Motion graphics: Reinvigorate your data and messaging

3D motion graphics are like other motion graphics in that they take different graphic design elements and set them in motion to illustrate a point or convey a message. Specifically, 3D motion graphics differ from more common 2D motion graphics, which create motion from flat design elements on an x-y plane. Certain motion graphics software also enables motion graphics using 3D models that move on a 3D grid. Like popular 3D animated movies, 3D motion graphics exude a stronger sense of depth from their movements.

The difference between 2D and 3D motion graphics is the type of graphical elements used in the work—and may also relate to which software was used to create it. Motion graphics essentially animate graphic design elements like text, shapes, and images. These are often 2D visuals, so most video-editing software includes 2D motion graphics capability. Software for higher-end graphics and animation, such as Autodesk Maya, includes both 2D and 3D motion graphic capabilities. With 3D motion graphics, graphical elements exist on a 3D grid and give the end result a look of greater depth.

The difference between animation and motion graphics is that motion graphics is a specific, limited type of animation. The term animation can describe any visual medium that makes still images or objects move, including hand-drawn cartoons, stop-motion animation, 3D CGI animation, and animated motion graphics.

Although motion graphics technically is animation, the term usually refers to animated graphic design, the technique of setting graphic design elements to motion. Meanwhile, the term animation more often refers to a cinematic storytelling work that includes characters and a narrative.