Animation Terms
Interactive Media Terms
Multi-platform Terms
12 Principles of Animation
Adobe Animate Tools
100

The frequency at which consecutive images (frames) appear in a sequence, typically measured per second.

Frame Rate

100

Triggers that occur in an application or web page, such as user actions (clicks, key presses) or changes in state.

Events

100

A simulated experience that can be similar to or completely different from the real world, typically achieved through the use of VR headsets.

Virtual Reality

100

Directs the viewer’s attention to the most important part of a scene by using composition, lighting, and positioning. It ensures clarity and effectiveness in storytelling.

Staging

100

Tool used to select different items on your stage.

Selection Tool

200

The dimensions of an image, usually given in pixels (e.g., 800x600). It affects both the resolution and file size.

Image Size

200

Named storage locations in a program that hold data values.

Variable

200

A family of operating systems developed by Microsoft for personal computers.

Microsoft Windows

200

Two techniques for animation. One involves drawing each frame in sequence, while the other involves creating keyframes first and then filling in the gaps.

Straight Ahead Action and Pose to Pose

200

Used to draw straight and curved lines to create objects.

Pen Tool

300

Graphics that use mathematical equations to create shapes, allowing for infinite scalability without loss of quality. Commonly used in illustrations and logos.

Vector Graphics

300

A high-level programming language primarily used for creating interactive elements on web pages.

Java Script

300

A mobile operating system developed by Apple Inc. for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch devices.

Apple iOS

300

Enhances the main action by adding additional movements that complement it. For example, a character’s arms swinging while they walk adds depth to their movement.

Secondary Action

300

Tool used to scale, rotate, or skew a selection.

Free Transform Tool

400

Specific frames that define important points in an animation, establishing the start and end of a transition or motion. They serve as reference points for interpolation.

Keyframes

400

Reusable blocks of code that perform specific tasks.

Functions

400

A graphics interchange format that supports both static and animated images. They consist of a series of images displayed in sequence, creating simple animations that can be easily shared online.

Animated GIF

400

Creates a more realistic motion by adding more frames at the start and end of an action, allowing for a gradual acceleration and deceleration.

Slow In and Slow Out

400

Tool used to remove unwanted elements on the stage. 

Eraser Tool

500

The gradual acceleration or deceleration of motion in animations, which can create a more natural movement.

Easing

500

Text in an interactive media application that can change during runtime based on user input, variables, or other factors.

Dynamic Text

500

A single image file that contains multiple frames of animation.

Sprite Sheet

500

Gives the illusion of weight and volume to characters and objects by altering their shape.

Squash and Stretch

500

Tool used to draws circles and ovals.

Oval Tool