Tussenposes

Tussenposes are frames that occur between key poses in an animation sequence. The term is used in Dutch-speaking animation contexts to describe the intermediate positions and timing that fill the motion from one key pose to the next. In English, these frames are commonly referred to as in-between frames or inbetweens, but many studios retain the Dutch term in project documentation.

In traditional 2D animation, tussenposes are drawn by hand to create smooth movement and deliberate pacing. In digital workflows, they can be produced by hand or generated by software through tweening, with the animator fine-tuning timing curves and easing to achieve the desired speed and feel. The quality and distribution of tussenposes directly affect the perception of weight, acceleration, and personality in the motion.

The practical purpose of tussenposes includes establishing timing and spacing, defining motion arcs, and providing anticipation and follow-through. They also accommodate secondary actions and complex movements, allowing the main action to read clearly to the audience. Animators decide how many tussenposes to insert between key poses, which can range from one frame to many frames per interval, depending on the desired tempo.

Relationship to related terms: the concept aligns with in-between frames in English-language practice and with the broader idea of tweening in software-based animation. Tussenposes remain a core element of both traditional and digital animation pipelines, shaping the fluidity and expressive quality of filmed or drawn motion.