What Is the Difference Between 2D & 3D Video Animation?

• Feb 21, 2023 by Pragyansini Kar
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If you remember the oldest version of Super Mario that used to come in cassettes and if you download the newest version of Super Mario then you can easily understand the difference between 2d animation and 3d animation.

Let's discuss what is 2D and 3D

In the initial stage of animation, it was used to entertain kids but with the evolution of time, it has become one of the most popular sources of communication. Video production companies start offering such types of video services to their clients.

2D animation means an animation character, video, or scene that is designed in 2D space and only has two dimensions, i.e length, and height, known as 2D animation. In contrast, an animated character, video, or scene that is created in three-dimensional space, i.e length, width, and depth is known as three-dimensional animation video and is abbreviated as 3D animations.

Today both animation formats are used for communication but the animation created by using 3d characters is more appealing than 2d animation. You can select between 2D and 3D animation depending on your brand's needs or your budget. When it comes to time and money, making a video with 2D animation is less expensive and takes less effort. You can use the internet as a resource to find a 2D animation company. The majority of video production companies offer both kinds of animation services, though few of them specialize in either. So, you get to choose the kind of animated video you wish to make. To learn more about 2D or 3D animation video companies, you may visit their websites.

Few companies offer both or just one form of animation service you can also check while scrolling the website of the desired company. You will also understand the difference between 2d and 3d animation on the company's website.

Difference between 2d and 3d animation?

So here is a brief information about the difference between 2d and 3d animation.

Initially, animation was created with the help of sketches, once the sketches we are ready, they were quickly assembled to create the animation. There are 24 frames in a second in the timeframe(24fps). It was a hectic and time-consuming method but now creating 2d animation is becoming simple and quicker because software is employed rather than drawing.

In mathematics, 2d animation has only two axes, i.e X and Y axes hence the object, figure, and character is visible in two axes, for example, the old Tom and jerry, Pokémon, and old Disney animation, etc.

Pros of 2D animation

• Economical production.
• More quickly produced.
• A low-tech hardware and software setup is sufficient to create 2D animation.
• More story-centric.

Cons of 2D Animation:

• Lower demand.
• Less striking and dynamically interesting.
• Takes a little longer in some circumstances.

3D animation

3D animation is the refined form of 2D animation but the process of 3D animation is more complex than 2D animation.

Want to know the process of how to make a 3D animation video?

First, the sketch artist visualizes and sketches the character, in the second step, the artist prepares a 3d model of the same object. Further, the object is textured and finally rigged. The character is prepared to be animated once all of these procedures have been finished. Let's understand 3D animation in the mathematical term, 3d animation has the movement of characters, objects, and figures in three axes, i.e X, Y, and Z axis. Popular examples of 3D animation are Toy Story, Brave, Ice age, etc.

Pros of 3D animation:

• It’s an attractive form of animation
• Reusable 3D models are available.
• Allows for better movement.
• It has tremendous popularity.

Cons of 3D animation:

• Possibilities are constrained by the software's capabilities.
• 3D animation has a complex process
• Production costs can be too high.
• Time-consuming.

So now you understand what 2D and 3D animations are, let's discuss the major differences between 2d animation and 3d animation.

2D vs 3D Animation

Here are the top 10 differences between 2D and 3D animation.

Method of Creation:

In the early stage 2D animation was only done by sketches and drawings and now it is done with the help of software, also it is easy to create after taking the basic training whereas creating 3D animation videos is time-consuming.

The following steps are needed to create 3D animation: a sketch, vector drawing, modeling, unwrapping, texturing, rigging, skinning, animation, camera angles, lighting, and post-processing.

Dimension

2D animation covers two dimensions X-axis and Y-axis, i.e. height and width whereas 3D animation has three dimensions which are the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, i.e height, width, and depth.

Realism level

This is a significant factor of 2D and 3D animation, 2D animation is not realistic and less attention-grabbing whereas 3D animation looks realistic and eye-catching visual experience to target audiences.

Required skills

To create 2D animation video you need a sketch, concept artist, and software whereas to create 3D animation you need concept artists, multiple 3D model creators, and software.

Cost and Production Time

Creating animation videos with 2D objects is less time-consuming whereas 3D animation requires a lot of time to get it done and 2D animation is lesser in cost in comparison then 3D animation.

Suitability criteria

2D animation is best suitable for advertisement, animation movies, education learning and more whereas 3d animation is used in advertisements as well as in films and 3d games. 3D animation is also used in the healthcare industry.

Animation Software

Adobe animation, blender 2D animation, photoshop, pencil 2D, pics art, and many more. For 3D animation blender, Maya, Autodesk 3Ds Max, cinema 4D, motion builders, and many more. The main difference between 2D and 3D animation is frames and movements, 2D animation uses frames to create animation, and 3D animation uses movement to create animation.

Are you looking for the best 2D and 3D animation company?

We are "The visual house" communication agency, our numerous services are video production for tv commercials, explainer videos, and many more. We have a staff of 2D and 3D animators who can create the video according to your specifications.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the choice between 2D and 3D animation will depend on the specific needs and goals of the project. 2D animation is best suited for projects that prioritize creative expression, while 3D animation is ideal for projects that require a high level of realism and immersion.