Computer animation is an enormous and rapidly expanding field with many software products and techniques available. This chapter attempts to demystify the subject and to explain the reasoning that might help you to choose an appropriate animation package and file format for your animation project.

Firstly we look at some of the fundamental principles of computer graphics to help you understand the jargon and make sense of the options available in animation software packages. Secondly we look at the type of animation tools available. Many different packages implement tools based on the same general principles. This section will help you to identify the techniques that you need and help you find them in your chosen package.

Finally we consider some of the issues that affect the playback of animation on various different delivery platforms. It is useful to understand the strengths and limitations of your chosen means of delivery before attempting to design the animation.

After reading this chapter you should understand:

• The terminology used to describe computer graphics and computer animation

• The types of animation package and their suitability for different applications

• The standard animation techniques that are available in many animation packages
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• How to choose a file format suitable for your needs

• How to prepare animation sequences for playback on your chosen delivery platform