Objective:

• To understand differences between animation choices
• To gain experience in using animated GIF and DHTML techniques to combine 2D images

I. Overview of Animation Types

Type	Software	Advantages	Disadvantages
Animated GIF (2D Raster)	ImageReady 3.0, GifBuilder, GIF Animator	Combines Raster images	Large files
DHTML	GoLive	Floating boxes with text & raster images	Not consistently supported by all browsers
2D Vector	Macromedia Flash	Small Files, scaleable	Needs plug-in, drawingtools simple (import from other programs)
3D Camera Animation	FormZ, Design Workshop Lightscape	Simple Keyframe Animation	Eye and Target only (+ Sun for DW)
3D Object Animation	3D Studio Max, Strata Studio Pro	Close control of 3D objects & Environment, Max Object oriented	Complex interfaces
Video editing software	Adobe Premiere, iMovie, Final Cut Pro	Combines video, sound, images & text with transition effects	Files can be large

III. ImageReady GIF Animation

Add Inc. Site & Components

Building components

IV. GoLive Animation

Building components

Example with transparent components

Floating box DHTML animation tutorial (frog)

V. References

RealWorld GoLive

Layer Mask Animation (Photoshop Classroom in a Box Lesson 8, part 2)