2D and 3D Animation Videos – How to Make the Best Choice for Company

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Animation videos are getting more and more popular for companies. Why animation videos are so important you can read in one of our previous blogs. There is even a difference between the different kinds of animation videos. In this blog we are going to talk about the differences between 2D and 3D in animation videos.

What is 2D ?

2D animation has already existed since the end of the 18th century. So, 2D or two-dimensional when spelled out, is a very traditional animation method. However, 2D also focuses on creating characters, storyboards, and backgrounds. Therefore creativity as well as technological skills are both required. 

2D can be made by hand or with a computer, but in both ways you can only see one angle at a time. For this reason 2D animation only displays characters height and width as for in 3D animation you also display their depth. When working with a computer you can use a special kind of software for 2D animation. Some examples are: Adobe After Effects, Adobe Flash Professional, Motion, Toon Boom, and Anime Studio.

This is an example of 2D animation that we made for Efficacity.

Maybe you think that you can do more with 3D animation instead of 2D animation. However, 2D is still used a lot nowadays. Think of television advertisements, cartoons, websites, or e-learning courses. Sectors that use mostly 3D  are medical, biotechnology, and gaming industry. Movies are still made in 2D and nowadays some of them even in 3D. Some famous examples of 2D are classics such as Snow White, The Little Mermaid, and modern cult hits like Family Guy and The Simpsons.

This is an example of a 2D animation video that we made for the Ministry of Health.

What is 3D ?

Let’s start with the point that 3D, which means three-dimensional, differs hugely from 2D in regard to the production process and as well in regards to the look of the final product itself. 2D already existed for a long time before 3D. However, 3D is something that is used more and more these days.

To create 3D animation you need special programming applications on your computer. Examples of softwares that are used to create 3D animation include: Ds Max, Autodesk Maya, Cinema 4D, Houdini, ZBrush and Blender. You just can’t create 3D animation by drawing it on paper only. Since it is created with a computer you can change the lighting or move the camera in the application. This is impossible with 2D animation. Something that is also a neat addition to your video, is adding 3D in a live-action video for a special effect.

This is an example of 3D animation that we made for SBM Offshore.

In the final product everything looks more realistic and has more depth than a hypothetical 2D version of it. Therefore, characters seem to be more realistic and can better communicate emotions. Some examples of famous movies with 3D are: The Transformers, Toy Story, Shrek and Jurassic Park. Since 3D is more realistic and requires more specific tools, the prices of these kinds of videos are also higher than 2D.

This is an example of a 3D animation and film video that we made for the Neurochain.

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As you can see, both of the images we put in this blog are cities in 2D and 3D animation. However, there are a lot of differences. That’s why we explained the differences between those two in this blog.  If you want more information or you want a 2D or 3D animation video for your company, don’t hesitate to contact us!