What is Animation? Minimizing file size.

When creating an animation there are several things that the animator has to take into account if they wish to upload their animation to the internet, file size is extremely important to take into account because if someone has a slow internet connection speed or a poor processor then they may not be able to actually render and view the animation because the file size is too big, there are several things you can do to significantly cut down on file size.

The animation.

The animation itself has to be evaluated, the animation doesn’t have to be too complex and contain high quality images to convey the message or express the point of an animation. Stickmen animations for example are commonly used because they take up much less file size than fully illustrated coloured people.  If something can be simplified into core elements that still represent the image of the animation it should be.  If the animation has sounds or a video then they need to be kept as short and simple as possible (the exception being backing music).

Image Quality.

All images on a flash animation should be converted to symbols as this saves file space, if the animator has used colours they should make sure that they are solid and from the palette, using a gradient increases file size and in non-mainstream animations is usually unnecessary. The animator has to find the balance between image quality and file size, making it look aesthetically pleasing but keeping the file size as low as possible. Images should be compressed and should use the appropriate file type.

Frame Disposal.

Frame disposal is the feature that allows the animator to prevent previous frames appearing through transparent areas of the animation and clearing the background of previous symbols and artefacts.

Auto-Crop.

Auto crop is the feature that allows the animator to show what parts of the animation he wishes, effectively allowing him to trim the edges of the canvas to cut down on file size by removing unwanted backgrounds or objects and choosing not to display them on the canvas. I have used auto crop in my animation to remove several artefacts from the canvas to refine the animation and clean it up so previous buttons and objects are hidden from view