyone has the same codec sets as you do. Also, don't forget to keep an eye on your file types.
When saving your 2D or 3D animations into video format, don't forget to check your video compression settings and remember that not everyone has the same codec sets as you do. Also, don't forget to keep an eye on your file types.
Halloween Bobblehead
flash animation, flash animation tutorials, macromedia flash, flash animation lessons, flash actionscripting lessons, flash bobblehead, bobblehead doll, halloween doll, pumpkin doll, flash halloween fun, virtual bobblehead
flash animation, flash animation tutorials, macromedia flash, flash animation lessons, flash actionscripting lessons, flash bobblehead, bobblehead doll, halloween doll, pumpkin doll, flash halloween fun, virtual bobblehead
Stop-Motion Animation
Stop-motion animation is animation created by filming real objects adjusted to appear to move one frame at a time.
Stop-motion animation is animation created by filming real objects adjusted to appear to move one frame at a time.
3D Studio Max Lesson 1.2
The second part of our first lesson in 3D Studio Max's tools will cover the bank of tabbed tool sets below the main toolbar. These tool sets allow quick and easy access to a large majority of 3D Studio Max's various objects and tools used to create, modify, and animate, and can be used as a shortcut to commonly-used buttons/tools found elsewhere.
The second part of our first lesson in 3D Studio Max's tools will cover the bank of tabbed tool sets below the main toolbar. These tool sets allow quick and easy access to a large majority of 3D Studio Max's various objects and tools used to create, modify, and animate, and can be used as a shortcut to commonly-used buttons/tools found elsewhere.
Flash Motion Guides
The shortest distance between two points may be a straight line, but that doesn't mean you have to tween that way. Learn how to assign your Flash Motion Tweens to paths called Motion Guides, so that you can animate along complex paths with only two keyframes.
The shortest distance between two points may be a straight line, but that doesn't mean you have to tween that way. Learn how to assign your Flash Motion Tweens to paths called Motion Guides, so that you can animate along complex paths with only two keyframes.
YouTube's GoAnimate
Out of YouTube's new content creation applications, this one feels a little more like a true animation program despite the fact that it's still a drag-and-drop app--just in 2D.
Out of YouTube's new content creation applications, this one feels a little more like a true animation program despite the fact that it's still a drag-and-drop app--just in 2D.
Modeling 3D Hair And Clothing?
3D animations often show amazingly detailed hair and clothing. But are they modeled individually? Do animators create each strand of hair, and design entire outfits that can be added to characters like paper dolls?
3D animations often show amazingly detailed hair and clothing. But are they modeled individually? Do animators create each strand of hair, and design entire outfits that can be added to characters like paper dolls?
Reader Question: What Is Drawn-on-Film Animation?
Cels? Who needs cels? Drawn-on-film gets rid of the cels, the paint, and the cameras to take animation to a micro - and very hands-on - level.
Cels? Who needs cels? Drawn-on-film gets rid of the cels, the paint, and the cameras to take animation to a micro - and very hands-on - level.
Flash CS5: Default Properties
The Flash CS5 Document Properties panel displays the file name and lets you change the default properties of the stage, timeline, etc.
The Flash CS5 Document Properties panel displays the file name and lets you change the default properties of the stage, timeline, etc.
3D Raised Surfaces
Three-dimensional models can possess amazing levels of detail; not only in sculpted shapes, but also in texture. In truth, what you're looking at isn't clever modeling, but an illusion of texturing.
Three-dimensional models can possess amazing levels of detail; not only in sculpted shapes, but also in texture. In truth, what you're looking at isn't clever modeling, but an illusion of texturing.
Exporting a Flash Preview
With a work-in-progress, it's always good to be able to stop and check how the overall project is coming along--especially in Flash.
With a work-in-progress, it's always good to be able to stop and check how the overall project is coming along--especially in Flash.
Breaking Apart Text
You can break apart blocks of text in Flash to edit them individually.
You can break apart blocks of text in Flash to edit them individually.
Crazytalk Animator Review
As an animation program, CrazyTalk Animator doesn't quite fit the mold of typical frame-based animation software -- but it does make it extremely easy and extremely entertaining to apply animation principles to photographs and illustrated content.
As an animation program, CrazyTalk Animator doesn't quite fit the mold of typical frame-based animation software -- but it does make it extremely easy and extremely entertaining to apply animation principles to photographs and illustrated content.
Flash Animation 3
Since the Fourth of July is coming up, let’s make a “Happy 4th” E-card, complete with animated fireworks. This will be a two-part lesson; the first will cover drawing the scene and creating the static fireworks, and the second will cover animating the fireworks bursting and adding animated text.
Since the Fourth of July is coming up, let’s make a “Happy 4th” E-card, complete with animated fireworks. This will be a two-part lesson; the first will cover drawing the scene and creating the static fireworks, and the second will cover animating the fireworks bursting and adding animated text.
What is Rendering?
You may often hear reference to video rendering, render times, render speeds, etc. in the field of computer animation. But what exactly is rendering?
You may often hear reference to video rendering, render times, render speeds, etc. in the field of computer animation. But what exactly is rendering?
To Flash or Not to Flash?
With Flash quickly becoming the standard for interactive web design, it's easy to fall under the assumptions
With Flash quickly becoming the standard for interactive web design, it's easy to fall under the assumptions
The TAB Manga Review
The TAB Manga is a simplified animation program that may get the job done, but is it worth $200?
The TAB Manga is a simplified animation program that may get the job done, but is it worth $200?
Flash Spotlight II: Masking
Learn layer masking to explore yet another way to create a spotlight that follows the mouse around the Flash stage to reveal your movie.
Learn layer masking to explore yet another way to create a spotlight that follows the mouse around the Flash stage to reveal your movie.
Turn off Snapping
Snapping in vector drawings has its uses, but when it's just making life harder for you, it's time to turn it off.
Snapping in vector drawings has its uses, but when it's just making life harder for you, it's time to turn it off.
Arrow and Subselection Tools
The Arrow and Subselection tools let you select and manipulate your shapes in different ways.
The Arrow and Subselection tools let you select and manipulate your shapes in different ways.
Traditional vs. Computer Animation
Often people differentiate animation techniques as traditional or computer animation -- but aren't always clear as to what the distinction refers to.
Often people differentiate animation techniques as traditional or computer animation -- but aren't always clear as to what the distinction refers to.
Flash Eraser Tool
There are a few differences between Flash's eraser tool and your average graphics program's eraser tool. Let's take a look at how the tool works, and the advantages that those differences provide.
There are a few differences between Flash's eraser tool and your average graphics program's eraser tool. Let's take a look at how the tool works, and the advantages that those differences provide.