Working program “Plasticine animation. Animation program: overview, description, instructions and recommendations

A few decades ago, the creation of cartoons was a narrowly focused craft that required huge human efforts and financial costs. Thanks to computer technology, the production of cartoons has been simplified. Programs for creating cartoons are in the public domain. Today we will talk about the best programs for creating animation. Our list contains diverse utilities that differ in functionality, user interface, hardware requirements and professional skills.

- the first program on the list that amazes with the sophistication of the interface. Specializes on 3D animation. It is used among professionals, therefore it has a wide range of possibilities. Additionally, the software has a huge number of tools that will make the cartoon better and more dynamic: setting up transitions, supporting special effects, and much more. If you want to get into animation seriously, then Autodesk Maya is a great choice for the future pro.

• Wide functionality, allowing you to make cartoons on a level with Hollywood masterpieces.
• The final view of the material is reproduced in excellent quality, regardless of the type of animation: flash, Gif, etc.
• The utility handles the full production cycle, from character creation to plot.
• Users can use separate tools for third party programs. For example, character formation and export.

• Without certain knowledge, working in Autodesk Maya is pointless. The user simply will not be able to use the potential of the software, they will have to read the literature and watch training videos.
• Utility demanding on system parameters computer. It is impossible to work without a powerful video card and other computer components.

A narrowly focused utility that specializes in creating unique animated images. To form content, the user can use not only templates and blanks, but also use photos from a personal archive or the Internet. The final result is saved in the popular AVI video format. To improve the usability of the project, the developers have prepared a flexible system slide formatting, where there are functions of the transition counter, inserting an image and editing the color palette of the picture.

• Creation of animated banners.
• There is a Russian-language interface.
• Support for most animation formats: GIF, JPG, PNG, BMP.
• HTML code generation for publication on websites or social networks.
• The function of extracting individual frames for use in other programs.
• The best program in the ratio of functions performed and the complexity of mastering.

• Compared to competitors, it has more narrow specialization, hence missing some useful tools
• The trial version has no duration of use, but is limited to 20 launches.

The utility will appeal to novice animators because of its versatility. Toon Boom Harmony allows you to work with both 2D and 3D models, which is good news for those who are willing to experiment. Additional features deserve special attention, allowing you to use it in several directions, for example, in video games.

Advantages:

• Exporting 2D to the game engine. Toon Boom Harmony shows great compatibility with Unity.
• Convenient command working with multiple projects simultaneously through the Harmony Server feature.
• A complete set of tools that simulate the process of classic frame animation.
• Support for the "True Pencil" option - a scan of a drawing from tracing paper.
• Integration of 2D and 3D objects.

Disadvantages:

• High load on the CPU, RAM and video card. Requires powerful hardware.
• Not compatible with Windows XP and Vista versions.
• The absence of the Russian language.

is a clear favorite for lovers of Japanese animation and anime drawing. First, utility work oriented with 2D objects, which is reflected in the interface. Secondly, the program will delight you with a wide library of ready-made characters that can be used to create cartoons.

Advantages:

• Innovative frame-by-frame slide processing.
• Import PSD files from Adobe Photoshop.
• Intuitive user interface.
• Integrated Templates with many effects and blanks.
• Backward compatibility of vector animation for videos from Adobe Flash Player.

Disadvantages:

• The main disadvantage of Anime Studio Pro is the impossibility fully work with three-dimensional graphics, so the software is not suitable for 3D projects. Part of the problem is solved by compatibility with the Unity 3D engine. However, to solve serious problems, the extension functionality will not be enough.

- the most innovative product in today's selection. Through this project, animators can realize the most daring ideas. It differs from its competitors by supporting Microsoft's Kinect technology, which allows transform movements real people in cartoon space.

• Recognition of human movements.
• Full compatibility with 2D video editors.
• Creation of 3D animated videos and skinsavers.
• Support for a wide range of tools and preset objects.
• Using the faces of real people to simulate a copy based on a photograph.

• High price product, also paid upgrades.
• For the full operation of the utility, a powerful video card is required.
• Lack of Russian menu (partially solved problem thanks to training videos).

is a free software for creating cartoons aimed at the amateur market. The main specialization is the creation of high-quality and effective slide shows with the ability to edit: adding frames, text, designing transitions, choosing colors and formatting.

• Built-in converter to GIF-animation, Flash movies and video clips.
is in the public domain absolutely free.
• Read popular video formats up to 4K resolution.
• Support for batch processing of objects.
• Editing an audio track.

