The letter D in 2D and 3D stands for dimension, meaning plane, face or dimension. The number of dimensions is the difference between 2D and 3D. An image in two dimensions is flat, it has only length and width, and a three-dimensional picture is three-dimensional, except length and width, it also has depth.
2D graphics are mostly used to create illustrations, infographics, and animations. It is more stylistically diverse and gives the artist room for creativity precisely because it does not strive for realism.
Three-dimensional graphics are used in film, architectural visualization, design, game design, animation and advertising. It makes it possible to create more complex effects with less effort.
Is 2D graphics cheaper than 3D?
There’s a prejudice that 2D animation is for those with less budget. But the cost of the product created with graphics depends on the skill of the artist, style, detail and timing (if it’s animation). Flat graphics can be cheaper than volumetric, if we’re talking about illustrations or small animations for the website, but large projects with an unusual concept, which requires detailed rendering, in 2D-graphics can cost no less than in 3D.
For example, 2D-animation was used in the film “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” (1988), the budget of which was $ 70 million. The animation team added cartoon characters to the frame after filming was over.
Lighting, perspective and other effects in 2D-graphics have to draw by hand, it requires a deeper knowledge of the artist. Now for this use Adobe After Effects or, for example, Toon Boom Harmony. Illustrations in 2D are created in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator or Procreate.
In 3D, these effects are created with programs such as 3Ds Max or Unreal Engine. It is enough to set the light sources and perspective in the settings. It is also cheaper to animate some scenes and make the environment or crowd scenes in 3D.
Large companies with big budgets don’t use 2D?
That big companies only use 3D is a myth. IT giants like Google and Amazon use 2D graphics to create illustrations, animations or, for example, infographics in manuals and educational videos. Flat infographics look simpler, so they don’t draw attention to themselves and seem more friendly and understandable.
How is animation different from motion design?
But to announce something innovative companies often prefer to use three-dimensional graphics. For the presentation of premium products 3D is a little better – at least because it can show the product from all sides: