Step-by-step plan for creating 3D animation

Step 1: Objective, target audience, and briefing

Everything depends on clarity at the outset. Together, we determine the purpose of your 3D animation: to inform, persuade, onboard, sell, or train. We explore your target audience, channels, and desired call to action. We then translate your input—from product documentation and use cases to brand identity—into a compact briefing that guides every subsequent choice. Think of core messages, must-haves, and preconditions such as resolutions, languages, and deadlines. We immediately establish how we will work together: number of feedback rounds, designated contacts, and planning. Thanks to these clear frameworks, you avoid rework later in the process and the turnaround time remains predictable. Want to know exactly how we work together? Take a look at our approach to 3D animation projects.

Step 2: Script and storyboard

Based on the briefing, we write a script that takes the viewer on a logical journey: from context to problem, solution, evidence, and action. We monitor timing, rhythm, and technical jargon to ensure that the information is accurate without becoming complex. At the same time, we develop a storyboard for animation with the key visual, camera angle, movement, and any on-screen text for each scene. This is the moment to focus on content accuracy and storyline. Do you already have CAD models, process steps, or safety guidelines that need to be included? Then we incorporate them here. The script forms the verbal skeleton and the storyboard the visual plan on which the rest of the production rests. Where necessary, we also create style frames to secure the look and feel at an early stage.

Step 3: Animatic

The animatic is a rough, accelerated preview of your animation. We string together storyboard frames in the correct timing, often with temporary audio. You can see the rhythm, camera changes, and scene structure without the materials and lighting being finalized. This is the perfect moment to review whether the story flows smoothly, whether callouts and captions are in the right places, and whether the length is appropriate for the intended channels. We process your feedback and then finalize the structure. This step helps you avoid costly changes once the 3D scenes have been heavily developed.

Step 4: 3D assets and CAD data

For technical accuracy, we build on existing 3D or CAD data wherever possible. We can import most common formats and optimize them for animation: cleaning up geometry, reducing polygons where necessary, and logically restructuring assemblies for control in the timeline. Components that are visually important are given extra detail; we minimize hidden or irrelevant elements for rendering performance. If no model is available, we model the object or system based on drawings, photos, or prototypes. We guarantee confidentiality with an NDA and we agree on which internal information may or may not be visible, for example in exploded views or cross-sections. Finally, we link functional logic: which components move when, how mechanical parts interact, which tolerances or safety situations must be visible. This creates a production-ready set of assets that is both technically accurate and cinematically usable.

Step 5: Animation and camera work

With the assets ready, we bring the whole thing to life. We animate mechanisms, fluids, or particle flows and choose camera movements that reinforce the message. Timing remains key: what exactly does the viewer need to understand and when? Where necessary, we make parts semi-transparent or cut through materials to reveal internal processes. For complex systems, we work with chapters or micro-scenarios, so that your animation can be reused in separate segments for sales, instruction, or social media. During this phase, we balance performance and quality to ensure that the final renders remain sleek and consistent.

Step 6: Rendering, finishing, and delivery

Once the movement and camera work are finalized, we complete the look with materials, lighting, and environments that match your brand and goal. We then start the 3D rendering and edit the shots into a single whole. We add titles, callouts, subtitles, sound design, and—if chosen—the final voice-over. In the final edit, we check the framing per channel, color consistency, and text readability. You will receive a final review version for approval. We then deliver master files in the formats you need for web, social media, events, or narrowcasting.

• Standard delivery: MP4 H.264 or H.265 in 1080p or 4K, sRGB color profile
• Optional: subtitle files, silent versions for trade shows, shortened teasers, loop variants
• Source material: high-resolution stills for print or presentations available upon request

Lead time and planning

The total turnaround time depends on complexity, availability of CAD data, and the number of feedback rounds. The estimated times below will help you plan.

• Short logo or product motion: 1–2 weeks, 1–2 review moments
• Product or process animation: 3–6 weeks, 2–3 review moments
• Complex technical animation: 6–10 weeks, 3–4 review moments

Cost factors: what determines the price?

There are no fixed package prices for 3D animation, because every project is customized. These factors determine the investment:

• Complexity - number of scenes, level of detail, physics, or simulations
• Assets - quality and availability of CAD data, additional modeling required
• Duration - total playing time and number of variants or languages
• Audio - voice-over, music licenses, multilingualism
• Format - 4K, social crops, stills for print or trade show displays
• Lead time - regular process or accelerated planning

We always recommend a brief call first to align scope, planning, and budget. Based on that, you will receive a clear quote with deliverables and planning. Would you like an indication in advance? Read: What does it cost to have 3D animation made?

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the stages of 3D animation?

Briefing, script and storyboard, animatic, 3D asset preparation, animation and camera work, rendering and editing, delivery. Each phase has its own review moments. Want more background information? Read 3D animation in detail.

How many steps are required to create a 3D animation?

In practical terms, you work with 6 to 7 steps. A good animatic and a solid CAD-to-asset phase are crucial to avoid costly changes later on.

How to create 3D animations for beginners?

Start small: define one clear message, work with simple shapes, keep scenes short, and test your timing with a rough animatic before diving into lookdev and rendering.

Can ChatGPT create animations?

No, ChatGPT does not create 3D animations. However, you can use AI for brainstorming or as a script assistant. The actual production is done in 3D software by specialists.

Can you use our CAD models?

Yes. We import and optimize CAD data, anonymize it where necessary, and guarantee confidentiality with an NDA. We coordinate what may be visible.

What is the advantage of 3D compared to video recordings?

You can visualize internal processes, variants, and exploded views without a physical product or set. What's more, content is scalable to stills, social crops, and multilingual versions.