• Limited functionality.
• Unremarkable toolbar.
• There is no Russian localization of the interface.

- An interesting program for drawing cartoons. Great for beginner cartoonists and fans of classic cartoons. Will delight fans of traditional drawing. How the software works is to create staff for 2D animation. In fact, users are offered to try themselves as a virtual animator from the last century.

• Plastic Animation Paper is completely free.
• Works great on graphics tablets and other devices.
• A relatively undemanding program in terms of PC power.
• The software allows upload your own character with effects and movements.
• Will delight virtual artists with a wide arsenal of brushes and other tools.

• Narrow specialization- only 2D and only drawing.
• Oversaturated interface - you have to spend time learning.
• You will need a third-party application to work, since there are no editing elements here.

- a representative of minimalist drawing. Suitable for familiarization with the basics of virtual cartoon drawing. The presented software will easily cope with the task of “creating a cartoon in 5 minutes”.

• Runs on almost any computer.
• It does not require the user to have in-depth knowledge in creating animation.
• Welcomes newbies with a friendly and intuitive interface.
• Possesses basic set of tools for simple animation.

• The main problem of Pivot Animator smoothly follows from the advantages of the software. Due to the undemanding to hardware and the availability of the interface, it makes no sense to use the program to solve serious animation tasks.

- belongs to the category of professional programs for creating animation. It has a set of tools necessary for high-quality 3D animation. hallmark ZBrush serves as a control panel where all the features are inside palettes. It is noteworthy that each of the presented palettes contains a group of thematically related functions. If you get used to the menu, then working with the program will be carried out on an intuitive level.

• Modeling of high quality three-dimensional sculptures
• Regular software updates.
• Unusual user interface design.
• Reinforced rendering engine in real time.
• Automatic creation of shadows and highlights when working with models.
• A huge number of plug-ins that expand the functionality of the utility.

• You will need a powerful video card and processor, as well as a sufficient amount of RAM.
• It takes time to master ZBrush, and lack of Russian complicates the task.

Modo

Modo is another representative of “software for the pros”. The workflow distinguishes the utility from competitors' applications. Instead of using basic tools, the user is offered a small set of tools that combined with each other through the Tool Pipe function.

• Complete customization settings.
• The formation of working tools is a creative process.
• Support real-time 3D rendering function.
• It has a detailed user interface.
• Suitable not only for cartoons, but also used in marketing and video games.

• High price without the possibility of obtaining a demo version on the official website.
• It will take time to familiarize yourself with the heaped up English-language interface.
• High requirements for computer performance.

is an improved version of the Mirage package, which specializes in 2D animation. The utility is positioned as a simple tool for creating classic hand drawn animation, so the interface is tuned specifically for 2D cartoons.

Advantages:

• A wide range of drawing tools.
• Support particle engine Scan Cleaner.
• Gradual development of the project through regular updates.
• The user-friendly interface is conducive to the work of beginners.
• For experienced users, the control panel will be very clear. Some features of Adobe Photoshop are used here.

Disadvantages:

• Focusing on 2D deprives TVPaint Animation of some functionality.
• There is no Russian language in the language settings.

is a developing project that specializes in 2D animation of cartoons and work with raster and vector graphics. Offers a classic set of features and tools for creating 2D cartoons. Perfect for getting acquainted with the profession of a modern animator.

Advantages:

• Open source code (if you wish, you can customize it for yourself).
• Export video to AVI, MOV, WMV formats.
• Traditional interface for such utilities.
• Partial customization of the toolbar.
• Reading and support audio formats.
• Distribution under the GPL license.
• Working with vector format.

Disadvantages:

• Pencil is still under development, so there may be compatibility issues on some devices, as well as crashes in the cartoon creation program.

- An entertaining project that will delight fans of the animated genre. CrazyTalk is focused on 2D characters. The utility has the function read human head, which allows you to instantly create a ready-made hero. You can download the program for creating cartoons from the official website.

Advantages:

• Ability to create sprites.
• Support for human head animation.
• Nice and accessible application interface.
• Extensive Library, where ready-made character templates are stored.
• A basic set of tools that allows you not to be distracted by clever settings.

Disadvantages:

• The main disadvantage of CrazyTalk is absence of drawing elements. Because of this, the potential is significantly reduced. For full-fledged work on creating cartoons, you will need the help of third-party utilities.

