Two Frame Animation

Animations on TV and movies are usually created by showing thousands of images very rapidly. It takes a very long time to create such animations. But actually, you don’t need that many images to create a simple animation. With two frame animation, you can quickly create animations and understand the principle by taking only two pictures! 

Learn more about this simple technique and try creating your own animation with only two frames. We want to see what you come up with! Share your creations with us using the hashtags #StopMotion #TinkeringAtHome. 

Stop Motion Studio application. The free version of this application will let you quickly take and combine multiple photos into an animation. 

Phone or tablet and something to hold it in place. Make a stand out of books, blocks, or LEGO to hold your device in place and make sure your images line up. 

Everyday objects to animate. Consider animating kitchen utensils, shoes, toys, office supplies, and even fruits and vegetables!

Look around your house and find an object that you want to animate. Decide what you’d like to happen between the first and second image. Here’s an example of a pin cushion with eyes, what emotion do you think it has? Surprised, awake, excited?

Fix your phone or tablet in a stable position to prevent blurry images. Take your time and make careful movements as you adjust your objects in the frame to prevent unintentional movement of things you want to remain stationary. Consider using Stop Motion Studio’s timer to countdown a few seconds before recording to avoid camera shake.

You can also use out-of-view clay or props to support objects or lift them off a surface at unexpected angles.

Two Page Flipbook

Make an analog two frame animation with paper! Draw your two frames, then take your top page and wrap it around a pencil unil it curls. Then run your pencil up and down quickly, bringing your creation to life. Learn more about making two page flipbooks →

Thaumatrope

Another take on the physical, two frame animation is a thaumatrope. Create two images on opposite sides of a piece of paper (or two papers glued together). Mount it onto something like a pencil or a wooden dowel. Spin the creation by rubbing your hands back and forth.

Tinkering Library

We've selected a series of books that support playful learning and pair with tinkering activities, including explorations of animation. Visit our Tinkering Library to learn more about our favorite books to pair with animation.