Cell animation paper

Cel animation paper, the essential support for classic cartoons like Disney's, still used by traditional artists today.

About this subject

Cel animation paper, also known as acetate sheets or cels, was the physical medium for creating cartoons during most of the 20th century. Unlike regular paper, it was made of transparent cellulose acetate sheets, allowing animators to draw on layered overlays. This technique, called traditional animation or 2D animation, revolutionized the entertainment industry, enabling films such as "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" (1937) and "Sleeping Beauty" (1959).

Each cel sheet was used to draw an individual frame of animation. Characters were painted on the back of the acetate with opaque paints, while the background was painted on separate paper. The transparency of the cel allowed the background to show through the layers, creating the illusion of movement. This process required great precision and patience, as a 10-minute film could use over 14,000 sheets.

With the advent of digital animation, the use of cel paper decreased dramatically, but it is still valued by independent artists and studios that preserve the classic aesthetic. Original cels are collector's items, and some from famous films sell for thousands of dollars at auctions. Furthermore, the technique influences contemporary animation, often simulated by software like Toon Boom and Adobe Animate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cel animation paper?

It is a type of transparent acetate sheet used to draw individual frames of traditional animations. It allows layering to create movement.

Why was cel paper important for animation?

Because it enabled the layering technique, speeding up the process and allowing detailed backgrounds without redrawing everything each frame.

Is cel paper still used today?

Rarely in commercial productions, but independent artists and traditional animation studios still use it. Original cels are collectible items.