- a utility that can create simple animations. Their basis may consist of text, images or geometric shapes. That is why Hippani Animator has object formatting function.

Advantages:

• Working with vector graphics.
• Logical interface construction.
• Compatible with most browsers.
• Project Conversion into HTML codes, videos, etc.

Disadvantages:

• The list of shortcomings is typical for foreign products: the lack of Russian language and the requirement to have experience with similar applications. In addition, Hippani Animator is only suitable for simple projects.

Blender is a cartoon and 3D animation program that can process 3D images. Despite the wide range of features, Blender is absolutely free, so anyone can start working with 3D models. Blender is the best free utility for solving the most complex tasks. You can download the application for creating animation on the official website.

Advantages:

• An unusual transformer interface, which, with proper study, becomes a reliable assistant in creating cartoons.
• Wide choiceplugins, ready-made objects, as well as pre-rendered scenes.
• Full customization of the toolbar and workspace.
• Open source.

Disadvantages:

• The uniqueness of the menu makes even experienced users "get used" to it.
• The mechanics of the application is based on " hot keys', so they have to be memorized.
• Working with 3D objects requires powerful hardware.

is a product produced by a world famous brand that has proven itself in the market. Almost all Flash games, spectacular animations and advertising banners on websites are made using Adobe Flash Professional. The program also shows itself excellently in the realization of creative potential.

Advantages:

• Support for the proprietary programming language Action script, which significantly expands the functionality of the software.
• Wide set of tools, capable of solving any tasks related to Flash animation.
• The ability to create videos using JavaScript in a familiar editor format.

Disadvantages:

• In one of the updates, the developers removed bone animation.
• It will take a lot of time to understand all aspects of the work.

- a free program specializing in vector two-dimensional animation of cartoons in Russian. To create colorful and interesting cartoons, the user has a wide range of tools at his disposal. From the user it remains only to show imagination. Due to its functionality, it can be used to draw anime.

Advantages:

• Support for most versions of Windows, starting from XP.
• Work with the vector and raster images.
• Smoothing sharp corners during processing.
• Customize your toolbar.
• Reading popular video formats.
• Support for 32-bit and 64-bit OS.
• The presence of a Russian-language interface.

Disadvantages:

• There are short freezes while watching frames on individual devices.
• Limited in terms of working with 3D objects and animation.

- a program for creating three-dimensional texts and stereometric figures. Present drawing function 2D contour with the ability to convert to a 3D object. The utility is perfect for creating unusual banners, signs and other models.

Advantages:

• Library of built-in templates, animations and scenes.
• Detailed animation settings.
• Support for 3DS, DXF, BLEND, OBJ formats.
• Export to AVI, SWF, GIF formats.
• Logical application interface.
• Portable version available.
• Rapid development of software.

Disadvantages:

• In Aurora 3D, everything is fine until the realization comes that this product cannot be called a full-fledged three-dimensional editor.

- a professional tool for creating frame-by-frame animation. It was with the help of this program that Tim Burten's masterpiece "Frankenweenie" saw the light of day. In addition, the utility is used in some pictures of the Disney studio.

Advantages:

• Intuitive tab-based workspace.
• Automatic light adjustment using Video Assist Levels.
• Automatic camera movement control.
• The presence of vector drawing elements.
• Lip synchronization with text.
• Visualized timeline.

Disadvantages:

• High price licensed version.
• English language of the main menu and operation panel.
• Not the best choice for beginners due to many complicated settings.

Is a professional program for the implementation time-lapse cartoons using virtual cameras. A narrow specialization opens up the ability to control camera settings using software. Including at the disposal of the novice animator will be several well-known animation techniques. They can save you a lot of time.

Advantages:

• Multiple versions software "Capture", "Junior" and "Pioneer" for solving various problems.
• Preview frames in real time.
• Control and configure camera settings.
• Support for dual monitors.
• Reading PAL, HD, Film (2K-4K) formats.
• Rotate the image 180 degrees.
• Low system requirements.

Disadvantages:

• Focus on frame animation reduces the versatility of the software.
• Low requirements do not allow the program to compete with the "titans" of editing.

The article talks about how to make graphics for a computer game using plasticine or clay, and what is needed for this. The article is supposed to be divided into two parts.

The first part is in front of you, and it will be about how to set up a studio at home to create plasticine animation, as well as about the features of shooting and the techniques used. Actually, I'm a programmer, so I have more experience in creating games than in shooting, so the material in the first part will be simpler, and may contain some inaccuracies.

