Choosing which type of animation to learn can feel overwhelming. You’ve probably seen dozens of animation styles online, all of which look quite interesting and promising in terms of building a career. But the main problem in this case is to identify which one suits you best. Some types of animation are more technical, whilst others are more artistic. Some are quick to pick up, others take years to master. Therefore, you must approach this choice very responsibly, so as not to regret your decision.
To clear up any doubts about your choice, our team of instructors at CADA have agreed to prepare this material. They have identified 7 main types of animation and broken them down in detail so that you can make the right decision for yourself.
Table of contents:
2D animation is one of the most accessible types of animation for beginners. It involves creating movement in a two-dimensional space using drawings or digital illustrations. These animations can be either hand-drawn frame by frame or created using digital rigs, with software automatically generating the in-between frames (a process known as tweening).
A key foundational aspect of 2D animation is understanding the 12 Principles of Animation, which define how motion behaves and feels believable to an audience. These principles are not exclusive to 2D—they also form the backbone of 3D animation, as both disciplines share the same core concepts of movement, weight, timing, and appeal. Because of this, learning 2D animation often makes the transition to 3D much easier, while skipping it can make developing strong animation skills more challenging. We explore these principles in more depth in our guide on Understanding the 12 Principles of Animation.
2D format is widely used in TV shows, web series, explainer videos, mobile games, and social media content. Whether it’s a YouTube cartoon or a character in an educational app, chances are high it was made using 2D animation.
Common tools to be used in 2D animation:
Learning 2D animation is relatively straightforward for beginners. You don’t need advanced software knowledge to start, and the tools are more user‑friendly compared to 3D. The challenge lies in creating smooth and believable motion, which takes practice and a good understanding of timing, posing, and rhythm. One of the biggest limitations of 2D animation, however, is the amount of time it requires. That said, if you enjoy drawing, the learning curve becomes much easier.
Yes, 2D animation remains widely used. It’s especially strong in content creation, indie game development, social media advertising, and performance marketing. One of its biggest advantages is that a single artist can create an entire project without needing a full production team, which is why many solo creators prefer it.
3D animation involves creating moving images in a three-dimensional space using computer-generated models. Unlike 2D animation, where you only animate flat drawings, 3D animation lets you build fully rotatable characters and objects with depth, lighting, shadows, and texture. This approach allows you to simulate real-world physics and camera movements, making the results more immersive and dynamic.
You’ll see 3D animation used in feature films, video games, product demos, architectural visualisations, VR/AR experiences, and advertising. It’s the dominant format in mainstream animation today, especially in the entertainment and tech industries. If you’ve ever watched a Pixar or DreamWorks movie, or played a modern console game, you’ve seen 3D animation in action.
Common tools for 3D animation:
3D animation is generally harder to learn than 2D, especially in the beginning. It requires not only a solid understanding of 2D animation fundamentals (12 Principles of Animation) but also familiarity with specialized software. However, unlike 2D animation, it doesn’t require strong drawing skills, making it a good choice for those who are more comfortable working with software than with sketching.
Learning 3D animation often also requires a basic understanding of rigging. In a typical production pipeline, the animation and rigging departments work closely together, meaning animators must communicate their needs to riggers to ensure characters and controls function properly. This collaborative workflow is an important part of working effectively in 3D animation.
More than even. It’s the most widely used type of animation across many industries. It’s a key part of the film, gaming, advertising, and tech sectors. Because of its realism and flexibility, 3D animation is also increasingly used in simulations, training content, and product demos? not just entertainment. As companies continue to invest in immersive experiences and virtual spaces, demand for 3D skills is only growing.
Another reason it’s popular is scalability. Once a 3D character or asset is built, it can be reused, re-animated, or repurposed in different contexts, which is cost-effective in larger productions. This makes it attractive to both studios and businesses looking for long-term value.
If you’re considering learning 3D professionally, then a good start without any risk could be our free 3D Bootcamp that starts every Wednesday.
Motion graphics is a form of animation focused on moving shapes, text, icons, and visual elements rather than full characters or scenes. It’s often used to explain ideas, visualise data, or reinforce brand identity in a clear and engaging way. Unlike character animation, motion graphics is more about design and structure than acting or storytelling.
This style is commonly used in explainer videos, UI animations, infographics, marketing assets, animated logos, and video overlays. You’ll often see it in social media campaigns, SaaS product demos, and even in-app animations. For many companies, motion graphics is the go-to format for communicating abstract or technical concepts in a visual way.
Common tools for motion graphics:
Compared to other types of animation, motion graphics is one of the easiest to start with. You don’t need to master drawing, or acting. Instead, you’ll work mostly with layers, keyframes, masks, and transitions – skills that are transferable to video editing and design work.
That said, advanced motion graphics can become complex once you get into 3D elements, procedural effects, or scripted automation. If you already have a background in design or video editing, you’ll likely find motion graphics to be a smooth and natural next step.
Motion graphics has gained its extreme popularity across marketing, tech, education, and e-commerce. Brands use motion graphics in ad campaigns, dashboards, onboarding flows, and pitch decks. Because it's scalable and efficient, businesses often rely on this format to explain products without needing actors, voiceover, or lengthy production cycles.
Another benefit is speed. You can create polished and effective videos in a relatively short time, especially with reusable templates and assets. For freelance animators and creative agencies, motion graphics remains one of the most in-demand services.
If you’re currently working in design, media, or communications, learning motion graphics can quickly boost your portfolio and unlock freelance opportunities.
Stop motion animation is a technique where physical objects are moved in small increments and photographed frame by frame to create the illusion of motion. When these frames are played in sequence, the objects appear to move on their own. One well-known variation is claymation, where all characters and sets are made from clay or similar flexible materials.
