1. Objective 103.04 4% Utilize appropriate tools and methods to produce digital animation.

2. GIF or Not GIF? Use GIF for animation:
On websites to demonstrate concept or idea
On social media
On presentation software
Do not use GIF for animation:
When colors need to be exact, GIF=only 256 colors
When the visual needs to be large, GIFs take longer to load

3. Exporting GIF Files Optimizing GIF files
If the file is too large, the image size can be optimized on the dialog screen.
How often the animation loops can also be set when exporting.

4. Frame-Based Animation
Traditional animation
Each frame and background hand drawn (not typically covered in this course).
Rotoscope
Traced photographic or video images with a hand-drawn appearance.
Claymation
Clay characters or moquettes moved in small increments between still photographs.
Paper cut out animation
Similar to claymation, but with cut out shapes

5. Rotoscope Techniques
Rotoscope work involves careful tracing of individual frames in recorded video.
Suggestions for rotoscoping:
Although film is typically 24 FPS, in rotoscope it is normal for only every other frame to be traced, then played at 12 FPS.
It is easiest to do with the help of a drawing tablet which allows for more natural tracing on the screen.

6. Stop-Motion Animation
Suggestions for claymation or paper animation:
It is essential to use a tripod with the same camera in the same location used to shoot each picture.
Because digital cameras have relatively large resolution compared to individual frames in video, carefully determine what size image would work best for your editing software, and your final product before beginning the project.

7. Vector Animation Common tips for beginning an animation:
Use ActionScript 3 for most animations.
Set stage size to match final output size.
Check frame rate.
Select background first.
Auto Save is helpful.

8. Choose Type of Tween
Motion Tweening - Most common type of movement. Objects (as symbols) can change position, rotation, alpha and size.
Shape Tweening - Objects can morph from one shape or color to another shape or color as defined by keyframes
Classic Tweening - Older way to animate, great for simple movement.

9. Alpha Adjustments
Transparency can be done in the properties panel or in the color palette.

10. Pivot Point Adjustments
Use pivot point to set where movement should occur.
Pivot Points start in the center
Move pivot to new rotation point
Makes movement more natural

11. Exporting Vector Animation
Always save an original Animate or Flash project to preserve layers and allow further editing.
Export Movie allows work to be saved in a variety of formats. Be sure to optimize the file to meet client’s needs.