Graphics Interchange Format
GIF (Graphics Interchange Format)
As the most basic bitmap animation format, GIF limits color palettes to 256 colors but remains popular for simple animations.
Its ability to combine multiple frames into one file makes it ideal for lightweight web content like memes and animated icons, supported by universal compatibility across platforms.
Small Web Format
SWF (Small Web Format)
Developed as Adobe Flash's primary format, SWF enables the creation of complex interactive animations for the web.
This format was once the standard for browser games, advertising banners, and interactive educational content before HTML5 superseded Flash technology.
Flash Authoring File
FLA (Flash Authoring File)
As the source file in the Adobe Flash ecosystem, FLA stores all animation assets and logic in editable form.
Designers used this format during the development process before exporting to SWF for final distribution.
QuickTime Video Format
MOV (QuickTime Video Format)
More than just a video format, MOV supports professional-quality animation with multiple tracks.
Its ability to store various media layers makes it suitable for 2D/3D animation production in professional work environments.
MPEG-4 Part 14
MP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14)
Though known as a video format, MP4 is also effective for storing rendered 3D animations.
The combination of efficient compression and preserved image quality makes it the choice for animation presentations and 3D character content.
Animated Portable Network Graphics
APNG (Animated Portable Network Graphics)
As an improvement over GIF, APNG offers animation with 24-bit color depth and full alpha transparency.
This format provides a modern solution for web animations requiring high visual quality without compression artifacts.
Scalable Vector Graphics with SMIL/JavaScript
SVG Animation (Scalable Vector Graphics)
Leveraging XML-based vector capabilities, SVG can be animated through scripting or SMIL.
Its main advantage lies in perfect scalability and minimal file size, ideal for dynamic UI/UX web elements.
3D Studio File Format
3DS (3D Studio File Format)
As a legacy format from Autodesk 3D Studio, 3DS stores mesh data, textures, and basic keyframe animations.
Though dated, this format is still used for simple 3D asset exchange.
Filmbox
FBX (Filmbox)
As today's most comprehensive 3D animation exchange format, FBX supports character rigging, morph targets, and the entire animation pipeline.
It's the industry standard for game production and animated films.
GL Transmission Format
GLTF (GL Transmission Format)
Nicknamed the "JPEG of 3D," GLTF is specifically designed for efficient streaming of 3D models and animations.
This format is optimal for real-time applications such as AR/VR and WebGL-based web visualizations.