It has a distinct, tactile look that feels more personal and handcrafted. Well-known examples include Wallace & Gromit, Coraline, and Isle of Dogs — all of which gained attention for their artistic quality and originality.
Common tools and materials for stop motion:
Stop motion isn’t technically difficult, but it does require patience and precision. Each movement is made manually, and even short scenes can take hours to shoot. You’ll also need a basic understanding of lighting and camera angles to make your footage look smooth and consistent.
You don’t need animation software or drawing skills, which makes this format very accessible, especially for people who enjoy hands-on work. However, sculpting becomes a highly valuable skill in stop motion, particularly when creating and animating characters. A solid grasp of proportions, anatomy, and expressive features helps ensure characters move believably and remain consistent throughout a scene. In fact, a basic understanding of anatomy is important when animating characters in any animation style, not just stop motion.
Stop motion is a niche format, but it continues to have a strong following among independent creators, art schools, and advertising agencies looking for a distinctive style. Because it’s difficult to automate, the results often feel more authentic and unique. This gives it an edge when the goal is to stand out creatively.
You’ll also find stop motion widely used in social media ads, product showcases, and music videos, especially when brands want to add a handmade or vintage aesthetic. Even tech brands use it to humanise products and break away from overly polished CGI.
If you're someone who prefers building real things over working in front of a screen, stop motion might be the most satisfying animation style for you.
Traditional animation, also known as hand-drawn or cel animation, involves drawing every single frame by hand. This method was used in the early days of animation and is responsible for some of the most iconic films ever made — from Snow White and Bambi to Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away. Each movement is carefully crafted, frame by frame, often on transparent sheets (cels) layered over static backgrounds.
This style is still used in feature films, TV series, short films, and experimental animation, though less frequently than before. Today, many artists recreate the traditional look using digital tablets and drawing software, maintaining the charm of the original style while speeding up production.
For traditional animation, you have 2 main methods of creation to choose from:
Traditional animation is one of the hardest styles to learn. It requires strong drawing skills, patience, and a deep understanding of how motion works. You’ll be drawing the same character repeatedly in slightly different poses, which means keeping proportions and timing consistent across dozens or hundreds of frames.
Unlike digital rigging or tweening, there's no software doing the in-betweening for you. Every detail must be drawn manually.
While not as common in mainstream production, traditional animation remains highly respected and still has a strong presence in the animation world. Many independent studios and filmmakers choose this style for its expressive potential and artistic quality. In recent years, there’s been a renewed interest in the technique, especially in indie films and international cinema.
Rotoscoping is a technique where animators trace over live-action footage frame by frame to create realistic movement. This should not be confused with the rotoscoping from compositing as it is similar but not the same. The animation technique combines the accuracy of real-life motion with the artistic flexibility of animation. It can be used for full character animation, stylised effects, or subtle motion enhancements in post-production.
Originally done by projecting film onto a glass panel and drawing over it, modern rotoscoping is now done digitally using tools that allow precise frame-by-frame editing. While it may not be as widely used as 2D or 3D animation, rotoscoping remains an important stylistic choice in both filmmaking and music videos.
Common tools for rotoscoping:
Rotoscoping is relatively easy to start with, especially if you’re using software with good masking and frame navigation tools. It doesn’t require drawing skills from scratch as you’re working from reference footage. However, it does require precision, patience, and an eye for detail. Even slight inconsistencies in tracing can cause jitter or unnatural motion.
Rotoscoping is not mainstream in the sense of YouTube or TV animation, but it’s widely used behind the scenes in the film, television, and advertising industries. It's especially useful for creating stylised looks, mixed media effects, and masking out objects from footage.
Some creators use it artistically, turning real people into animated sequences — a style seen in films like A Scanner Darkly or music videos by artists such as Kanye West and Coldplay.
Whiteboard animation is a digital style that simulates the experience of watching someone draw on a whiteboard while explaining a concept. These animations are typically black-and-white, with simple line drawings appearing in sync with a voiceover. The result feels like a visual lecture — clear, structured, and easy to follow.
This style is most commonly used in educational content, business explainers, online courses, and training materials. It's particularly effective for breaking down complex topics into simple visuals, which is why it’s often used in corporate and e-learning environments.
Whiteboard animation can be created using:
Whiteboard animation is one of the easiest types of animation to learn. Most tools are template-based and beginner-friendly, with drag-and-drop interfaces. You don’t need to draw yourself or have any animation background to get started. These tools come with pre-built assets, hands, transitions, and background options that let you focus on the message.
While it’s not as trendy as motion graphics or 3D, whiteboard animation is still widely used in B2B, education, and non-profit sectors. It's often chosen for its straightforward, no-frills approach. When the goal is to teach or explain, rather than entertain, this style works well.
If you're aiming to make simple but effective videos that explain ideas step by step, whiteboard animation is a practical starting point.
By now, you’ve seen how different each animation style can be in terms of tools, skills required, and where it’s used. If you’re still not sure which one to start learning, the best thing you can do is reflect on your strengths, your interests, and your long-term goals.
Here are a few questions that can help you decide:
There’s no universal answer, but you don’t have to make a permanent choice right away. Many animators start with one format and later switch or combine others. What’s important is to choose something you can stay consistent with for at least a few weeks. That’s enough time to see if you enjoy it and want to go deeper.
If you’re leaning toward a more technical path, like 3D animation or motion graphics, it may be worth exploring structured training programs. At CADA, we offer a short term 3D animation course and a BA program to become a 3D artist.
Whichever path you choose, the most important step is just to start. Download the software, follow a beginner tutorial, and create something small. The rest will come with time, practice, and feedback.