What’s an animation database?

Print anything with Printful



Animation databases provide access to animations and related information for animators, often for a fee. They can be used for finding clips, human movement demonstrations, and filler for crowd scenes. The databases may focus on specific types of animation and have a robust search function. Animators use math based on research into how humans and animals move, which can be found in animation databases. They are also useful for remixing and creating clip projects. The best database to use depends on the user’s needs, and some may offer temporary passes before paying a fee.

An animation database is a repository of animations and related information available to anyone who wants to use them, sometimes for a fee. Such databases can be useful for animators who need clips for projects, want human movement demonstrations, or need filler for crowd scenes in animated pieces. Some databases are associated with professional organizations and are open only to members of those organizations, while others are free to the public.

The animation database may focus on a specific type of animation or it may provide a number of types, separated by category. It typically has a robust search function to help users find what they need in a timely manner. Database users can do something like look up an animation of a chemical process for a presentation so they don’t have to create one from scratch, or look up recorded human movements to make their animations more realistic. Databases can include various types of animation and motion capture for the benefit of users.

Animators use a variety of tools in their work. They don’t actually draw every frame and can use math to animate characters believably and naturally. Their math is based heavily on research into how humans and animals move. Information about that research, including variations in human movement, is available through an animation database. For example, if an animator wants to create a character with a limp, he can consult a database to find motion capture information about people with a limp to use as a basis for his programming.

Animation databases are also useful for remixing and creating clip projects. Some contain archival material that is open to the public or can be licensed for a fee. Animators can piece together clips into creative work ranging from documentaries on animation styles to critical commentary on various animated works. An animator might, for example, compile images of princesses in a specific company’s films to highlight similarities and differences.

The best animation database to use may depend on what the user needs. Users who want things like raw motion capture data may need a specialized database. For clips and similar resources, a public domain database may have extensive user materials. Other animators may want to search collections of science animations, historical animations, and so on for specific tasks. An animation database may offer a temporary pass for a user to explore before paying a fee.




Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN


Skip to content