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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
What's The Difference Between
I'm not about to throw my towel in the ring over the fight between which is better, Japanese or American animation...but nonetheless, let's take a look at a comparison between the two and what makes them so markedly different.
I'm not about to throw my towel in the ring over the fight between which is better, Japanese or American animation...but nonetheless, let's take a look at a comparison between the two and what makes them so markedly different.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Animator Salaries
Not a week goes by when someone doesn't ask how much money an animator makes. What kind of salary should an animator expect?
Not a week goes by when someone doesn't ask how much money an animator makes. What kind of salary should an animator expect?
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.
Getting Started From Home
While animation is a complex art that can require years of schooling to perfect, for the hobbyist - and even for some self-taught professionals - it’s surprisingly easy to get started from the comfort of your own home and begin producing animations from scratch with just a little studying, hard work, and practice.
While animation is a complex art that can require years of schooling to perfect, for the hobbyist - and even for some self-taught professionals - it’s surprisingly easy to get started from the comfort of your own home and begin producing animations from scratch with just a little studying, hard work, and practice.
How To Create An Animation Flip Book
Ever tried to make a animation flip book? It's not nearly as complicated as it seems, and can be a good way to practice your animation principles by using unorthodox sequential animations instead of keyframes and in-betweens.
Ever tried to make a animation flip book? It's not nearly as complicated as it seems, and can be a good way to practice your animation principles by using unorthodox sequential animations instead of keyframes and in-betweens.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
What's the Difference Between AutoCAD and Other 3D programs?
CAD programs seem like just another type of 3D animation software - but really, what's the difference? Why do CAD programs get their own special classification?
CAD programs seem like just another type of 3D animation software - but really, what's the difference? Why do CAD programs get their own special classification?
Need To Draw For Animation?
So you want to learn to animate, but may not be the best artist. Do you need to refine your artistic skills before you can dabble in animation?
So you want to learn to animate, but may not be the best artist. Do you need to refine your artistic skills before you can dabble in animation?
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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?
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.
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.
How To Create An Animation Resume
Never written a resume for an animation career? Here's a few tips to help you out.
Never written a resume for an animation career? Here's a few tips to help you out.
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.
Review: Flash Professional 8
While Macromedia Flash 8 is a great program that continues the tradition of excellence begun by its previous incarnations, upgrading from Flash MX isn't really essential to continue animating and developing effectively.
While Macromedia Flash 8 is a great program that continues the tradition of excellence begun by its previous incarnations, upgrading from Flash MX isn't really essential to continue animating and developing effectively.
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.
What Is Cutout Animation?
You may be more familiar with cutout animation than you think, especially if you're a fan of a certain raunchy animated show on Comedy Central.
You may be more familiar with cutout animation than you think, especially if you're a fan of a certain raunchy animated show on Comedy Central.
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.
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.
Adobe Flash CS5 Review
The latest version of Flash brings the shiny.
The latest version of Flash brings the shiny.
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?
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.
What is a 3D Polygon?
You've heard of polygons in geometry, but what do they mean in 3d modeling and animation?
You've heard of polygons in geometry, but what do they mean in 3d modeling and animation?
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.
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.
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.
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
What is 2.5D Animation?
2.5D animation? Is that a half-finished 3D animation? Not quite. 2.5D animation is a way to make 2D jump off the page into 3D space.
2.5D animation? Is that a half-finished 3D animation? Not quite. 2.5D animation is a way to make 2D jump off the page into 3D space.
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.
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
7 Life Lessons from Animation
Animation isn't just a career; many things learned throughout your career as an animator can provide valuable life lessons, as well.
Animation isn't just a career; many things learned throughout your career as an animator can provide valuable life lessons, as well.
Distinctive 2D Style Tricks
You've probably seen some pretty cool 2D animations that use style tricks a little different from the standard side-scrolling, black-lined textbook animation. There are tons of ways to make your animation stand out using unique tricks and experiments; here are a few pointers you can try.
You've probably seen some pretty cool 2D animations that use style tricks a little different from the standard side-scrolling, black-lined textbook animation. There are tons of ways to make your animation stand out using unique tricks and experiments; here are a few pointers you can try.
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.
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.
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.
How Do I Get Into Animation School?
Trying to figure out how to get into animation school? Just like any other college, there are a few requirements - and while some are the same, others are wildly different.
Trying to figure out how to get into animation school? Just like any other college, there are a few requirements - and while some are the same, others are wildly different.
5 Things To Do Before Animating
Ready to dive in and start animating? You may not be as ready as you think. These 5 pre-animation tips will help you define your workflow and direction to make sure you don't flounder on the way.
Ready to dive in and start animating? You may not be as ready as you think. These 5 pre-animation tips will help you define your workflow and direction to make sure you don't flounder on the way.
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.
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
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.
Remove Tween
We always talk about how to insert and modify various types of tweens, but never how to remove one.
We always talk about how to insert and modify various types of tweens, but never how to remove one.
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
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
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.
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.
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?
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 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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Reducing Flash Movie Filesize
Flash movies are improving in quality, but with greater quality comes larger file sizes.
Flash movies are improving in quality, but with greater quality comes larger file sizes.
Do You Need Programming in Computer Animation?
For those with a more artistic and less technical bent, learning computer animation can seem a daunting task involving complex programming and impossible technical requirements. But is it really necessary to learn computer programming to learn computer animation?
For those with a more artistic and less technical bent, learning computer animation can seem a daunting task involving complex programming and impossible technical requirements. But is it really necessary to learn computer programming to learn computer animation?
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
What Are Structural Lines and Center Lines?
It's almost impossible to draw a perfectly balanced character in symmetrical perspective without a few guidelines, let alone animate them accurately. The most basic of guidelines are called structural lines and center lines.
