Twelve Principles of Animation – GIF Reference Guide

Squash and Stretch

Gives weight and flexibility to objects by allowing them to deform while preserving volume.

Anticipation

Prepares the audience for the main action through a brief counter‑movement or visual cue.

Staging

Directs the viewer’s attention to the most important element with clear composition, framing, and timing.

Straight‑Ahead Action & Pose‑to‑Pose

Straight‑ahead builds motion frame‑by‑frame for spontaneity, while pose‑to‑pose sets key poses first for control and clarity.

Follow‑Through & Overlapping Action

Parts continue moving after the main body stops, and the tail end of one action becomes the anticipation of the next.

Slow In – Slow Out

Extra frames at the start and end of a motion create natural acceleration and deceleration.

Arcs