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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 5
In this lesson, we're going to learn how to "cheat' on making detailed animated characters in Flash without actually drawing every frame.
In this lesson, we're going to learn how to "cheat' on making detailed animated characters in Flash without actually drawing every frame.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
Introduction
The term "computer animation" itself rather broadly covers a wide variety of genres and applications, though the simplest way to break it down is into the categories of 2D and 3D animation. The tutorials provided here have been grouped into the categories of 2D and 3D animation, before being subdivided by skill level to walk, step-by-step, through the basics of creating your own animations
The term "computer animation" itself rather broadly covers a wide variety of genres and applications, though the simplest way to break it down is into the categories of 2D and 3D animation. The tutorials provided here have been grouped into the categories of 2D and 3D animation, before being subdivided by skill level to walk, step-by-step, through the basics of creating your own animations
iClone 4.0 Pro Review
Reallusion's iClone has grown in leaps and bounds from its original incarnation.
Reallusion's iClone has grown in leaps and bounds from its original incarnation.
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.
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: Rotation
In the we covered motion tweening as a basic "Point A to Point B" process but you can also use motion tweens to rotate your symbols.
In the we covered motion tweening as a basic "Point A to Point B" process but you can also use motion tweens to rotate your symbols.
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 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.
Decorate Your Flash Christmas Tree
Try decorating your very own christmas tree.: christmas tree christmas
Try decorating your very own christmas tree.: christmas tree christmas
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.
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.
Flash Falling Snow
With Flash ActionScripting and a little math, you can simulate flecks of falling snow moving in a natural, random drift - whether you want slow, lazy snowfall or a swift and rushing blizzard.
With Flash ActionScripting and a little math, you can simulate flecks of falling snow moving in a natural, random drift - whether you want slow, lazy snowfall or a swift and rushing blizzard.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Custom Mouse Cursor
Whether it bounces, jiggles, squiggles, wiggles, glitters, or just sits there looking pretty, you can turn it into your own custom Flash mouse cursor to replace the default.
Whether it bounces, jiggles, squiggles, wiggles, glitters, or just sits there looking pretty, you can turn it into your own custom Flash mouse cursor to replace the default.
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.
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.
Flash Hotspot Buttons
We've covered creating standard Flash buttons, but here's an expansion on that discussing how to make part of your scene clickable as a "hotspot" using invisible buttons.
We've covered creating standard Flash buttons, but here's an expansion on that discussing how to make part of your scene clickable as a "hotspot" using invisible buttons.
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.
Poser 8 Review
While the results still don't compare to studio animations built from scratch and driven by hours of hard work, Poser 8 has come a long way from its stiff, plastic origins to provide even non-animators with a way to fully realize their imaginations and see their concepts come to life.
While the results still don't compare to studio animations built from scratch and driven by hours of hard work, Poser 8 has come a long way from its stiff, plastic origins to provide even non-animators with a way to fully realize their imaginations and see their concepts come to life.
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.
2D Animation
2D animation is the creation of moving pictures in a two-dimensional environment, such as through "traditional" cel animation or in computerized animation software.
2D animation is the creation of moving pictures in a two-dimensional environment, such as through "traditional" cel animation or in computerized animation software.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Basic Flash Password Protect
While you don't want to count on this for definite site or application security, you can use this basic password script as part of a game or any other fun animation.
While you don't want to count on this for definite site or application security, you can use this basic password script as part of a game or any other fun animation.
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.
10 Stupid Flash Tricks
Sometimes there are things that you can do in Flash that in truth, you really shouldn't--not unless you enjoy leaving your viewers in the throes of audiovisual agony.
Sometimes there are things that you can do in Flash that in truth, you really shouldn't--not unless you enjoy leaving your viewers in the throes of audiovisual agony.
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.
Dynamic eCard w/ Flash and PHP
Combing Flash animation, ActionScripting, and PHP to create an eCard with user-defined messages taken from input fields, and then dynamically generate a URL that allows users to share their custom eCard message via e-mail, IM, or web pages.
Combing Flash animation, ActionScripting, and PHP to create an eCard with user-defined messages taken from input fields, and then dynamically generate a URL that allows users to share their custom eCard message via e-mail, IM, or web pages.
Flash Custom Christmas Tree
With Flash, you can enhance user interactivity by creating objects - such as the ornaments on this "Decorate Your Own Tree" game - that can be moved not only by dragging them with the mouse, but by directing them with keypresses to move them up, down, left, or right.
