What Is 3D Animation and How Is It Made? Types Explained
A plain-language guide to 3D animation: what it is, how it is produced step by step and the main types, from architectural to product animation.
What is 3D animation? It is one of the questions animation enthusiasts are most curious about, and this article answers exactly that: what is 3D animation and how is it made? 3D animation stands for three-dimensional animation. Standard animation is designed along the X and Y axes, while 3D animation adds the Z axis. In general terms, 3D animation means bringing graphics, characters, objects and other visual elements to life in three dimensions. 3D animation has recently become one of the things people are most interested in. Offering vivid, high-quality images, it has managed to attract audiences of all ages. Many companies do not know what multidimensional animation really involves, so failure is almost inevitable for them. To avoid such problems, companies need to work with experienced, skilled people who provide services in this field.
3D animation is a type of animation created by combining moving, realistic 3D graphics, built with computer-aided design and 3D modeling software, with animation techniques. 3D animation is used in many industries, especially film, television, games and advertising.
3D animation starts with modeling real-world objects and characters on the computer. 3D modeling software is used to create every side, edge and detail of an object. These 3D models are then transferred to animation software for motion and animation effects.
The main goal of 3D animation is to create realistic images and movement. That is why 3D animation is used together with elements such as sound effects, lighting, materials and other visual effects. The success of an animation is measured by how realistic and impressive the result is.
3D animation has a very wide range of uses. It is used in feature films, TV programs, commercials, video games, virtual reality and simulations. It is also used in engineering, architecture, medicine and education.
Below, you can watch one of the architectural animation projects we produced to our clients’ requests.
How Is 3D Animation Made?
Creating 3D animation is laborious work that requires great care. Professional software used for this kind of animation includes Maxon Cinema 4D, Blender, Autodesk 3ds Max and others. These programs alone are not enough to make 3D animation; you also need a strong visual sense. To create a 3D animation, you first design a story or an idea, in short a script. Design and modeling are then done according to the script. The whole process must work in a connected way. 3D design requires great precision and effort. As a company, we ask for our clients’ input at every stage of the process to meet their expectations and avoid any problems.
Types of 3D Animation
3D animation creates a video by combining frames, much like images captured by a camera. There are many types of animation. Some general examples are:
Architectural Animation
3D animation is used when a housing project needs to be presented to people before it is completed. This way, the project reaches buyers quickly and sales can be made before construction is finished.
R&D Animation
It allows sales and marketing to begin once a product is designed, without waiting for it to be manufactured.
Product Animation
Promoting a manufactured product with a live-action video requires cameras, a director and a lot of other resources. In this case, using 3D animation is the smarter choice.
Contact us for high-quality animation work.
