{"id":36795,"date":"2025-05-07T07:02:35","date_gmt":"2025-05-07T07:02:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/?p=36795"},"modified":"2025-07-22T05:52:59","modified_gmt":"2025-07-22T05:52:59","slug":"10-types-of-animation-with-examples-and-how-they-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/animation-multimedia\/10-types-of-animation-with-examples-and-how-they-work\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Types of Animation with Examples and How They Work"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Since its conception, animation has evolved so much. From turning lines, shapes and ideas into some extraordinary moving art. From our favorite 90s cartoons like Tom and Jerry &amp; Oswald to Walt Disney and Studio Ghibli, animation has been a medium of communication and entertainment altogether.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not only entertainment, animation has evolved in various sectors including marketing, advertising, brand campaigns, films, and so on. Popular brands like Coca-Cola and Kelloggs\u2019 were the firsts to use animation in marketing and ads. Then came Amazon, Starbucks, Nike, Microsoft and Slack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As technology continues to evolve, there is a diverse range of animation styles and applications that you should know. In this blog, we are going to explore 10 most popular types of animation and how they are used in different fields of entertainment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/animation-multimedia\/10-types-of-animation-with-examples-and-how-they-work\/#Traditional_Animation\" >Traditional Animation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/animation-multimedia\/10-types-of-animation-with-examples-and-how-they-work\/#2D_Vector-Based_Animation\" >2D Vector-Based Animation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/animation-multimedia\/10-types-of-animation-with-examples-and-how-they-work\/#CGI_or_3D_Animation\" >CGI or 3D Animation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/animation-multimedia\/10-types-of-animation-with-examples-and-how-they-work\/#Stop_Motion_Animation\" >Stop Motion Animation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/animation-multimedia\/10-types-of-animation-with-examples-and-how-they-work\/#Claymation\" >Claymation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/animation-multimedia\/10-types-of-animation-with-examples-and-how-they-work\/#Typography_Animation\" >Typography Animation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/animation-multimedia\/10-types-of-animation-with-examples-and-how-they-work\/#Motion_Graphics\" >Motion Graphics<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/animation-multimedia\/10-types-of-animation-with-examples-and-how-they-work\/#Flipbook_Animation\" >Flipbook Animation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/animation-multimedia\/10-types-of-animation-with-examples-and-how-they-work\/#Whiteboard_Animation\" >Whiteboard Animation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/animation-multimedia\/10-types-of-animation-with-examples-and-how-they-work\/#Rotoscope_Animation\" >Rotoscope Animation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/animation-multimedia\/10-types-of-animation-with-examples-and-how-they-work\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Traditional_Animation\"><\/span><a><\/a>Traditional Animation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The traditional animation technique &#8211; sometimes called a flipbook animation is like a flipbook that moves. Traditional Animation involves drawing every single frame by hand and yes &#8211; every single element by hand. Animators usually draw 12 or 24 frames per second (fps). When these drawings are put together, it creates a motion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Popular examples of Traditional Animation are films like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) and the 1994 Lion King.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2D_Vector-Based_Animation\"><\/span><a><\/a>2D Vector-Based Animation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A traditional animation type with a modern twist. Animators use Adobe Animate to create digital skeletons and instead of drawing the images, frame-wise, they manipulate vector graphics. Vector graphics are scalable and can be easily adjustable. <a href=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/animation-multimedia\/latest-tools-and-software-in-animation-for-young-creatives\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"33877\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2D Animation<\/a> works well when animators create digital skeletons for characters. They move the parts using keyframes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Read Also: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/animation-multimedia\/what-is-motion-graphics-animation-uses-in-marketing-and-media\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">What is Motion Graphics Animation? Uses in Marketing and Media<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Infographics-1024x480.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-36797\" width=\"840\" height=\"393\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Infographics-1024x480.png 1024w, https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Infographics-300x141.png 300w, https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Infographics-768x360.png 768w, https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Infographics.png 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 840px) 100vw, 840px\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"CGI_or_3D_Animation\"><\/span><a><\/a>CGI or 3D Animation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/animation-multimedia\/cgi-vs-vfx-key-differences-explained-with-examples\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"36365\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CGI or Computer Generated Imagery<\/a> popularly known as <a href=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/animation-multimedia\/what-is-3d-animation-process-applications-examples\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"36736\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">3D animation<\/a> adds a third-dimension or depth to the animation. Popular movies like Moana, Elemental, Frozen and Coco are some of the best examples of 3D Animation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Animators use 3D Models to create a digital skeleton. Once rigged, they animate movement and add lighting and effects for realism. Toy Story 1995 and Avatar became popular with their groundbreaking motion capture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stop_Motion_Animation\"><\/span><a><\/a>Stop Motion Animation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Have you ever heard of Wallace and Gromit or Caroline? This film franchise is the best example of stop motion animation. Stop Motion Animation is a type where objects are physically manipulated in small increments between frames to simulate movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To create a stop <a href=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/animation-multimedia\/what-is-motion-graphics-animation-uses-in-marketing-and-media\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"36747\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">motion animation<\/a>, a scene is set up with models and every slight movement, a photo is taken. When the photos are played in a rapid succession, it creates a motion. That\u2019s stop motion animation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Did you know for Caroline &#8211; animators used around 20,000 photos to create a 100-minute runtime!