With Flash, you can enhance user interactivity by creating objects - such as the ornaments on this "Decorate Your Own Tree" game - that can be moved not only by dragging them with the mouse, but by directing them with keypresses to move them up, down, left, or right.
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.
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.
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.
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
Flash Animation 14
It's time to learn how to use Flash with classic animation techniques to portray gravity, weight, and squash and stretch. Just in time for the winter holidays, too--with a snowy scene and a bouncing snowball to demonstrate the techniques.
It's time to learn how to use Flash with classic animation techniques to portray gravity, weight, and squash and stretch. Just in time for the winter holidays, too--with a snowy scene and a bouncing snowball to demonstrate the techniques.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Creating a Complex Character of Moving Parts: Explaining Flash Nested Symbols
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.
Tween
"Tween" is actually short for "in-between", and refers to the creation of successive frames of animation between key frames.
"Tween" is actually short for "in-between", and refers to the creation of successive frames of animation between key frames.
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.
Flip Boom Review
Flip Boom is a software package from Toon Boom designed to allow children to learn the basics of animation in a fun, friendly environment.
Flip Boom is a software package from Toon Boom designed to allow children to learn the basics of animation in a fun, friendly environment.
Drawing for Animation
Free drawing lessons with techniques for animators
Free drawing lessons with techniques for animators
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.
Flash Animated Snowfall
Use actionscripts to create animated random snowfall.
Use actionscripts to create animated random snowfall.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Flash Perspective Illusion
Flash proves that you don't need a 3D program or even a complex 2D program to create easy two-dimensional shapes with the appearance of three-dimensional depth.
Flash proves that you don't need a 3D program or even a complex 2D program to create easy two-dimensional shapes with the appearance of three-dimensional depth.
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.
Animation Express Review
Animation Express, a two-disc compilation of animations selected and presented by the National Film Board of Canada, offers a vivid and diverse tapestry of Canadian artistry, humor, sentiment, history, even nationalism.
Animation Express, a two-disc compilation of animations selected and presented by the National Film Board of Canada, offers a vivid and diverse tapestry of Canadian artistry, humor, sentiment, history, even nationalism.
CrazyTalk 6.0 Review
Ranging from $49.99 for the Standard version to $149.99 for the Pro version, Reallusion's CrazyTalk 6.0 is a great facial animation program that provides unique (and quick) storytelling abilities.
Ranging from $49.99 for the Standard version to $149.99 for the Pro version, Reallusion's CrazyTalk 6.0 is a great facial animation program that provides unique (and quick) storytelling abilities.
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.
Flash Costume Doll
Don't feel like getting dolled up for Halloween? Then create a virtual doll to do the trick-or-treating for you. This lesson starts off a two-part look at how to create a Flash version of a paper doll, by walking through creating the various layers of artwork required and arranging that artwork in Flash.
Don't feel like getting dolled up for Halloween? Then create a virtual doll to do the trick-or-treating for you. This lesson starts off a two-part look at how to create a Flash version of a paper doll, by walking through creating the various layers of artwork required and arranging that artwork in Flash.
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 20
To start off simply, we're just going to create the foundation for a basic text menu with rollover links.
To start off simply, we're just going to create the foundation for a basic text menu with rollover links.
Loop Playback
Turn on "Loop Playback" for continuous playback when previewing your Flash movies on the timeline.
Turn on "Loop Playback" for continuous playback when previewing your Flash movies on the timeline.
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.
Easy Flash-Style Tooltips
Create your own customizable Flash rollover-style tooltip popups, using a simple two-frame movie clip and a little ActionScripting.
Create your own customizable Flash rollover-style tooltip popups, using a simple two-frame movie clip and a little ActionScripting.
Flash Tip: Using Markers
Markers? If you're thinking sharpies, you're a bit off.
Markers? If you're thinking sharpies, you're a bit off.
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.
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.
Google Adsense in Flash
Google Adsense is the big thing in making money from any website, whether it's pocket change or this month's rent. But how do you make the Adsense code work with Flash?
Google Adsense is the big thing in making money from any website, whether it's pocket change or this month's rent. But how do you make the Adsense code work with Flash?
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.
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.
Flash Animated Dropdown Menu
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.
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.
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.
