Download Your Animation Resources!
Download animation templates and image assets, then create a short stop-motion or hand-drawn flipbook animation using a smartphone or tablet and simple tools.
About this activity
Download animation templates and image assets, then create a short stop-motion or hand-drawn flipbook animation using a smartphone or tablet and simple tools.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Open the link or resource folder your teacher or parent gave and download the animation templates and image assets to your computer or tablet.
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Step 2
Look through the downloaded images and pick one short action or idea you want to animate.
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Step 3
Decide whether you will make a hand-drawn flipbook or a stop-motion using cut-out pieces.
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Step 4
Print the templates or place your device showing the template nearby and trace the frames onto plain paper or index cards.
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Step 5
Use scissors to cut out any frames or character pieces you need for your animation.
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Step 6
Colour and decorate each frame or cut-out using your colouring materials.
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Step 7
Lightly number the frames on the back and stack them in the order you plan to show them.
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Step 8
If you chose flipbook: clip or tape one short edge tightly so the pages stay aligned and flip easily.
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Step 9
If you chose stop-motion: place your cardboard or book base on a flat table and arrange your characters for the first frame.
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Step 10
Place your smartphone or tablet on a stable stand or stack of books so it will not move while you work.
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Step 11
Open the camera or a stop-motion app and make sure the whole scene fits inside the frame.
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Step 12
If you chose stop-motion: move your characters a tiny amount between steps to create small changes in motion.
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Step 13
If you chose stop-motion: take a photo after each tiny movement and repeat moving and photographing until you have captured every frame.
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Step 14
If you chose flipbook: flip the clipped edge quickly to preview the motion and ask someone to film while you flip smoothly to make a video file.
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Step 15
Share your finished animation on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I create a short stop-motion or flipbook animation using downloaded templates and assets?
Start by downloading animation templates and image assets to your tablet or phone. Pick stop-motion (move paper/figures frame-by-frame) or a hand-drawn flipbook. Plan a simple storyboard of 6ā20 frames. Mount your device steady, set consistent lighting, and capture each frame using a stop-motion app or by photographing each flipbook page. Edit timing, add sound or titles, then export. Keep scenes short and test a few practice frames first.
What materials and tools do I need to download and use for this animation activity?
Youāll need downloaded templates and image assets, a smartphone or tablet, and a stop-motion or video-editing app. Simple supplies include paper, pencils, markers, scissors, glue, tape, binder clips, and clay or paper cutouts. Use a small tripod or stack books to steady the device, and a consistent lamp for lighting. Optional extras: stylus, whiteboard, background paper, or a free app like Stop Motion Studio.
What ages is this animation download activity suitable for?
Suitable for ages 4ā6 with adult help (cutting, device handling), 7ā12 for mostly independent work with supervision, and teens can handle more complex editing and story ideas. Adjust complexity: younger kids do simple flipbooks or moving cutouts; older kids can plan longer scenes, use apps, and add sound. Always supervise device use and small tools with younger children.
What fun variations can we try with downloaded animation templates and assets?
Try claymation using playdough figures, cut-out animation with layered paper pieces, or a hand-drawn flipbook challenge of 10 frames. Experiment with backgrounds, repeating loops, or pixilation (people as stop-motion subjects). Kids can remix downloaded assets, add voiceovers or music, or create a collaborative class project where each child animates one scene. Vary frame rate to change speed and mood.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we do if we don't have a printer to print the templates?
If you don't have a printer, place the template on your tablet or computer screen and trace the frames directly onto plain paper or index cards as the instructions suggest.
My stopāmotion looks jumpy ā how can we fix that?
If your stopāmotion jitters, make sure to place your smartphone or tablet on a stable stand or a tightly stacked set of books and check the camera framing so the whole scene stays inside the frame before taking each photo.
How can I adapt this activity for different ages?
For younger kids have an adult do the cutting and phone setup while they color preācut pieces and make big movements, and for older kids encourage tracing every frame, making tiny movements between photos, and creating a longer video file from the numbered frames.
What are simple ways to make our animation more creative or polished?
To enhance your animation, colour and attach decorated background panels to your cardboard base, use a stopāmotion app or camera to add music and timing, and keep frames numbered on the back so you can edit them into a smoother video file to share.