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Animation is evolving and is in high demand by businesses and media houses too. If you are willing to pursue a career in animation, then AAFT might be the right place for you. At AAFT School of Animation, we offer various degree and diploma programs to help you master your skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From conceptualization to character building and storytelling, you will learn the step-by-step process of creating lifelike animated characters. At the end of the course, you will be able to compete on a global platform in the animation and multimedia industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Read Also: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/animation-multimedia\/what-is-3d-animation-process-applications-examples\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">What is 3D Animation? Process, Applications &amp; Examples<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Claymation\"><\/span><a><\/a>Claymation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Popular cartoon TV shows like Shaun the Sheep and Pingu are examples of claymation aka clay animation. Claymation is a type of stop motion that has been around for decades, but retains a timeless appeal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In claymation, animators use sculpt and clay mold and turn them into various shapes and poses, capturing each change through a series of photographs. As the characters evolve across frames, their movements convey a tactile and expressive quality unique to this form of animation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Typography_Animation\"><\/span><a><\/a>Typography Animation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This animation type is dated back to 1899, when France created an ad featuring moving letters. 60 years later, typography animation became popular due to Alfred Hitchcock\u2019s innovative use of animated texts in films. Typography refers to the animation of words and data, usually in time with a voiceover. For corporate presentations to music videos &#8211; you name it and typography animation can fit in anywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Read Also: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/animation-multimedia\/cgi-in-filmmaking-evolution-impact-future-trends\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CGI in Filmmaking: Evolution, Impact &amp; Future Trends<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Various tools like Adobe After Effects allows designers to convey information hassle-free to engage with our audiences. Typography animation is popular for presenting stats, e-learning content and training employees in the workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Motion_Graphics\"><\/span><a><\/a>Motion Graphics<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/animation-multimedia\/what-is-motion-graphics-animation-uses-in-marketing-and-media\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"36747\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Motion Graphics<\/a> features a lot of text and simple graphics. Designers create motion graphics to increase the engagement by animating text, GIFs and static images. This versatile medium finds applications in advertisements, animated sequences and user interfaces and various digital platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Motion graphics enhance brand communication and storytelling, making complex information more engaging and digestible for audiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Read Also: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/animation-multimedia\/impact-of-animation-and-vfx-on-advertising-and-marketing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Impact of Animation and VFX on Advertising and Marketing<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Flipbook_Animation\"><\/span><a><\/a>Flipbook Animation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In this animation type, where every element is drawn on separate pages of the notebook. Once the pages are flipped quickly, you have your own \u2018manual video.\u2019 While flipbook animation is not the ideal type for marketing, it can be a great option for quick storytelling and entertainment for the target group. Flipbook animation is often used in kids magazines and storybooks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Whiteboard_Animation\"><\/span><a><\/a>Whiteboard Animation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the classic \u2018hand drawing on a white slate\u2019 style often used in explainer videos and e-learning. This animation type draws out elements in real time. Often you have seen YouTube videos using elements and real-time drawings for better explanation. In fact, whiteboard animation became popular in 2005 after YouTube was introduced to the masses. As per eLearning Industry Experts, whiteboard videos or animation styles increase information retention by 15%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rotoscope_Animation\"><\/span><a><\/a>Rotoscope Animation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Also known as the frame-by-frame animation where animators use live-action footage and put them into frames equally to create realistic movement of the characters. This type of animation is known as Rotoscope Animation. Although this animation is extremely time consuming and expensive, the results can be spectacular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Read Also: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/animation-multimedia\/the-evolution-of-3d-animation-whats-new-in-2025\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Evolution of 3D Animation: What\u2019s New in 2025?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Frame-by-frame animation offers control over every moment and expression, making it an ideal type for character animations. Disney characters like Snow White and 2006 movie, A Scanner Darkly are the best examples of Rotoscope Animation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span><a><\/a>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Be it crazy Marvel movies or a quick explainer on YouTube or brands creating something extraordinary for their customers, animation will always play a crucial role in the coming years. Each type has its own charm, technique, purpose and uniqueness. Understanding the type can open a whole new appreciation for the art form.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So next time you&#8217;re watching a cartoon or admiring a motion graphic, remember: behind every frame is a team of artists, engineers, and storytellers turning imagination into reality\u2014one frame at a time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Are you thinking of learning animation and pursuing a full-time career? <a href=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/schoolofanimation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AAFT School of Animation<\/a> is just your place to learn and master the art of animation. Here, you will learn about CGI, VFX and traditional <a href=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/animation-multimedia\/essential-tips-and-techniques-for-animation-beginners\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"33775\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">techniques of animation<\/a>. We do offer hands-on experience, industry exposure, expert mentorship and masterclasses by renowned animator and industry dean Charuvi Aggrawal to help you understand the nitty-gritty of animation and its basics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now wait no more. Explore your creativity, shape your future and animate your dreams with <a href=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AAFT<\/a>!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This blog explains 10 popular animation types with examples, including 2D, 3D, stop motion, and more. Learn how each style works and where it\u2019s best used in media and storytelling.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":36796,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[11],"tags":[151,441,532,13,1240,200,302,1239],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36795"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=36795"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36795\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":36802,"href":"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36795\/revisions\/36802"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/36796"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=36795"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=36795"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=36795"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}