Animation is everywhere—films, games, apps, marketing videos, and even educational platforms. But one form of animation has stood the test of time: 2D animation. Despite new technologies like 3D, many industries still rely on 2D for its accessibility, versatility, and creative storytelling potential.
If you’ve ever wondered how 2D animation works, its history, and why it remains relevant, this guide breaks it down in clear, practical terms. By the end, you’ll know exactly what 2D animation is, how it’s created, and why it continues to matter today.
What Is 2D Animation?
2D animation is the process of creating movement in a two-dimensional space using sequences of individual drawings or digital frames. Unlike 3D, which adds depth and perspective, 2D animation works on flat surfaces with height and width. Classic cartoons like Looney Tunes or modern web animations are examples of this style.
History of 2D Animation
The roots of 2D animation date back to the late 1800s, with devices like the phenakistiscope and zoetrope creating the illusion of motion. The first widely recognized 2D animated film was Fantasmagorie (1908) by Émile Cohl, often called the father of animation.
By the 1920s and 1930s, studios like Disney and Warner Bros. popularized 2D animation through hand-drawn shorts and feature films, including Steamboat Willie (1928). The introduction of computers in the 1980s and 1990s revolutionized the field, allowing animators to replace paper with digital tools.
How Is 2D Animation Created?
Creating 2D animation involves multiple stages, often carried out by teams:
- Concept Development – Writers and artists outline the story and tone.
- Storyboarding – A sequence of sketches that visually map out scenes.
- Character and Environment Design – Characters, props, and backgrounds are created with consistent styles.
- Keyframe Animation – Animators draw the major poses or actions.
- In-betweening (Tweening): Additional frames are created to make movements fluid. Modern software automates much of this step.
- Compositing & Effects – Layers of characters, backgrounds, and effects are combined.
- Sound Design & Syncing – Dialogue, music, and sound effects are timed with visuals.
For example, a 10-second walking scene may require 120 frames at 12 frames per second. With software, animators can streamline this, but the principle remains the same.
Is Making 2D Animation Easy?
It depends on your goal:
- For beginners: Free tools and tutorials make it easier than ever to create simple animations. You don’t need expensive equipment to experiment.
- For professionals: High-quality animation requires artistic skill, timing, and often collaboration across writers, designers, and sound engineers.
- Challenges: Even with software, animators must understand principles like squash and stretch, timing, and staging.
2D Animation Software
One of the biggest shifts in animation history was the move from hand-drawn frames on paper to digital software. Modern tools make it possible to create professional-quality animations with far less manual effort, while still preserving the artistic touch. Each program has its strengths, making it important to choose the right one depending on your goals.
1. Adobe Animate
Adobe Animate is one of the most widely recognized 2D animation programs. It’s especially popular for creating web animations, interactive content, and game assets. Animators can draw directly in the software, use vector graphics for scalability, and export animations to multiple formats including HTML5. This makes it a go-to tool for digital marketing, e-learning platforms, and mobile apps.
Best for: Interactive projects, web-based animations, and multimedia campaigns.
2. Toon Boom Harmony
Often called the industry standard for professional 2D animation, Toon Boom Harmony is used by major studios for television and film. Shows like Rick and Morty and The Simpsons rely on Harmony for its powerful rigging, drawing, and compositing tools. It supports both frame-by-frame animation and cut-out techniques, giving animators flexibility.
While it comes with a higher price tag and steeper learning curve, it offers unmatched features for large productions where quality and scalability matter.
Best for: Studio-level productions, TV shows, and feature-length films.
3. OpenToonz
OpenToonz is an open-source alternative that has gained respect in the animation community. Originally developed from software used by Studio Ghibli, it has been applied in films like Princess Mononoke. OpenToonz allows for frame-by-frame drawing, digital ink and paint, and advanced effects—all without licensing costs.
Because it’s open-source, the software benefits from community contributions and ongoing updates. However, it may feel less user-friendly for beginners compared to commercial software.
Best for: Independent creators, students, and budget-conscious professionals.
4. Krita
Krita is primarily known as a digital painting and illustration tool, but it also offers frame-by-frame animation features. It’s free, open-source, and particularly appealing for artists who want to blend detailed hand-drawn illustrations with animation. Krita supports onion-skinning (viewing multiple frames at once), making it ideal for traditional-style 2D animators who want to mimic the feel of drawing on paper.
Best for: Artists focused on hand-drawn, frame-by-frame animation.
5. Moho (Anime Studio)
Moho, formerly known as Anime Studio, is a hybrid tool that combines vector-based animation with character rigging. This means you can build skeletons for characters and move them like puppets, saving time on repetitive motions. It’s especially useful for explainer videos, anime-style projects, and productions with recurring character movements.
Its streamlined workflow makes it attractive for animators who want to balance speed with control.
Best for: Rigged character animation, indie studios, and anime-inspired projects.
What Does a 2D Animator Do?
A 2D animator’s role varies depending on industry, but key responsibilities include:
- Designing characters and props.
- Creating movement sequences frame by frame or digitally.
- Collaborating with directors, game designers, or marketing teams.
- Syncing animation with voiceovers and music.
- Delivering content for TV, film, games, advertising, or online platforms.
For example, in education, animators create explainer videos. In advertising, they produce animated ads or mascots. In gaming, they handle character and environment animations.
Difference Between 2D and 3D Animation
While both bring visuals to life, 2D and 3D animation differ in style, process, and use.
- Dimensions: 2D works on a flat plane (height and width), like The Simpsons. 3D adds depth, making characters and objects appear lifelike, as in Toy Story.
