Ever wondered how animations achieve that buttery-smooth movement between key scenes or frames? It’s not magic — it’s tweening. Whether you’re creating an explainer video, a motion logo, or character animation, tweening (short for “in-betweening”) is one of the most critical animation techniques to understand.
In this guide, we’ll explain what tweening is, how it works, and why it plays a foundational role in 2D, 3D, and motion graphics. We’ll also show how Prolific Studio uses advanced tweening methods to bring stories to life with precision and fluidity.
🔗 Want flawless animation? Learn about our process at Prolific Studio
What Is Tweening in Animation?
Tweening refers to generating intermediate frames between two keyframes to create the illusion of motion or transformation.
It helps animators:
- Bridge the gap between poses or actions
- Control the speed, pacing, and realism of movement
- Reduce the workload by automating transitions
Types of Tweening Explained
🔹 Manual Tweening (Traditional)
Also known as “frame-by-frame.” Artists draw each frame individually. Used in classic 2D animation, such as Disney films.
🔹 Digital Tweening (Automatic)
Used in software like Adobe After Effects or Animate. You set keyframes, and the software interpolates frames in between.
🔹 Shape Tweening
Transforms one shape into another. Common in morphing animations, icon transitions, or infographics.
🔹 Motion Tweening
Moves an object from one position to another. Perfect for explainer videos and slide-in animations.
Why Tweening Is Essential in Business Animation
Tweening isn’t just a technical process — it’s a storytelling tool.
✅ Tweening improves:
- Visual smoothness and professionalism
- Viewer retention (no jarring cuts or jumps)
- Emotional storytelling (e.g., character gestures, eye movement)
- Consistency across frames and scenes
Without proper tweening, even great visuals can feel awkward, robotic, or disjointed.
🔗 Want high-end motion? We use advanced tweening in every 2D and 3D animation project.
Tools We Use for Tweening at Prolific Studio
|
Software |
Usage |
| Adobe After Effects | Motion graphics, shape tweening, logo animations |
| Adobe Animate | 2D character animation |
| Toon Boom Harmony | Frame-by-frame tweening with rigged characters |
| Blender | 3D keyframe interpolation |
| Unity | Game animation tween libraries (DOTween, LeanTween) |
We mix manual and automated tweening for cinematic motion across platforms.
Where We Use Tweening in Client Projects
- Logo reveals with fluid scaling and rotation
- Explainer videos with animated infographics
- Social media promos with dynamic transitions
- Character walk cycles and facial expressions
- UI/UX product tours for app demos
🔗 See how we integrate tweening into animated explainer videos
Does Tweening Save Time & Budget?
Absolutely. With strategic tweening:
- We reduce the need for drawing hundreds of frames
- Speed up revision cycles
- Keep animation smooth without ballooning production time
However, good tweening still requires human refinement — to adjust easing, bounce, arc, and timing for natural movement.
Tweening in 2D vs 3D Animation
|
Animation Style |
How Tweening Is Used |
|
2D |
Keyframe interpolation, puppet rigging, vector transitions |
| 3D |
Camera paths, object movement, skeletal rigging |
|
Motion Graphics |
Shape morphing, typography, UI/UX motion |
At Prolific Studio, our artists understand how to blend physics, timing, and design with software-based tweening to achieve stunning results.
💬 FAQs: Tweening in Animation
Is tweening used in both 2D and 3D animation?
Yes. 2D uses it for flat motion between poses—3D uses tweening in rigged skeletons and camera animation. Motion graphics use it for transforming shapes or text.
Does tweening mean I don’t need to draw every frame?
Correct — especially with digital tools. You animate key poses, and the software handles the frames in between. Manual touch-ups are still used for realism.
What’s the difference between motion and shape tweening?
Motion tweening moves objects from one position to another. Shape tweening morphs one object into another. Both help create fluid transitions.
Can bad tweening ruin my animation?
Yes. Poorly configured easing, bounce, or timing makes motion feel robotic or awkward. That's why expert animation studios like Prolific Studio optimize every movement.
What tools do professionals use for tweening?
We use Adobe Animate, After Effects, Blender, Toon Boom, and Unity. Each has its strengths depending on the project type and animation style.
Is tweening cheaper than full-frame animation?
Usually yes. It’s less time-intensive than drawing every frame. But high-quality tweening still requires animation expertise for polish and realism.
Can tweening be used in logo animation?
We use motion tweening to create dynamic logo reveals, text fly-ins, and icon transitions — perfect for branding and intros.
How does Prolific Studio use tweening in client work?
We combine automated interpolation with custom easing, squash/stretch techniques, and storytelling to make animations smooth and expressive.
Should I care about tweening if I’m just hiring an agency?
Absolutely. Tweening defines how polished your final video looks. Make sure the studio you hire understands advanced tweening, like we do at Prolific Studio.
🏁 Conclusion: Smooth Motion, Better Results — That’s Tweening Done Right
Tweening is at the core of professional animation — it’s what turns static keyframes into living, breathing motion. At Prolific Studio, one of the best animation studios in LA, we use a mix of technical expertise and creative timing to bring every animation to life, whether it’s a product demo, game asset, or brand video.
If you’re ready to impress your audience with motion that flows, connects, and converts, we’re your animation partner.
🔗 Let’s animate something smooth: Talk to our animation experts.
