What is scanimation?

Scanimation is an optical illusion technique that creates the appearance of motion by moving a striped transparent overlay across an interlaced image. This method, also known as barrier-grid animation or picket-fence animation, relies on the interaction between the overlay and the underlying image to produce the illusion of movement.

It is also called barrier-grid animation, picket-fence animation, moire animation.

pattern

overlay

The technique dates back to the late 1890s and has been used in various forms, including early cinema and modern books. A notable modern example is Rufus Butler Seder’s “Scanimation” books, which use this method to create animated images when the pages are turned.

Some examples

How does it work?

Due to the presence of opaque stripes on the overlay, when you place the overlay on top of the pattern, many parts of the pattern will be obscured. However, a single frame of the animation will still be visible through the transparent areas of the overlay. Although each frame of the pattern is incomplete, the human visual system's ability to fill in the gaps allows us to perceive it as a whole. As we move the overlay, the previously displayed frame is covered up, revealing the next frame, and this process repeats, frame by frame, creating the illusion of animation.

How to make a scanimation?

You can easily create a scanimation using our scanimation generator. Check it here:

Mightool Scanimation

An online tool to make Moire Pattern/scanimation/Animated Optical Illusions/Slit Animation