Render animation in Blender refers to the process of generating a sequence of images (frames) from a 3D scene over a period of time, which when played in succession, creates the illusion of movement. Unlike rendering a single still image, rendering animation involves calculating and saving each frame individually, allowing you to view the final result as a moving picture.
Essentially, Blender takes your 3D scene, applies all the lighting, shading, and effects, and creates a series of images. These images are then saved to your computer, typically in a video or image sequence format. This sequence can then be compiled into a video file using Blender's Video Sequence Editor (VSE) or other video editing software.
Key aspects of animation rendering in Blender:
- Frame-by-frame process: Blender calculates each frame of the animation individually. This is computationally intensive, especially for complex scenes.
- Output formats: Animations can be rendered to various image formats (like PNG, JPEG, TIFF) or video formats (like AVI, MOV, MP4). When rendering to an image sequence, you maintain flexibility for post-processing and can re-render specific frames without redoing the entire animation.
- Render settings: You have precise control over render settings like resolution, frame rate, sampling, and rendering engine (Eevee or Cycles), which significantly affect the final output's quality and rendering time.
- Animation Playback: The generated frames can be assembled into a single video file, enabling playback as a moving image.
- Automatic Saving: After being rendered, animation frames are automatically saved directly to the specified output directory on your drive.
How it differs from Still Image Rendering:
| Feature | Still Image Rendering | Animation Rendering |
|---|---|---|
| Output | Single image | Sequence of images (frames) or a video file |
| Time | Relatively quick | Can be time-consuming, especially for complex scenes |
| Purpose | Create a static image | Create a moving image |
| File Saving | Single file is saved after render | Frames are automatically saved throughout the rendering process |
Example:
Imagine you create a simple animation of a bouncing ball in Blender. Rendering this animation would involve Blender calculating and creating an image for each frame of the ball's movement: one frame showing the ball at its highest point, another as it hits the ground, and so on. When these frames are played back sequentially, it appears as if the ball is bouncing.
In summary, render animation in Blender converts your 3D animation project into a viewable movie by rendering each frame and saving it for later use. It's the final step in bringing your animation to life.
