How many frames per second is animation?

Why is animation 24 frames per second?

The 24 fps standard originated with the transition to synchronized sound in motion pictures during the late 1920s. Engineers discovered that 24 frames per second was the minimum speed required to reproduce high-quality audio on a film strip without significant distortion. Because animators were already working within the established cinematic framework, they adopted this rate to ensure their work was compatible with standard theater projectors.

This specific speed provides a balance between fluid motion and production economy. Animators rarely draw 24 unique images for every second of footage; instead, they often animate "on twos," meaning one drawing is held for two frames. This technique results in 12 unique drawings per second, which provides a distinct, stylized aesthetic. Using 24 fps ensures that the motion remains consistent with live-action film, preventing a jarring visual experience for the audience.

How to choose the right frame rate

Selecting a frame rate depends entirely on the intended output and the desired aesthetic of your project. Cinematic productions almost exclusively use 24 fps to maintain a traditional filmic quality. If you are creating content for television or web broadcasts, you may consider higher rates to accommodate specific display technologies or to achieve a more realistic, lifelike motion.

1. 24 fps: Best for traditional, cinematic, or hand-drawn animation styles.
2. 30 fps: Often used for television broadcasts and some digital streaming content.
3. 60 fps: Ideal for high-motion video games, sports broadcasts, and ultra-smooth digital effects.
4. 12 fps: Frequently used for stylized, "scratchy," or experimental animation to save time.

When choosing, consider your target platform. Most web players and social media platforms handle 24 fps and 30 fps without issue. However, if your animation contains fast-moving objects, higher frame rates can prevent the motion blur and strobing effects that occasionally occur at lower speeds.

How to animate on ones, twos, and threes

Animators use the concept of "holding" drawings to manage the workload of creating frame-by-frame movement. Animating "on ones" means creating a new drawing for every single frame, resulting in 24 unique images per second. This is the most labor-intensive method but provides the smoothest possible motion, often reserved for high-budget feature films or complex action sequences.

• On ones: 24 drawings per second; extremely smooth, high effort.
• On twos: 12 drawings per second; standard for most traditional animation.
• On threes: 8 drawings per second; used for limited animation or specific artistic pauses.

Animating on twos is the industry standard for traditional 2D animation. By holding each drawing for two frames, you reduce the number of required drawings by half while maintaining the 24 fps playback speed. This technique is efficient and gives the animation a classic, rhythmic quality that audiences associate with traditional hand-drawn cartoons.

Common mistakes when setting frame rates

A frequent mistake for beginners is changing the frame rate mid-project. If you begin a project at 12 fps and decide to switch to 24 fps later, your timing will be ruined, and your motion will appear sluggish or disjointed. Always define your frame rate in your project settings before you draw your first frame to ensure the software calculates the timing correctly.

Another error is ignoring the relationship between frame rate and shutter speed. In live-action, a 180-degree shutter rule is used to create natural motion blur. Animators often forget to simulate this blur, leading to "staccato" movement where the animation looks like a series of flickering images. To fix this, ensure your timing is consistent and consider adding subtle motion blur in post-production if you are working at lower frame rates.

Best practices for smooth animation

To achieve professional results, prioritize consistent timing over high frame counts. A common misconception is that more frames always equal better animation. In reality, the quality of the "spacing"—the distance between objects in consecutive frames—is far more important than the raw number of frames. If your spacing is uneven, the animation will look jittery regardless of whether you are working at 24 or 60 fps.

• Use a "timing chart" to map out your key poses before drawing in-betweens.
• Test your animation by playing it back at full speed frequently during the process.
• Focus on the "arcs" of movement to ensure smooth transitions between keyframes.
• Keep your key poses clear and readable to guide the viewer’s eye effectively.

By mastering the relationship between your keyframes and the timing of your playback, you can create compelling movement. Whether you choose to animate on ones or twos, the goal is to maintain a consistent rhythm that supports your story. Consistent practice will allow you to develop an intuitive sense of timing that makes your animation look natural and fluid.