Choosing the right animation is easier if you know what each style does. Below are the main types of animations with clear examples and when to use which one. From 2D and 3D to explainer animations, corporate animations and technical animations. You'll get practical selection criteria, a brief comparison and answers to frequently asked questions. So you can quickly determine which types of animation suit your purpose, target group and budget.
August 14, 2023
Choose a style based on purpose, complexity and context. Use this checklist:
Technische animaties maken complexe producten, installaties en processen visueel inzichtelijk voor niet-technische en technische doelgroepen. Je toont bijvoorbeeld interne mechanismen, stromingen of veiligheidsscenario’s die je in video lastig vastlegt. Met CAD- of STEP-bestanden versnel je de opbouw en verhoog je de nauwkeurigheid.
This style works great for product training, maintenance instructions, safety, R&D and sales support. By eliminating noise and showing exactly what matters, you reduce chances of error and speed up decision-making.
2D animatie is veelzijdig, herkenbaar en zeer geschikt om abstracte verhalen snel begrijpelijk te maken. Van strakke motion graphics tot handgetekende illustraties, je stemt de stijl naadloos af op je huisstijl. Dankzij platte vormen, iconen en typografie komt informatie compact en ritmisch over, ideaal voor campagnes, social content, onboarding en apps.
Opt for 2D when your core message and brand identity are central and you are looking for a good balance between impact, lead time and budget. Think of a product intro with iconic visualizations, a step-by-step plan for service activation or an HR video that explains policy. With smart transitions, infographics and clear voice-over, you build recognition quickly and hold attention.
3D animatie geeft diepte, realisme en volledige controle over camera, licht en materiaal. Je laat producten van alle kanten zien, zoomt in op interne onderdelen, of simuleert processen en omgevingen die je in het echt niet kunt filmen. 3D is perfect voor productdemonstraties, high-tech oplossingen, bouw en industrie, of wanneer je een premium uitstraling zoekt. Wil je specifiek kenmerken en werking van een product uitlichten, kies dan voor een productanimatie.
If you have CAD models or technical drawings, speed up production and increase accuracy. Choose 3D when detail and persuasiveness are decisive, such as for a pitch, trade show or product launch. Tip: isometric 2.5D combines 3D look with 2D efficiency and is suitable when you want depth, but with shorter turnaround time.
Een uitleganimatie, oftewel explanimation, vertaalt complexe informatie naar een helder verhaal met logische opbouw: probleem, oplossing, werking en call-to-action. Vaak combineert deze stijl 2D motion graphics met iconen, illustraties en voice-over. Ideaal voor onboarding, nieuwe diensten, interne processen of gedragsverandering.
Choose an explainer animation when your core message needs clarification and you want quick support. By bringing together scenarios, metaphors and infographics, your target audience will understand within a minute what it's all about and what the next step is.
Thename says it all, a business animation is meant for brief, understandable and clear portrayal of your organization. Thus, a corporate animation is the visual business card for your company. It contains distinctive illustrations, and this type of animation again comes out well on your website.
Advantages of a corporate animation are the high degree of recognizability by adding characteristic elements of your company (including corporate identity and story). Furthermore, an animation (unlike video) makes everything even more concrete because everything can be depicted.
Our partners