Creating stop-motion animation effects

Here are some basic interesting looking tricks:

Slow transformation of one figure into another(morphing)

Smooth resizing

Substitution between frames of the new model

Sometimes useful frame replacement in reverse order(for example, a piece is cut off from the heart, and its folding is removed, which, after a turn in time, gives the desired effect of its appearance from under a log rolling down).

Jumping and flying
It is worth dwelling on this in more detail. In each frame, additional props are built to hold the model in the air at the desired height, then during post-processing, the props in each frame are erased.

Here is an example of a tutorial video on how to make a bouncing ball:

The use of these techniques in dynamics can be seen in the videos at the end of the article.

Model animation

First you need to choose what frame rate you want. For beginners, 6 or 8 frames per second is suitable, professionals choose 24. The realism of the animation greatly depends on the frequency, but for a mobile game, you should also think about the size of the received images, it is important to find a balance between quality and size.

After that, you can paint on paper with words the sequence of key frames. To get started, I recommend keeping in mind the rules for animation "Preparing, or failing movement" and "Easing the beginning and end of movement", given in the Disney Animation Principles at the link at the beginning of the section.

An example of such a sequence for a hand waving animation:
“In the first 5 frames, the model stands motionless, the next 10-12 frames raises her hand up, then 20 frames she waves her hand from left to right three times, then 10-12 frames she lowers her hand down.” Following these instructions, you can start shooting. The resulting animation:

That's all, in the next part I will talk about how to process the animation so that it can be used in the game.

And finally, a few videos made during the experiments:

Tags:

• game development
• game design

The technology for creating cartoons from plasticine is called Stop Motion animation. Stop motion is video material obtained from sequences of frames captured in a photo or selected from a video.

Materials and programs for creating a cartoon from plasticine: plasticine, camera, computer, microphone, and programs (for example, Windows Live Movie Maker, Windows Live Movie Maker, Nero, or programs for creating plasticine cartoons Claymation Studio, Moho, Anime Studio Pro). This technique can also be used to create drawn or puppet cartoons.

The principle of animation is to quickly reproduce on the screen pre-prepared drawings (pictures). Since the optic nerves do not capture information for a duration< 1/6 сек., то быстрая смена кадра (изображения на экране) не замечается человеком. С точки зрения технологии процесс выглядит так: на каждом следующем рисунке фигурка представлена в чуть иной фазе движения. Отдельные рисунки покадрово фотографируются, а затем проецируются на экран со скоростью 24 кадра в секунду в звуковой анимации или 16 кадров в секунду в немой.

According to the technological process, cartoons are:

• - drawn (the Walt Disney company worked in this technique);
• — computer;
• - puppet (first appeared in Russia, famous cartoons: "Cheburashka", "Mitten");
• - plasticine (cartoon "Plasticine Crow");
• - sand (use of any bulk materials).

Animated film technology

(from the work experience of Loboda N.V., educator of MADOU d / s No. 14, Ishim)

If you, together with pupils (children aged 5-7 years old), decide to create your own animated film, you will need:

1. Digital camera

3. A computer with a program for editing video materials (Windows Live Film Studio, Windows Live Movie Maker, Nero, or programs for creating plasticine cartoons Claymation Studio, Moho, Anime Studio Pro and others).

4. Selection of musical works

5. Materials for creating characters and scenery (paper, paints, plasticine, natural materials, etc.)

Stage 1. Development of the plot of the animated film.

The plot can be a simple scene, a few minutes long, invented by children, or a staging of a well-known fairy tale, story, song, poem, but try to make the cartoon carry some kind of complete idea, thought. It is good if the children are the initiator of the creation of the plot. Think with them what material is best to make an animated film. For the first tests, it is better to use a few objects.

Stage 2. Creation of characters and scenery.

Discuss with the students the characters and scenery of the future animated film. Create your cartoon characters (for little men or animals, you can pre-make a wire frame). Prepare the scenery, for this you can print the background on a sheet of paper, you can use plasticineography, voluminous objects: houses, trees, bushes, interior items. When shooting from multiple angles, you can prepare several different backgrounds.

Stage 3. Workplace preparation.

Depending on what materials will be used to create animated films, you will need to equip the workplace.

If the action will unfold on the horizontal plane of the table or floor, set the tripod with the camera lens down. Look into the camera lens, there should not be anything superfluous in the frame (edges of the sheet, shadows from furniture or people ...). Intense, but uniform illumination of the working plane is suitable for such shooting. The main sheet (background) is better to fix.

