In recent years computers have become the dominant tool for creating animations. In the past, this art form was done using analogue based techniques. The switch to digital animation is due to several reasons.
Less Time Consuming
Traditional animation requires the filmmakers to draw individual frames and take pictures of them. These images are then played in sequence, which creates the illusion of movement. It is a notoriously slow form of production, which often takes days. Meanwhile, a professional-looking computer animation of the same length can be produced in a matter of hours or even minutes.
Computer animated models can be more complexly shaped. This is due to the geometric programmes available, which are more precise than the human hand. Animated characters made in this way may have thousands of individual elements that create movement. These characters are also sculpted, painted and textured with multiple layers. Body language and facial expressions can be detailed and look closer to that of real-life people.
Analogue cartoons will sometimes seem juddery due to the handmade nature of them. Using a computer tends to make the final product much smoother. The filmmaker has more freedom in terms of frame rates. If the frames per second are increased, it will make the animated movement appear more seamless to the viewer.
Digital Storage and Copying
Analogue animated films need to be stored as hard copies. However, digital storage takes up much less space. The film could be kept on a computer hard drive or external memory device. This is much more convenient for production companies as it maximizes the amount of available physical storage space. Furthermore, the animated film can be copied multiple times and sent across the internet. To keep an animation safe, filmmakers often back it up, so there is always another copy available.