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.
November 10, 2025
Choose a style based on purpose, complexity and context. Use this checklist:
2D animation is versatile, relatable and great for making abstract stories quickly understandable. From sleek motion graphics to hand-drawn illustrations, you'll seamlessly match the style to your corporate identity. With flat shapes, icons and typography, information comes across compactly and rhythmically, ideal for campaigns, social content, onboarding and 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 animation gives depth, realism and complete control over camera, light and material. You show products from all angles, zoom in on internal parts, or simulate processes and environments you can't film in real life. 3D is perfect for product demonstrations, high-tech solutions, construction and industry, or when you're looking for a premium look. If you want to specifically highlight features and operation of a product, choose a product animation.
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.
An explanation animation (explanimation) translates complex information into a clear story with logical structure: problem, solution, operation and call-to-action. This style often combines 2D motion graphics with icons, illustrations and voice-over. Ideal for onboarding, new services, internal processes or behavioral change.
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.
Technical animations make complex products, installations and processes visually understandable to non-technical and technical audiences. For example, you show internal mechanisms, flows or safety scenarios that you capture awkwardly in video. With CAD or STEP files you speed up the construction and increase accuracy.
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.
A corporate animation is your brand story in moving images. You link mission, propositions and evidence to a visual style that carries your identity. Think of a short hero-video on your homepage, a trade show slider or a pitch video for sales.
Choose this type when you want to strengthen positioning, distinction and brand trust. The tone of voice ranges from playful to premium; illustration, 2D/3D or mixed-media is tailored to your corporate identity and target audience.
Want to spar about the best choice for your project? Animation Agency in Eindhoven and Amsterdam helps you with honest advice, customization and high-quality visuals.
Animation is bringing images to life through successive frames. Common types of animation include 2D animation, 3D animation, explainer animation, corporate animation, technical animation, whiteboard, motion graphics, stop-motion, typographic, character and infographic animation.
You can think of styles as visual approaches within techniques. Examples: sleek motion graphics in 2D, isometric 2.5D for depth with efficiency, photorealistic 3D, hand-drawn, or mixed-media in which you combine techniques for a unique look.
Usually you go through: 1) concept and script, 2) storyboard and style frames, 3) animation and production (2D/3D, voice-over, music), 4) sound design, revisions and delivery for the desired channels.
Animation includes all forms of moving, created images: 2D, 3D, stop-motion, motion graphics, character animation and variants such as whiteboard and infographic animations. AR/VR and projection mapping also build on animation techniques.
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