Graphics and Animation
Computer graphics create images using shapes and pixels, and animation shows frames in quick succession to give an illusion of movement.
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Computer graphics create images using shapes and pixels, and animation shows frames in quick succession to give an illusion of movement.
- Vector graphics use shapes and scale without blur
- Bitmap graphics use pixels
- Frame rate is frames per second
🧠 Quick quiz
Three questions. Score 2 or more to complete the topic.
What is Graphics and Animation?
Within Computer Science, which covers algorithms, programming, data, networks, hardware and safe, responsible use of technology, this topic explains Graphics and Animation. Computing topics explain how software, hardware and data work, with diagrams and models that show each step in order.
Check that you can explain Graphics and Animation in your own words and give one example from everyday life. If you can do that, you have understood the core idea.
Understanding Graphics and Animation helps you design, test and explain programs, websites and systems, from small projects to exam questions.
Graphics and Animation in detail
Computer graphics create and manipulate images. Raster (bitmap) graphics use pixels, and vector graphics use shapes defined by mathematical formulae, which scale well. Software includes image editors, illustration tools and 3D modelling programs.
Animation creates the illusion of movement by showing a sequence of images (frames) quickly, usually 24 or more per second. Techniques include frame-by-frame animation, tweening (the computer fills in the frames between key frames) and 3D rendering. Applications include films, games, adverts and user interfaces. Key concepts include resolution, frame rate, layers and file formats.
How the interactive helps you understand Graphics and Animation
Watch the shape transformation in the interactive. Use any sliders or buttons it offers to change the values and see how the shape transformation responds.
Before you change anything, predict the result. Then change one value at a time and check whether your prediction was right. This is a quick way to build a correct mental model of Graphics and Animation.
Real-life uses and examples
- Apply Graphics and Animation when you design a small program, website or spreadsheet.
- Explain Graphics and Animation to someone new to computing by comparing it to a familiar process.
- Trace through a process that uses Graphics and Animation to check what it does step by step.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Testing only the normal case and forgetting the edge cases.
- Using the term without being able to say what the computer actually does.
- Learning the definition without testing it. Use the quiz and the interactive to check that you can apply the idea.
Frequently asked questions about Graphics and Animation
What is Graphics and Animation?
Computer graphics create images using shapes and pixels, and animation shows frames in quick succession to give an illusion of movement.
What are the most important points about Graphics and Animation?
The main points are: Vector graphics use shapes and scale without blur; Bitmap graphics use pixels; Frame rate is frames per second.
Why is Graphics and Animation useful?
Understanding Graphics and Animation helps you design, test and explain programs, websites and systems, from small projects to exam questions.
How can I practise Graphics and Animation?
Open the interactive at the top of this page and change the controls one at a time. Predict the result before each change, then take the three-question quiz. A score of two or more marks the topic as complete on this device.
Which topics are related to Graphics and Animation?
Related topics in Computer Science include User Interface Design, Green Computing, Blockchain and Cryptocurrency.