If three-dimensional figures are used in an animated film, then the workplace should be a scene with a scenery. In this type of shooting, it is important to set the right light.

Stage 4. Preparation of working materials.

All the necessary materials for creating a cartoon must be prepared immediately. Because, after the first frame is taken, the children are in a state of play. They begin to quickly change the situation in the frame, trying to achieve the final result.

Of course, in the process of shooting, new ideas arise. Tools such as scissors, glue, colored paper, plasticine, felt-tip pens should be nearby.

Stage 5 Shooting static pictures - photos.

So, when everything is ready to shoot, imagine how your film should make the audience feel. Remember that this state will be largely determined by the first frames they see and the first sounds they hear.

Animated films of a narrative or educational nature are better to start from scratch. That is, the first frame is a blank sheet - the background. After that, characters will appear on it, and only then the action will take place.

Set objects and heroes to their original position, adjust focus, contrast and other shooting parameters. Take the first frame.

Change the position of the hero a little. Take a second frame. In one second, the video should be 5-24 frames, the accuracy and smoothness of the movement of the characters will depend on their number. The smaller the differences between frames, the smoother the movement of objects will be.

It is important that the camera does not move when shooting. Therefore, fix it on a tripod, place the tripod firmly so that children do not move it. For shooting, pressing a button, it is better to choose one "responsible".

Stage 6 Layout (installation).

Transfer the captured photos to your computer. Place pictures, music compositions, voice recordings in the editing program. adjust the frame rate of each individually or all at once. If necessary, you can copy, paste, delete them.

If the film needs to be dubbed, it's best to do so when you've finished editing on the timeline. Then it is easier for the child to navigate the plot and comment on what is happening on the screen. But you can also record the sound in advance and shoot an animated movie while listening to the audio recording. Translate the resulting work into video format and enjoy watching.

It is important to immediately show the finished cartoon to children. Then the technological chain of film creation will be clearer to them. And when shooting a new animated film, they will approach the process more consciously. When children watch self-made animated films, they are happy with the result and proud of their participation in the creation of the film. With pleasure they show it to their parents, they say how they created it.

For kindergarten teachers, the joint creation of a cartoon with children is an additional opportunity to talk about something new, to consolidate the material covered, to make a visual aid for classes or games.

ICT project "Creating plasticine cartoons"

Objective of the project:using the possibilities of information technology, create plasticine cartoons

The form: group project. In a group of 3-4 people

Subject areas: philology, technology, art

ICT competence:

· Initial experience with simple information objects, including audio and video fragments;

Saving the results of your work;

· Creation of full-scale animation using ICT tools: computer, microphone, camera.

Planned results:

schoolchildren will learn how to sculpt animals, birds,

create scenery;

stage a fairy tale;

shoot with a digital camera;

work in Movie Maker;

add a recording of your own voice to the video sequence;

add musical accompaniment to the video sequence;

Convert to video format.

Since the project is a group project, students will receive:

Experience in social and intercultural communication;

Moral and ethical experience of interaction with peers, older and younger children, adults in accordance with generally accepted moral standards;

Initial skills of labor creative cooperation with peers and adults;

Motivation for self-realization in social creativity, cognitive and practical, socially useful activities;

Initial experience of self-realization in various types of creative activity; the formation of the need and ability to express oneself in accessible forms of creativity.

The technology of creating a cartoon from plasticine

The technique of creating cartoons from plasticine is called Stop Motion animation. Stop motion is video material obtained from sequences of frames captured in a photo or selected from a video.

1. Read a fairy tale and choose the one suitable for implementation in a cartoon. Tales about animals are best suited for creating plasticine cartoons, as they are small in volume and have few acting characters.

2. Sculpt plasticine heroes (for little men or animals, you can first make a wire frame). Prepare the scenery. - stick on top with a thin layer of plasticine of the corresponding color. When shooting from multiple angles, two or three different backgrounds can be prepared.

3. Install a light source, it can be a table lamp. Fix the camera in such a way as to completely eliminate the possibility of shifting - using a tripod or other means.

4. Set objects and heroes to their original position and manually adjust the focus, contrast and other shooting parameters (manually - so that the automatic settings do not change from frame to frame). Take the first frame.

5. Slightly move the hero and photograph him again. In one second, the video should be 5-24 frames, the accuracy and smoothness of movement will depend on the number.