Published Date:
January 5, 2024

What is 2.5D Animation [Benefits, Examples, Process]

Co-Founder & CEO, MotionGility

So if you’re confused about what exactly 2.5D animation is, you’re not alone!

What’s more interesting is that almost everyone who hears 2.5D assumes it to be a middle-ground between 2D and 3D; which is actually true:)

But there’s more to understand because it’s one of the most appealing forms of animation you will ever come across.

For the uniqueness and versatility that it offers, its popularity can be decently justified.

Continue reading to catch up with what it’s all about…

What is 2.5D Animation?

2.5D animation is a fusion of 2D and 3D animation. Here, animators create an illusion of 3D animation by presenting objects and characters in an isometric perspective.

The 2.5D animation style goes one step beyond 2D animation, providing an enhanced visual of the concept or product explained in the animated video.

And the isometric aspect is integrated by switching the camera angle, which allows the central plot to be viewed in a visually compelling manner, thus adding depth to the video.

So if you look into the usability perspective, the 2.5D style is mostly preferred by startups wanting to launch their complex products as well as enterprises planning to communicate their company vision to their target audience.

Is there a difference between 2D, 2.5D, and 3D Animation?

Not surprising that you were probably looking to find a differentiating factor between them after understanding what 2.5D is:)

Certainly, there’s a difference in process, timelines, costing, skills, software, etc.

Check out the differences between them alongside relevant examples:

1. 2D Animation

2D animation is the illusion of movement of flat objects, characters, and backgrounds in a flat 2-dimensional environment.

Here, different visual elements of different widths and heights are brought together and illusion is created without the involvement of depth in them using animation software.

2. 2.5D Animation

Everything remains the same as explained above. It’s just the portrayal of objects and characters showcased as in 3D animation against a flat 2D backdrop.

So presenting the visuals as per the isometric angle provides an enhanced viewing experience to the viewers.

3. 3D Animation

Goes without saying – 3D animation involves the presentation of characters and objects in a 3-dimensional setup where these elements are equipped with more depth and clarity apart from just width and height.

3D animation is a more complex and time-consuming process to undertake and is preferred mostly by brands with heavy budgets.

Creative 2.5D Animation Examples

Well, your exploration of 2.5D animation must not be limited to mere definitions, benefits, and differentiation.

Here are a few examples we’ve compiled just for your better understanding:

1. Mercados JouleOS

We created this business animated explainer video for Mercados Energy Markets.

After understanding their requirements, we sat down to create a mini-walkthrough video in 2.5D animation style that demonstrates their cloud-based power portfolio management program.

The key idea was to integrate rich visual elements such as relatable characters, engaging charts, catchy icons, focused background setup, etc., to help enhance their communication.

This allowed them to better position their product from their competitors and elevate their marketing efforts through an engaging video

2. Isometric Animation for Regulatory Awareness

Complying with the GDPR laws is necessary for companies dealing with public data at mass.

Since these regulations are quite vast and complex to understand, it becomes imperative for institutions to explain them creatively and at the same time, quickly.

So in this video, the narrative begins with an actionable script and catchy 2.5D graphics highlighting the role GRC Control plays in helping companies stay aligned with the legal framework.

Lastly, smooth transitions and motions help communicate the message effectively.

3. Rug Explainer Video Animation

How would you promote your rug business?

Because while purchasing rugs, customers often tend to visualize their placement in their houses. And no matter how small or big their houses are, they always end up confused.

So Land of Rugs chose to digitally address this problem via an animated video by helping their target audience understand how the rug would look in their houses through a unique viewing angle.

This fulfilled their agenda of user education through relatable high-quality visuals and also increased their brand’s awareness in their target audiences’ minds.

How to create 2.5D Videos?

Now that you have watched a few of the videos based on 2.5D, it’s important to understand its process.

You guessed it right – There goes a lot behind the scenes to produce an animated video. The video production process more or less remains the same throughout agencies.

However, the key differentiator comes out to be creativity in storytelling and idea presentation. And this is where we at MotionGility come into the picture.

Here’s how we do it:

1. Research & Scripting

To create an excellent video, it’s necessary to gather crisp information about the platform or whatever you wish to communicate.

Get your key materials such as target audience, brand’s USP, pain points, etc., in one place and begin writing the video’s script.

It needs to be crisp, engaging, and to the point. Remember – your audience has low attention spans and wants a potential solution to their problems.

2. Storyboard

This is your video’s blueprint. Creating a Storyboard will allow you to visualize your video’s flow, camera angles, and final output.

Visual storytelling has an important say here. The storyboard contains a series of colorless sketches that speak about what each frame is all about and allows your illustration artists to design graphics as per it.

3. Illustration

It’s here when your sketches come to life. This stage involves the creation of catchy background scenes, characters, supporting objects, icons, infographics, etc.

Note – The characters and scenes are created as per a particular design style, aligned with the brand’s tonality

4. Voiceover & Animation

The last leg of the production process – Before this bunch of rich creative visuals moves to the animation stage, the background voiceover gets ready.

Usually, the selection of voiceover depends on the theme of the video.

So in animation, artists usually spread their magic of creativity in terms of integrating situational sound effects [SFX], adding seamless transitions, and presenting the items in a synced manner.

Why Global Brands Are Preferring 2.5D Animation Videos Over 3D?

If top brands including Slack, Microsoft, etc., prefer this video style, there certainly has to be something special about them.

But here are a few reasons why even you should consider using them:

1. Storytelling Potential

It’s not that 2D videos won’t offer your audience a better brand storytelling experience.

But what makes 2.5D special is that extra edge that they bring to the table in terms of additional depth and dimensions in your narrative.

This helps you elevate your communication and enhance your marketing efforts.

2. Greater Memorability

2.5D videos are armed with interactive and captivating elements that grab viewers’ attention instantly.

Now on top of that, the script and motion graphics add to the fun which makes complex concepts easy and engaging enough to retain for a longer time.

So if your video carries distinctive visuals, you’re most likely to cement your position in your target market.

3. Less Expensive

Quite obvious to say – 2.5D is comparatively affordable than getting 3D animation created as they offer you a 3D viewing experience at the cost of 2.5D.

Because if you’re planning to get a 3D video created, you will be greeted with tons of complexities and lengthy production timelines.

Moreover, many tech companies today are using such creative videos to enhance their product launch campaigns. So not a bad choice, anyway:)

Conclusion

From the multiple styles of animation available, 2.5D stands out solidly when it comes to persuading viewers to take action.

And why not when you have an opportunity to present your product in such an engaging manner?

But anyway, here’s everything you might ever require to know about 2.5D animation.

So if you’re planning to get one for yourself, we’re here to help you out with our creative videos created for global names such as HDFC, Pfizer, Nissan, etc.

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