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Difference between Multimedia and Animation

Multimedia vs Animation: Know the Difference between
Multimedia and Animation
Both of these terms are used regularly in day-to-day life, but there is a major difference between
multimedia and animation. Multimedia is various forms of media, like audio, text, videos,
images, etc. Animation, on the other hand, is also a type of multimedia. It gives the viewers an
illusion of movement of an actually static element. It does so by displaying slightly varying
images consecutively.

Thus, multimedia is nothing but a combination/integration of computer-controlled text, graphics,

animation, audio, images, video, and all other media forms. We can digitally store, process, and
transfer multimedia from any device. But animation refers to the variation in still images that
gives the viewers an illusion of movement. It is highly interactive and lets users convey
information easily.

In this article, we will look into the primary difference between Multimedia and Animation.
Read ahead to learn more.

What is Multimedia?
The term multimedia is made from two of the words, “Multi” and “Medium”. It is used to deliver
info to users in digital form. It needs large storage space in any device, especially when the
multimedia is in a video or graphic form. In the 20th century, people would use television, radio,
and motion pictures for multimedia. Nowadays, we have computers, laptops, and mobile phones
to access, use, and transfer multimedia. It is a useful source of transferring info among
businesses, schools, public places, households, offices, etc.

What is Animation?
Animation refers to the process of bringing pictures to motion by drawing, designing, creating
the layout, and preparing a presentation that runs slightly altered graphics in the background. The
pictures used for animation can be caught through any digital media, such as a camera or a
mobile phone.
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We create animations using a sequence of images of still objects/drawings. Here, every

succeeding image in the presentation is slightly different from the previous one, thus giving the
viewers a sense of motion when running at a considerate speed. Animation is of two broad types,
2D and 3D. It is very famous in the arts and entertainment industry. Apart from this, animation is
also helpful for developing websites, creating motion graphics, generating special effects, etc.

Long story short, animation breathes life into stationery things.

Difference between Multimedia and Animation

Let us talk about the differences between Multimedia and Animation.

Parameters Multimedia Animation

Basics and Multimedia is multiple forms of digital media, such Animation refers to a type of multimedia that
Definition as videos, images, audio, texts, etc. provides the viewers with an illusion of
pictures moving in a sequential manner.

Inter Relation It is an integration/collection of various types of It is a type of multimedia that is very

media. interactive.

Uses Multimedia can be used in web designing, graphic Animation can be used in web design, app
designing, presentations, movies, podcasts, and development, film production, sound design,
many more. and many more.

Storage We use electronic media devices such as mobile We can record animations and store them on
Devices phones, laptops, computers, etc., for storing analogue media, like flipbooks, videotapes,
multimedia content. We can also store them on motion picture films, or digital media devices
drives and SD cards. where we store the multimedia.

Derivation The word multimedia is a combination of the words The word Animation has been derived from
“Multi” and “Medium”. the Greek word “Ani” meaning a non-living
object, and the word “motion” which refers to
movement.

Hand Drawn Multimedia isn’t usually hand-drawn, except digital Animations are primarily hand-drawn. But
art. stop motions are also a type of animation, and
they are not hand-drawn.
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