2Danimaatiot

2D animation, or two-dimensional animation, is the process of creating movement in a flat, two‑dimensional space. In 2D animation, drawings, backgrounds, and characters are arranged on a plane and brought to life through a sequence of images. The result is a visual style that emphasizes line work, color, and flat shading, rather than the depth and perspective of three-dimensional scenes.

Historically, 2D animation began with traditional hand-drawn methods, where artists drew each frame on paper and transferred drawings to cel animation for painting and photographing. Early films and television relied on this labor-intensive approach. The latter part of the 20th century saw digitization and techniques such as digital ink-and-paint, tweening, and cutout animation. The rise of software like OpenToonz, Toon Boom Harmony, and Adobe Animate broadened accessibility, while Flash-based animation played a significant role in web content during the 1990s and 2000s.

Techniques in 2D animation include frame-by-frame drawing, vector-based tweening, cutout animation, and rotoscoping. Artists may work with traditional paper and light-table workflows, or digital pencils and brushes. Digital tools enable features like layering, rigging of characters for easier movement, and efficient production pipelines, while still maintaining the characteristic 2D appearance. Some productions blend 2D visuals with 3D elements or shading to create a hybrid look, often referred to as 2.5D.

2D animation remains widely used in television, feature films, web content, and video games. It supports a wide range of styles, from classic Disney-esque storytelling to modern indie palettes, and continues to influence visual design and storytelling across media.