Character Animation Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield Character Animation facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which technique involves animators drawing the key extreme poses first, then filling in the intermediate frames? → Pose to Pose
2. What is the purpose of an 'animation layer' in 3D software like Maya? → To add or override animation on top of existing animation non-destructively
3. In motion capture, what does 'retargeting' mean? → Applying captured motion from one skeleton onto a different character's rig
4. Which animation technique involves photographing objects one frame at a time to create the illusion of movement? → Stop-motion animation
5. Which of the 12 principles of animation describes the technique of starting and ending a movement with more frames to emphasize slow-in and slow-out? → Ease In and Ease Out
6. What is the primary purpose of 'Anticipation' in character animation? → To prepare the audience for an upcoming action
7. What is 'rotoscoping' when applied to facial animation? → Tracing over live-action footage frame by frame to guide or create animated movement
8. Is it possible to produce animation without drawing? → Yes
9. Which graph type in most 3D animation software shows how a parameter changes over time and is used to fine-tune easing? → Graph Editor (Curve Editor)
10. What is the purpose of a 'breakdown' pose in body mechanics animation? → To define how the character transitions between key poses, controlling timing and arcs
11. Which animation technique involves scratching or painting images directly onto film stock without a camera? → Direct filmmaking (cameraless animation)
12. Which technique involves animating a character's silhouette by manipulating jointed figures behind a backlit screen? → Shadow puppet animation
13. In body mechanics, what does 'follow-through' refer to? → Secondary body parts continuing to move and settle after the primary action stops
14. What is the purpose of a 'pole vector' constraint in an IK rig? → To control which direction a joint bends, preventing unwanted flipping
15. What is the difference between 'on twos' and 'on ones' in traditional animation walk cycles? → On twos draws a new frame every 2 frames; on ones draws a unique drawing on every frame
16. What is 'stepped' interpolation mode used for in a 3D animation workflow? → To hold poses without any interpolation, for blocking or pose-to-pose staging
17. What is the 'Graph Editor' used for in 3D animation software like Maya or Blender? → Editing animation curves to control the interpolation and timing of keyframe values
18. It describes the rigidity or stickiness of a joint. → Joint speed
19. In game animation, what is a 'state machine' used for? → Managing transitions between different animation clips based on game logic conditions
20. A specialized part of animation that entails bringing animated characters to life → Character Animation
21. Which category of animation is primarily used to make text, logos, and graphic elements move for broadcast or digital media? → Motion graphics
22. A technique used by artists and animators to get a sense of the character they are creating by outlining various body positions and angles → Turnaround Character
23. What is the purpose of 'arcs' as one of the 12 principles of animation? → Natural movement follows slightly curved paths rather than straight lines
24. What animation principle involves an object deforming as it moves to convey weight and flexibility? → Squash and Stretch
25. What does the term 'squash and stretch' primarily convey in character animation? → The flexibility and weight of an object by deforming it during fast movement or impact
26. Which of the 12 principles of animation refers to making action more convincing by exaggerating it beyond reality? → Exaggeration
27. Object animation, a form of stop-motion, typically uses which as its subject? → Everyday inanimate objects such as toys or furniture
28. The term 'anime' in an international production context specifically refers to: → Animation originating from Japan, typically with a distinctive visual style
29. The bits and pieces of memories and experiences you've retained in → Visual Library
30. What is 'foot planting' in body mechanics animation? → Locking the foot's position to the ground so it does not slide as weight is transferred