What is the best frame rate for 2D animation rendering?

1 Frame rate standards

There is no definitive answer to what is the best frame rate for 2D animation, as different standards exist for different media and platforms. For example, film and cinema typically use 24 FPS, while TV and video games use 30 or 60 FPS. Online videos and web animations can vary from 12 to 60 FPS, depending on the quality and bandwidth. You should consider your target audience and distribution channel when choosing your frame rate, and aim for consistency and compatibility.

2 Frame rate perception

Another factor to consider is how the human eye perceives motion and animation. Generally, higher frame rates create smoother and more realistic animations, while lower frame rates create more choppy and stylized animations. However, this also depends on the type and speed of the movement, the level of detail and contrast, and the screen size and resolution. Some studies suggest that the human eye can perceive up to 150 FPS, but most people cannot tell the difference between 30 and 60 FPS. You should experiment with different frame rates and test them on different devices and screens to find the optimal balance between quality and performance.

3 Frame rate optimization

Rendering 2D animation can be a time-consuming and resource-intensive process, especially if you use high frame rates and complex effects. To optimize your rendering workflow and reduce the file size and rendering time of your animations, it is recommended to use vector graphics instead of raster graphics, as they are more scalable and require less memory. Additionally, reducing the number of frames and using keyframes, tweening, and interpolation to create smooth transitions can help. Applying filters, masks, and effects sparingly and selectively should also be considered as they can increase the rendering load and complexity. Finally, compressing and encoding your animations in a suitable format and quality for your target platform and audience is essential.

5 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?