Flash Digital Clock
Create a digital clock--twenty-four-hour time or twelve-hour time--in Flash, using dynamic text properties and the hour, minute, and second parameters of the basic Date functions.
Create a digital clock--twenty-four-hour time or twelve-hour time--in Flash, using dynamic text properties and the hour, minute, and second parameters of the basic Date functions.
Shape Tweening a Mask
Apply shape tweens to your masks to make them change shape and reveal different areas of your Flash movie.
Apply shape tweens to your masks to make them change shape and reveal different areas of your Flash movie.
Creating Transparent Flash Movies with WMode and Div Layers
Lesson on using wmode for transparency.: lesson button div layers wmode nbsp
Lesson on using wmode for transparency.: lesson button div layers wmode nbsp
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.
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.
Creating Simple Buttons
For this lesson, we're just going to learn how to create a simple button that doesn't really do anything other than demonstrate a mouse-over effect, just for the sake of learning the steps. We'll also touch on action-scripting for the first time.
For this lesson, we're just going to learn how to create a simple button that doesn't really do anything other than demonstrate a mouse-over effect, just for the sake of learning the steps. We'll also touch on action-scripting for the first time.
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.
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.
Flash MX Outer Glow
You don't need Flash 8 to create effects like drop shadows, outer glows, or stroked text. You can simulate these effects just using a little creative layering and fill effects in Flash MX and earlier versions.
You don't need Flash 8 to create effects like drop shadows, outer glows, or stroked text. You can simulate these effects just using a little creative layering and fill effects in Flash MX and earlier versions.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Flash Oekaki/Paint Application ver.1.1
Play with this fun, multi-featured, multi-skinned online paint application/oekaki app, learn how to create one of your own, or download the current version for easy installation on your own website.
Play with this fun, multi-featured, multi-skinned online paint application/oekaki app, learn how to create one of your own, or download the current version for easy installation on your own website.
Animation - QuickTips
An index of QuickTips for the Animation guide site.
An index of QuickTips for the Animation guide site.
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 Detailed Animation VI
After animating and detailing a moving human body, let's do something a little different with something less solid: the body's clothing. Animating the clothing simply moving with the body would use the same techniques that we've covered in past lessons, but now we'll add a little twist by causing the clothing to also move with the momentum of the body's motion.
After animating and detailing a moving human body, let's do something a little different with something less solid: the body's clothing. Animating the clothing simply moving with the body would use the same techniques that we've covered in past lessons, but now we'll add a little twist by causing the clothing to also move with the momentum of the body's motion.
Animated Thumbnail Gallery
Upgrade your static thumbnail gallery with Flash animations to make your thumbnails interactive, and keep all of your content contained on a single page.
Upgrade your static thumbnail gallery with Flash animations to make your thumbnails interactive, and keep all of your content contained on a single page.
Leave-Behinds
Resumes, portfolios and demo reels aren't the only presentation pieces essential to landing a job; before you graduate, you may want to look into preparing other materials to give you an edge over other applicants.
Resumes, portfolios and demo reels aren't the only presentation pieces essential to landing a job; before you graduate, you may want to look into preparing other materials to give you an edge over other applicants.
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.
Tabbed Content with swapDepths
Using swapDepths in Flash to change the depth of your tabbed content windows, you can create an intuitive and stylish content display with easy navigation.
Using swapDepths in Flash to change the depth of your tabbed content windows, you can create an intuitive and stylish content display with easy navigation.
Flash Detailed Animation V
This lesson is where we really start to see the advantage of using Flash for traditional frame-by-frame animation, because we're going to use symbols and various shortcuts and transforming tools to create one eye and then reuse it on each frame.
This lesson is where we really start to see the advantage of using Flash for traditional frame-by-frame animation, because we're going to use symbols and various shortcuts and transforming tools to create one eye and then reuse it on each frame.
"On" Command ActionScripting
Moving from the most basic to the most common, the "On" command is the foundation of mouse-action-based user interactivity in Flash.
Moving from the most basic to the most common, the "On" command is the foundation of mouse-action-based user interactivity in Flash.
What's the Difference?
In essence, there is truly little difference between "traditional" animation and computer animation; the primary difference is in the tools used to create these animations, the cost and effort involved in the processes, and the quality of the final output.
In essence, there is truly little difference between "traditional" animation and computer animation; the primary difference is in the tools used to create these animations, the cost and effort involved in the processes, and the quality of the final output.