What Is 3D Animation? Types, and Techniques

From the public service announcements you see on the street to the animated movies you see in theatres, you often encounter 3D animation in everyday life. 3D animation is closely related to our modern life today, so many people are interested in using it in various aspects of life.

So, what is 3D animation? In short, it is a technique of using computers to create moving images that look real. With software such as Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max, you can create 3-dimensional models that look more lifelike and realistic.

To learn more about 3D animation and its techniques and types, check out the following article!

What Is 3D Animation?

3D animation is the process of creating moving images in a three-dimensional digital space. This involves generating frames that simulate each image using a virtual camera, resulting in a rendered video or real-time visuals, especially for games. Typically, these animations run at speeds exceeding 24 frames per second.

In 3D animation, models are designed with shape, volume, and space, making it a crucial element in gaming, virtual reality (VR), graphical presentations, and filmmaking for creating captivating visual effects.

A 3D object operates with X, Y, and Z coordinates, allowing movement in all directions: right-left (X), up-down (Y), and front-back (Z). This differs from 2D animation, which only moves in two directions, making 3D animation appear more realistic.

Benefits of 3d Animation

After you understand what is 3D animation, it's time to understand its various functions that are important in many fields. Here are the functions you must know:

• Movie and Game Making: 3D animation is used to create realistic and exciting visual effects in movies and games. Movies like "Toy Story," "Up," and "Coco," as well as games like "Final Fantasy" use aspects of 3D in their creation.

• Graphic Presentations: 3D animation is often used to create animated videos in business, educational, or promotional presentations, making information easier to understand and more engaging with visual effects.

• Communication Video Creation: 3D animation helps explain complex concepts or ideas in a way that is easy to understand. For example, showing how a machine functions or how a particular product works.

• Visual Reality (VR) and Augment Reality (AR): VR uses 3D animation to create a lifelike digital environment, while AR adds realistic visual elements to the real environment, enhancing user interaction.

• Motion Graphic: 3D animation is used in motion graphics to create more interesting and dynamic visual effects or movements.

Types of 3D Animation

3D animation has evolved rapidly with technological advancements, resulting in various types and styles. Despite the technique used, the goal is to create a realistic world for the audience. Here are some types of 3D animation:

1. 3D Videos and Movies

3D videos and movies use motion graphics to move subjects in 3D space without user interaction, making it a passive 3D animation.

2. Interactive 3D

Interactive 3D animation allows users to interact with a digital world using controls like a mouse and keyboard, offering a more dynamic experience than passive 3D videos and movies.

3. 3D Virtual Reality

Virtual reality (VR) is a highly immersive type of 3D animation, requiring devices such as Google Glass or Oculus. Users can interact with designed physical spaces, providing a complex and immersive experience.

3D Animation Techniques

After looking at what is 3D animation and more, it's time to discuss 3D animation techniques. The ever-evolving technology has given birth to various techniques that push creative boundaries. Here are some of the main 3D animation techniques.

1. Inverse Kinematics

This technique mimics skeletal joint movements to create natural body motion. It's often used to set up arm and leg movements, allowing characters to move automatically once the bone chain is properly configured.

2. Fluid Simulation

Fluid simulation creates realistic animations of fluids like water, lava, and bubbles. This technique is used in special effects for movies, games, and commercials, varying in complexity based on the desired outcome.

3. 3D Skeleton Animation

This technique involves animating a character or object by placing an outer layer (skin or mesh) over a skeletal foundation (rig or skeleton). It's commonly used to create human animations or complex objects.

At last, that is all for the discussion of what is 3D animation. By understanding what is 3D animation, this one technological advancement is increasingly accessible and sophisticated, thus opening up opportunities for many people to create great works.

From movies to video games, and from architecture to marketing, 3D animation continues to change the way we see and interact with the visual world.

Therefore, utilizing 3D animation for your business will certainly be very helpful in terms of branding, more attractive product presentations, and cooler product marketing.

In this regard, you can consider professionals in 3D animation creation. VISUWISU is ready to help you create the 3D animation your business needs. From planning to production, we offer a comprehensive service to ensure an engaging and customized 3D animation.

Contact VISUWISU and make 3D animation for your business today!