2D animation is the process of creating movement in a two-dimensional space, where characters, objects, and scenes exist on a flat plane with only width and height. It is one of the oldest and most widely recognised forms of animation, covering everything from hand-drawn cartoons to modern digital motion graphics.

In traditional 2D animation, artists draw each frame individually, creating the illusion of movement when the frames are played in sequence. In modern digital workflows, software tools allow animators to work with layers, rigs, and keyframes to produce smooth motion without drawing every single frame by hand. Popular techniques include frame-by-frame animation, cutout animation, and motion tweening.

2D animation continues to be widely used across film, television, gaming, social media, and advertising. With AI-powered tools now entering the space, creators can generate and animate 2D assets faster than ever, making it a relevant skill for anyone working in AI video production, content creation, or digital storytelling.