The possibilities
What is 3D animation?
3D animation is a form of animation that, as the name suggests, is three-dimensional. For example, think of a machine shown in an industrial setting, a wind turbine at sea, or a futuristic city. 3D animation often uses CAD models, making it highly suitable for visualizing products and machines through 3D rendering.
What is 2D animation?
2D animation, in contrast to 3D animation, takes place in a flat plane. As the name suggests, everything occurs in two dimensions. In 2D animation, text animation or character animation is often used. Characters are brought to life in motion, telling a story or explaining a service. Text animations are frequently used to clarify a narrative, for example, by highlighting important words.
The difference between 2D and 3D animation
Technically speaking, the difference between 2D and 3D animation is the extra dimension. However, this distinction is becoming less significant, as 3D elements are increasingly being incorporated into 2D animations. In many animation productions, 2D and 3D animations are combined. The main difference lies in the final application. For visualizing products and machines, where CAD models are available, it makes much more sense to opt for 3D animation. On the other hand, if the focus is on explaining a process or developing a series of explainers, 2D animation is often the better choice.
When to choose 2D or 3D animation?
2D animation is often used for video series or explainer animations. It is well-suited for creating a series because many elements can be reused, which increases brand recognition and continuity in the series. Additionally, 2D animation is an effective way to explain complex services and projects. This is why many large organizations, such as TenneT, the dutch Tax Authorities, and KLM, choose 2D animation to clearly explain their processes and services.
Compared to 2D animation, 3D animation is more expensive because more time is required to develop elements like lighting and materials. However, 3D animation offers the advantage of making your visuals stand out more with an impressive three-dimensional effect. 3D animation is therefore often used to showcase products, such as machines, as it provides a more realistic representation of the product. Moreover, 3D animation generally has more of a ‘wow-factor’ compared to 2D, making it the preferred choice for projects where convincing the audience is essential.
Can you combine 2D and 3D animation?
Despite their differences, 2D and 3D animation can be effectively combined, and this is done frequently. For example, a 2D layer is often added to a 3D animation to provide extra context with text and other graphic elements. Additionally, 3D elements are increasingly being incorporated into 2D animation, such as animated transitions or standalone objects in 3D. Adding 3D elements to a 2D video gives it a more modern look and makes the video stand out more. It can also help explain complex topics or elements more clearly. Since Indall is an expert in both 2D and 3D animation, we can always create a combination that best fits the purpose.
Curious about the possibilities for a 2D or 3D animation?
Indall is an animation studio with expertise in tech, innovation, and sustainability, specializing in creating high-quality and modern animations of all kinds.
Feel free to contact us, and we'd be happy to discuss the possibilities with you!
