Updated November 2026 · 7 min read · By the Moov Studio team
"Should our video be 2D or 3D?"
It's one of the first questions clients ask us. People usually expect the answer to be about looks: 3D is realistic and professional, 2D is flat and cartoonish.
In reality, that's not how the decision works. We make both 2D and 3D animation at Moov Studio, and the first two things we ask about aren't style at all. They're budget and timeline. Here's why, and how to choose the right style for your project.
What Is 2D Animation?
2D animation creates movement in a flat, two-dimensional space: width and height, but no real depth. Characters, objects and backgrounds are illustrated, then brought to life with motion. It's the style of classic cartoons, and of most explainer videos you see on software and fintech websites.
At Moov, our main tool for 2D animation is Adobe After Effects.
What Is 3D Animation?
3D animation builds characters, products and environments as digital models in a three-dimensional space. Those models are textured, lit, animated and then rendered into final frames. It's the style of Pixar films and video games, and in marketing it's the go-to for showing physical products in realistic detail.
At Moov, our main tool for 3D animation is Blender.
Start With Budget and Timeline, Not Style
When a client comes to us undecided, the first thing we talk about is what they can invest and when they need the video. That's because 2D and 3D are very different projects behind the scenes.
3D takes more time, more people and more budget. If you're hiring a professional team for 3D animation, be ready to invest several thousand dollars and a couple of months.
Good 2D isn't cheap either. A custom, professional 2D animation also costs a few thousand dollars. It's generally faster and more affordable than 3D at the same length and level of detail, though.
If a quote for a custom animated video sounds too good to be true, it usually is. (You can see what's included at each level on our pricing page.)
Why 3D Takes Longer: The Production Process
Every animated video, 2D or 3D, goes through the same core steps:
- Scriptwriting: the message and story (our script writing tips)
- Storyboarding: frame-by-frame planning (how to storyboard a video)
- Character and background design: the look of the world
- Animation, sound and editing
3D adds a whole layer of work on top of that:
- 3D modeling: building every character, object and environment in 3D
- Preparing models for animation: rigging, which means adding digital skeletons and controls
- 3D animation: posing and moving the models
- Lighting: setting up virtual lights so scenes look right
- Rendering: the computer calculating every final frame, which can take a lot of time
- Compositing and final editing
That's why 3D is a team effort with a longer timeline. Each of those extra steps needs specialist skills and time.
2D vs 3D at a Glance
| 2D animation | 3D animation | |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | A few thousand dollars for good custom work | Several thousand dollars and up |
| Timeline | Usually a matter of weeks | Often a couple of months |
| Extra production steps | None beyond the core process | Modeling, rigging, lighting, rendering |
| Best for | Ideas, services, software, processes | Physical products, technical detail, realism |
| Late changes | Easier and cheaper | Harder, since models and renders may need redoing |
| Our main tool | Adobe After Effects | Blender |
Every project is different. Length, complexity and number of revisions all change the final budget and timeline.
The Third Option: Mix 2D and 3D
You don't always have to choose. One approach we love is a hybrid:
- The product in 3D, so it looks real, with every detail, material and angle visible
- Backgrounds, characters and graphics in 2D, so the rest of the video stays clear, flexible and on budget
This works especially well for physical products: devices, packaging, hardware, medical equipment. You get realism exactly where it matters, without paying for a fully 3D world.
The Myth: "3D Looks Professional, 2D Looks Cartoonish"
This is the most common misunderstanding we hear, and it isn't true.
Both styles can be cartoonish, and both can be serious and professional. We can make playful, cartoonish 3D, and we can make sleek, corporate 2D. The look comes from the design choices (colors, shapes, character style, motion), not from whether it's 2D or 3D.
So once budget and timeline are clear, choosing between them really comes down to taste: which visual style you like, and which one fits your brand.
2D and 3D Examples From Our Work
Here are a few of our own projects, so you can see how different each style can look.
2D animation
Organic, smooth 2D: Lock and Talk
Soft shapes and fluid motion for a nonprofit awareness video. This is 2D that feels warm and human.
Organic, smooth 2D: A Path to Becoming a Physician
An explainer with the same smooth, organic feel, which makes a long journey easy to follow.
Collage-style 2D: Nomad Nest
2D doesn't have to mean flat illustration. This explainer uses a collage style, with cut-out textures and a handmade, editorial look.
3D animation
3D explainer: America West
A 3D explainer that shows how much depth and detail 3D can bring to a business story.
Story-driven, emotional 3D: RUWA Sensationnel
If you want your video to feel like an animated film, this is the style: character-driven, cinematic and emotional.
Want to see more? Browse all our work.
How to Choose the Right Style for Your Project
- Know your budget and timeline. This narrows the options faster than anything else.
- Ask what you're showing. A physical product that people need to see in detail points toward 3D or a hybrid. An idea, service or software often works best in 2D.
- Find a studio whose style you like. Look at their portfolio. If you love their work, you'll probably love what they make for you.
- Find a team whose judgment you trust. The right creative director will tell you honestly which approach fits your goals, even if it's the less expensive one.
- Book a consultation. Share your goals, your company, your budget and your timing. A good studio will then suggest the best approach for you, whether that's 2D, 3D or a mix.
Not sure whether you need 2D or 3D? Book a free consultation with Gayane, our founder and creative director. Tell us about your goals, budget and timeline, and we'll recommend the approach that fits best. Book a free call
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between 2D and 3D animation? 2D animation happens on a flat plane, using illustrated images. 3D animation uses digital models in a three-dimensional space that are lit and rendered, which gives depth and realism.
How much does 2D or 3D animation cost? For a professional, custom video, expect a few thousand dollars for 2D and several thousand dollars or more for 3D. The final price depends on length, complexity and revisions. See our pricing page for details.
How long does a 3D animation take? A professional 3D animated video often takes a couple of months, because it adds modeling, rigging, lighting and rendering on top of the usual script, storyboard and design work. 2D is usually faster.
Is 3D more professional than 2D? No. Both styles can look playful or serious and professional. The look comes from design choices, not from the number of dimensions.
Can you combine 2D and 3D animation? Yes. A popular approach is showing the product in realistic 3D while keeping backgrounds and graphics in 2D. You get realism where it matters while keeping the budget under control.
What software is used for 2D and 3D animation? At Moov, we mainly use Adobe After Effects for 2D animation and Blender for 3D animation.
Talk to Our Founder and Creative Director
Moov Studio has been making 2D, 3D and hybrid animation since 2018. If you're not sure which style fits your project, let's talk. We'll listen to your goals, budget and timeline, and give you an honest recommendation.