How can you create animated videos with sound and music using computer graphics software?

1 Choose your software

The first step is to choose the software that suits your needs, preferences, and budget. There are many options available, from free and open source software like Blender, Synfig, or Audacity, to professional and expensive software like Adobe After Effects, Maya, or Pro Tools. You should consider the features, compatibility, ease of use, and support of each software before making your decision. You can also try out different software and compare their results and workflows.

2 Plan your story and storyboard

The next step is to plan your story and storyboard. A story is the narrative or message that you want to convey with your video, and a storyboard is a visual representation of your story using sketches, images, or text. A storyboard helps you to organize your scenes, transitions, actions, and dialogues, and to estimate the length and pace of your video. You can use paper and pencil, a digital drawing software, or a dedicated storyboard software to create your storyboard.

3 Create your assets and animation

The third step is to create your assets and animation. Assets are the elements that you use in your video, such as characters, backgrounds, objects, or effects. Animation is the process of making your assets move, change, or interact. Depending on your software and style, you can create your assets and animation using different techniques, such as 2D or 3D modeling, drawing, painting, sculpting, rigging, keyframing, motion capture, or physics simulation. You should follow the guidelines and principles of animation to make your video realistic, expressive, and engaging.

4 Add your sound and music

The fourth step is to add your sound and music. Sound and music are essential components of your video that enhance the mood, atmosphere, and emotion of your story. You can use your own voice, sound effects, or music, or you can find and download royalty-free or licensed sound and music from online sources. You should use a sound editing software to record, edit, mix, and synchronize your sound and music with your animation. You should also consider the quality, volume, and balance of your sound and music.

5 Export and share your video

The final step is to export and share your video. Exporting is the process of converting your video into a file format that can be played on different devices and platforms. You should choose the appropriate format, resolution, frame rate, and compression settings for your video, depending on your purpose and audience. Sharing is the process of uploading or distributing your video to the internet or other media. You should choose the best platform, channel, or method to share your video with your intended viewers.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?