3D animation is the creation of moving images in a three-dimensional digital environment, where objects and characters have depth in addition to width and height. Unlike 2D animation, 3D animation allows scenes to be viewed from any angle and enables more realistic lighting, shadows, and physical movement.

The 3D animation process involves modelling (building the shape of a character or object), rigging (adding a skeleton so it can move), and animating (defining how that skeleton moves over time). Rendering then converts the 3D scene into a final 2D image or video output. This workflow is standard in feature films, video games, architectural visualisation, and product design.

AI has significantly accelerated 3D animation workflows by automating tedious tasks like in-betweening, motion retargeting, and physics simulation. Platforms exploring AI-assisted 3D generation are making it possible to create animated content with far less manual effort, opening up 3D animation to a much broader range of creators.