It's almost impossible to draw a perfectly balanced character in symmetrical perspective without a few guidelines, let alone animate them accurately. The most basic of guidelines are called structural lines and center lines.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How Do 3D Movies Work?
Many people think that 3D movies require special 3D animation in a modeling and animation program, and that there's some trick to it. In truth, that's not how it works at all.
Many people think that 3D movies require special 3D animation in a modeling and animation program, and that there's some trick to it. In truth, that's not how it works at all.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
3D Animation
: The creation of moving pictures in a three-dimensional digital environment. This is done by sequencing
: The creation of moving pictures in a three-dimensional digital environment. This is done by sequencing
Flash vs. Flash Player
When referring to "Flash", sometimes it can be a little unclear what we're referring to, as often it
When referring to "Flash", sometimes it can be a little unclear what we're referring to, as often it
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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,
Animated Graphics Definition
: The term "animated graphics" can cover many things, from flash SWFs to animated GIFS to banner ads.
: The term "animated graphics" can cover many things, from flash SWFs to animated GIFS to banner ads.
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.
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
Storytelling For Animation
Animating is about much more than just sequencing frames together to create motion. It's about telling a story - and it takes quite a bit of thought, imagination, and planning to make sure it's a good one.
Animating is about much more than just sequencing frames together to create motion. It's about telling a story - and it takes quite a bit of thought, imagination, and planning to make sure it's a good one.
Anime STudio Debut Review
Anime Studio Debut is definitely a good (and cost-effective) way for animators to branch away from Flash and into programs targeted specifically for cartoon animation.
Anime Studio Debut is definitely a good (and cost-effective) way for animators to branch away from Flash and into programs targeted specifically for cartoon animation.
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.
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.
Visual Basic ScreenSaver
This is just a quick dip at the trot, a basic checklist of things to do for those comfortable with Visual Basic; this isn't intended to be a full step-by-step, but more a basic overview as to the steps inherent in creating an easy 2D animated screen saver using the language.
This is just a quick dip at the trot, a basic checklist of things to do for those comfortable with Visual Basic; this isn't intended to be a full step-by-step, but more a basic overview as to the steps inherent in creating an easy 2D animated screen saver using the language.
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?
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.
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.
What is Limited Animation?
Limited animation isn't quite what it sounds like. It doesn't suffer from limitations or deficiencies, but instead refers to techniques used to limit the amount of work involved in producing a full-length animation.
Limited animation isn't quite what it sounds like. It doesn't suffer from limitations or deficiencies, but instead refers to techniques used to limit the amount of work involved in producing a full-length animation.
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.
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
Voice Acting
We know how animators make characters move - but how do they make them talk?
We know how animators make characters move - but how do they make them talk?
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.
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.
Are You Protected by Copyright
Are your animations protected by copyright? Do you know, or have you never thought about protecting your work? Take a look at this article to find out what rights are guaranteed to you by U.S. copyright law, how to obtain proof of those rights, and how to further protect them.
Are your animations protected by copyright? Do you know, or have you never thought about protecting your work? Take a look at this article to find out what rights are guaranteed to you by U.S. copyright law, how to obtain proof of those rights, and how to further protect them.
Flip Book
A flip book is a book of pages in which sequences of an animation are drawn, on at a time, on each page.
A flip book is a book of pages in which sequences of an animation are drawn, on at a time, on each page.
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.
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.
Why Do My 3D Models All Look Like Plastic?
If you don't know how to use maps and lighting in your 3D modeling program, you're doing yourself a disservice. If you've perfected your modeling skills yet can't get rid of that plastic look, this just might be why.
If you don't know how to use maps and lighting in your 3D modeling program, you're doing yourself a disservice. If you've perfected your modeling skills yet can't get rid of that plastic look, this just might be why.
Shape Tweening Alpha
Use shape tweens to create a fading opacity effect.
Use shape tweens to create a fading opacity effect.
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.
Changing Timeline Frame Size
You can shrink or enlarge your Flash timeline frames.
You can shrink or enlarge your Flash timeline frames.
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?
What Is Silhouette Animation?
Some things are fairly self-explanatory, and silhouette animation is one of them - though the classical definition of it may not be what you think.
Some things are fairly self-explanatory, and silhouette animation is one of them - though the classical definition of it may not be what you think.
3D Animation That Looks 2D?
Numerous animated television shows and movies make use of 3D animation rendered to look 2D, inked lines and all. Some use wholly 3D-rendered animation; others combine it with hand-drawn 2D. But how is it done?
Numerous animated television shows and movies make use of 3D animation rendered to look 2D, inked lines and all. Some use wholly 3D-rendered animation; others combine it with hand-drawn 2D. But how is it done?
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.
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.
Why is FLV better than SWF?
You may not know it, but FLV format has been around for quite some time, primarily as a video format embedded into an SWF.
You may not know it, but FLV format has been around for quite some time, primarily as a video format embedded into an SWF.
What Is A Wireframe?
: What Is A Wireframe? There are certain things essential to understanding any discussion on 3D animation:
: What Is A Wireframe? There are certain things essential to understanding any discussion on 3D animation:
Paste in Place
Paste in Place is a method of pasting something in your Flash scene in the exact position that it was in when you copied it.
Paste in Place is a method of pasting something in your Flash scene in the exact position that it was in when you copied it.
Review: Toon Boom Digital Pro
Toon Boom Digital Pro eliminates the need for multiple software packages to create a richer, more in-depth animation experience where you can animate from start to finish within a single project.
Toon Boom Digital Pro eliminates the need for multiple software packages to create a richer, more in-depth animation experience where you can animate from start to finish within a single project.
Vector vs. Raster Animation
Vector animation is generally considered more advanced than raster animation. Why?
Vector animation is generally considered more advanced than raster animation. Why?