Editing Computer animation (section)

=== Overview ===
For 3D computer animations, objects (models) are built on the computer monitor (modeled) and 3D figures are rigged with a [[Skeletal animation|virtual skeleton]]. Then the limbs, eyes, mouth, clothes, etc. of the figure are moved by the animator on [[key frame]]s. Normally, the differences between key frames are drawn in a process known as [[Inbetweening|tweening]]. However, in 3D computer animation, this is done automatically, and is called [[interpolation]]. Finally, the animation is [[Rendering (computer graphics)|rendered]] and [[Compositing|composited]].

Before becoming a final product, 3D computer animations only exist as a series of moving shapes and systems within 3d software, and must be [[Rendering (computer graphics)|rendered]]. This can happen as a separate process for animations developed for movies and short films, or it can be done in real-time when animated for videogames. After an animation is rendered, it can be [[Compositing|composited]] into a final product.