Adobe Animate

Adobe Animate is a computer program used to create animations. Animate is most commonly used to create animations for television programs, websites, video games and applications. These animations can be published for HTML5, WebGL and Flash player to name but a few. Adobe Flash used to be the main program for creating animations but it underwent a name change in 2016 where it became known as Animate.

 Interestingly, I had the chance to try out this piece of software for myself last week. For my interactive courseware module in college I’ve been tasked with creating a digital learning resource. I’ve opted to create an online e-learning course to help DJ’s configure their music equipment. In order to make this digital resource more functional it will require some incorporation of animations. We were therefore given a workshop in how to use Adobe Animate so we could create the best digital resource possible. Although I wasn’t able to attend the workshop myself, the lab sheets were posted online so I could try them out in my spare time. In the lab sheets I learned about some of the benefits of using Adobe Animate and some of it’s key features. I was provided with instructions on how to manipulate layers, and import images and animated movies. I also learned how to create a very basic animation of a train driving on train tracks. To do so I was able to draw on the screen to create what was essentially a 2D painting. I was able to use shapes to create things like trees and the train itself. I made use of keyframes in order to rotate the wheels on the train. When animated these wheels started moving. Subsequently I was able to drag the train across the screen while the wheels were moving to essentially create an animation. Although I was able to complete the labsheet with relative ease I’m unsure if id be able to make my own animations without such instructions. It’s going to take plenty of getting used to but I hope youtube will have some useful tutorials. Being able to create my own animations will allow my digital resource to appear more professional and will add to the learning experience. Below is a screenshot of the simple animation I created!!