What is a transition in the context of animations?

A transition in the context of animations refers to a smooth change from one state or property to another, which is essential in creating fluid and visually appealing movements on the screen. This can involve gradual changes in position, size, color, or opacity of an animated object, allowing the viewer to perceive the action as seamless rather than abrupt.

By employing transitions, animators can ensure that the viewer's experience is more engaging, maintaining immersion by avoiding jarring shifts that might distract from the narrative of the animation. For example, when a character moves from one side of the screen to another, a transition creates the illusion that the movement is continuous and natural rather than a series of disconnected frames. This technique is fundamental in animation and helps convey emotion or intent through movement.

In contrast, jump cuts, sudden changes, and loops do not achieve the same smoothness. Jump cuts disrupt the flow of an animation, sudden changes can create confusion for the viewer, and loops simply repeat actions without altering any properties, lacking the dynamic quality that transitions provide.