- Process: 2D relies on drawings or vector graphics, either frame-by-frame or rigged. 3D involves modeling, rigging, texturing, and rendering, making it more technical.
- Time & Cost: 2D is generally faster and more affordable, while 3D requires more time, computing power, and higher budgets.
- Applications: 2D is common in anime, educational videos, and apps. 3D dominates in films, games, and simulations where realism matters.
- Learning Curve: 2D demands strong drawing and storytelling skills. 3D focuses on mastering complex software and technical workflows.
In short: 2D is flat, stylized, and efficient, while 3D is realistic, immersive, and resource-intensive.
Types of 2D Animation
2D animation isn’t a single technique—it includes different styles, each with its own strengths and common uses. Understanding these types helps explain why 2D remains so versatile across entertainment, advertising, and education.
1. Traditional Animation
Also known as hand-drawn animation, this is the oldest and most iconic form of 2D. Artists draw each frame on paper or transparent cels, which are then photographed and compiled into sequences. Disney classics like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) and Bambi (1942) were created this way. Although it’s labor-intensive, traditional animation allows for expressive character design and has a timeless appeal.
Best for: Feature films, artistic projects, and styles where hand-drawn expression matters.
2. Cut-out Animation
Cut-out animation involves moving flat pieces (like paper dolls or digital parts) frame by frame to create motion. Instead of redrawing characters, animators reposition arms, legs, or facial features. Early South Park episodes used this technique, originally with construction paper before moving to digital software.
Best for: Quirky, stylized animations or productions that need faster turnaround.
3. Vector-based Animation
With vector graphics, images are made from mathematical formulas rather than pixels, meaning they can scale infinitely without losing quality. This makes vector-based animation ideal for digital platforms, explainer videos, and mobile apps. Programs like Adobe Animate and Moho use vector tools to rig characters so they can be moved like puppets, reducing the need for frame-by-frame drawing.
Best for: Web animations, marketing content, and scalable projects.
4. Motion Graphics
Motion graphics focus on animated shapes, text, and icons rather than full characters or storytelling. They’re widely used in branding, advertising, and explainer videos. Examples include animated infographics, logo reveals, or transitions in presentations. Motion graphics are often combined with voiceovers or background music to make complex ideas easier to understand.
Best for: Branding, corporate videos, and educational explainers.
5. Stop-motion 2D
This lesser-known style combines elements of stop-motion and 2D. Artists physically move paper cutouts, drawings, or flat puppets, photographing each adjustment frame by frame. Though time-consuming, it creates a unique handmade look. Films like Terry Gilliam’s animations for Monty Python’s Flying Circus used this technique.
Best for: Experimental projects and animations that need a distinct, handcrafted style.
Why Use 2D Animation?
Despite the rise of 3D, 2D animation remains popular because:
- It’s more affordable than 3D, especially for short projects.
- It allows for stylistic variety—from simple sketches to detailed anime.
- It’s widely accessible across industries, including education and marketing.
- It works well for digital platforms where lightweight files matter (apps, web).
For startups, educators, and marketers, 2D often provides the perfect balance of quality and cost.
Advantages of 2D Animation
- Cost-efficiency: Lower production costs than 3D.
- Speed: Faster turnaround for commercials and educational projects.
- Flexibility: Works for both artistic storytelling and practical training materials.
- Accessibility: Easier entry point for students and indie creators.
- Proven Track Record: Decades of cultural impact across film and TV.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for special effects artists and animators (which includes 2D animation roles) is projected to grow 4% from 2023 to 2033, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Examples of 2D Animation
2D animation appears across countless industries, shaping how we learn, laugh, and interact with technology. Below are five major categories where it continues to thrive:
Cartoons
Cartoons are the most iconic use of 2D animation. Shows like Looney Tunes, SpongeBob SquarePants, and The Simpsons rely on exaggerated movement, expressive characters, and comedic timing to capture audiences of all ages. These series highlight how 2D animation can stretch imagination far beyond the limits of live-action, creating slapstick humor, surreal gags, and endless visual creativity.
Anime
In Japan, anime became a global cultural force thanks to its distinct 2D style. Series like Naruto, Dragon Ball Z, and One Piece use dynamic fight sequences, emotional storytelling, and stylized character designs to keep audiences engaged for hundreds of episodes. Anime shows how 2D animation can carry both high-action scenes and quiet, dramatic moments with equal impact, making it one of the most versatile forms of animation worldwide.
Advertising
Marketers often turn to 2D animation to communicate messages quickly and memorably. Animated mascots such as Tony the Tiger or the M&M’s characters have become cultural icons, representing brands for decades. Modern advertising also leans heavily on 2D explainer videos, which simplify complex products or services into short, engaging clips. The flexibility of 2D makes it easier to match brand colors, styles, and voices while keeping production costs manageable.
Education
2D animation is a powerful teaching tool. Science videos often use animation to illustrate processes like the movement of molecules or how the human body works. E-learning platforms rely on animated visuals to break down abstract concepts into step-by-step sequences. Because animation can combine words, images, and motion, it helps students retain information better compared to text alone.
Why 2D Animation Still Matters
Even in today’s digital age, 2D animation hasn’t faded. Instead, it has evolved. From indie creators posting shorts on YouTube to major studios producing full-length anime films, 2D animation continues to be one of the most cost-effective, versatile, and creative storytelling tools.
Understanding what 2D animation is doesn’t just give insight into cartoons—it explains why this medium remains essential across education, business, and entertainment. Whether you’re an aspiring creator or simply curious, 2D animation is proof that simplicity and creativity can leave a lasting impact.
If you’d like to see how these ideas come to life in real projects, visit our 2D animation services page.