Difference Between 2D and 3D Animation – Complete Breakdown Guide

If you are asked to imagine Mario – the super famous game character, which one from the below-mentioned image will you imagine?

If you belong to the game who has grown up seeing animations like Noddy, Oswald, Mr. Bean, Dragon Ball, then your version of Mario will be the left one, and if you belong to the younger generation, your version of Mario will be the right one.

To be clear, the left one is the 2D Mario, and the right one is the 3D Super Mario.

So, which one is the better Mario? Or a more relatable question, which animation is better – 2D or 3D?

In this article, we will have a look at what 2D and 3D animation are, and what are the differences. But before at first, it require to the understand 2D and 3D shapes.

Understand 2D and 3D Shapes

A shape is a two-dimensional or three-dimensional geometric figure that has specific characteristics, such as length, width, and height. Two-dimensional (2D) shapes are figures that exist on a flat surface, such as a piece of paper or a computer screen, while three-dimensional (3D) shapes are figures that have depth, width, and height, such as a cube or sphere.

1. 2D Shape

A 2D shape is a geometric figure that has two dimensions or axes, length and width. It is flat and exists only in two dimensions, i.e., it has no depth. Examples of 2D shapes include circles, triangles, rectangles, squares, and polygons. These shapes can be easily drawn on a piece of paper or a computer screen.

The properties of 2D shapes include their perimeter, area, and angles. The perimeter is the distance around the boundary of the shape, while the area is the amount of space occupied by the shape. The angles are the measure of the rotation between the two sides of a shape.

2. 3D Shape

A 3D shape is a geometric figure that has three dimensions or axes, length, width, and height. It has depth and occupies space in three dimensions. Examples of 3D shapes include cubes, spheres, cones, pyramids, cylinders, and prisms.

The properties of 3D shapes include their volume, surface area, and edges. Volume is the amount of space occupied by shape, while the surface area is the sum of areas of all the faces of shape. The edges are the line segments where two faces of a shape meet.

Difference between 2D and 3D Shape

The main difference between 2D and 3D shapes is that 2D shapes are flat, while 3D shapes have depth. 2D shapes are limited to two dimensions, whereas 3D shapes exist in three dimensions. 2D shapes can be easily drawn on a flat surface, while 3D shapes require more complex representations.

2D shapes have only length and width, while 3D shapes have length, width, and height. 2D shapes are measured in perimeter and area, while 3D shapes are measured in volume and surface area.

In conclusion, understanding the difference between 2D and 3D shapes is important in mathematics, engineering, architecture, and computer graphics. 2D shapes are used in designing logos, posters, and other two-dimensional graphics, while 3D shapes are used in designing buildings, cars, and other three-dimensional objects.

What is 2D Animation?

2D stands for “Two Dimensional”. So, 2D animation stands for an animation that is based on creating movements of characters and objects in two-dimensional space, i.e. Length and Width. The animation was originally drawn using sketches, and these sketches are sequenced together in a quick session to work as an animation.

One second of the time frame is divided into 24 frames (24fps). However, now software is used instead of drawing, and thus creating 2D animation is faster and simpler.

In mathematical terms, 2D animations are movements of characters, objects, and figures that have only two-axis, the X and the Y-axis.

Popular examples of 2D animations – The Simpsons, Old Tom, and Jerry, Pokemon Johto Series, Old Disney Animations, etc.

2D Animation Pros:

• Lower Production Cost.
• Quicker to Produce.
• One does not need a high-tech system and software to produce 2D Animation.
• More Story Focused.

2D Animation Cons:

• Less in demand.
• Less dynamic and visually stunning.
• Consumes more time in some instances.

What is 3D Animation?

3D stands for “Three Dimensional”. So, 3D animations stand for an animation that is based on creating movements of characters and objects in three-dimensional space, .i.e. Length, width, and depth. The animation is created using computer processes and software. Attention to various aspects such as modeling, rigging, rendering, etc. is required for 3D animation.

Unlike sketching and creating 2D animation, 3D animation goes through a series of processes to be created. First, you have to envision and draw the character. Then you have to create a 3D model of the same. Then the model is textured, and after that rigged.

When all these processes are completed, then the character is ready to be animated.

In mathematical terms, 3D animations are movements of characters, objects, and figures that have three-axis, the X, the Y, and the Z-axis.

Popular examples of 3D animation are Toy Story, Frozen, A Whisker Away, My Hero Academia, etc.

3D Animation Pros:

• Looks more realistic.
• The 3D models can be reused.
• Enables superior movement.
• Has huge popularity.

3D Animation Cons:

• Possibilities are limited as per the software used/allow.
• More Complicated to produce.
• The production is costly.
• Takes a longer time to produce.

2D vs 3D Animation

Here’s a list of difference between 2D and 3D animation:

The main focus in 2D animation is on the frames as these frames create the motion effect in the animation. In the case of 3D animation, the main focus is on the movement of the object or character in the rigging stage. At the time of animation, these movements are used to create an animation.

Final Thoughts: 2D vs. 3D animation, which one is better?

Actually, it is a tie between 2D and 3D animation. Both the animations have their fair share of advantages and disadvantages. 2D animation provides a nostalgic feeling in the animation, and 3D comes with a modern feeling.

Moreover, with the use of lighting effects, 2D animation can also look as real as 3D. Cost, Production Time, and the Targeted Audience play a major role in deciding whether to choose 2D animation or 3D for your project.

The best way of selecting the right animation type for your project is by trying how your concept looks in 2D and in 3D, and then you should decide which one suits your idea or concept the best.

Do you require animation services?

If you need cost-effective and attractive animation services for your game, animation, or film, you should try Capermint. We have a team of highly skilful and creative 2D and 3D artists who are natural at creating awe-inspiring and eye-soothing 2D and 3D animations.

Also, do let us know in the comment section – Which Animation is better according to you – 2D or 3D?