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Build a scene with at least one 3D object, then click Menu, Save as, and Video. Pick one of six animations, such as Turntable or Hover, set the speed and the number of loops, choose MP4 or GIF, and click Save. Paint 3D moves the camera or the models for you. You do not animate anything by hand.
Paint 3D animation is simple on purpose. It is made for short clips that show off a 3D model, not for cartoons. Here is exactly what it can do.
What you need first
The animations work on 3D content. Every animation description in the app talks about 3D models or objects. Add a 3D shape, a 3D doodle or a model from the library before you start. Our guide to Paint 3D 3D shapes shows how to draw one. For ready-made models, see the 3D library guide.
Step 1: Open the video export
Click Menu at the top left, then Save as. Under Save as copy, click Video.
The export screen opens with a preview of your scene in the middle and the settings on the right. The top left shows the video size in pixels and how long it will run.
Step 2: Pick an animation
Under Animation, click one of the six choices. The app describes each one like this:
| Animation | What it does |
|---|---|
| Turntable | Objects rotate around a central axis, like a display stand |
| Swing | 3D models gently swing from side to side |
| Jump & turn | 3D models jump and turn with a squash and a stretch |
| Wobble | 3D models gently wobble from side to side |
| Emerge | 3D models emerge into view |
| Hover | 3D models hover in the air |
Step 3: Set speed and length
- Speed multiplier makes the movement faster or slower.
- Number of loops sets how many times the animation plays. In the app's own words, "The higher the number of loops, the longer your video will be."
Watch the duration at the top left as you adjust these, so the clip ends up the length you want.
Step 4: Frame the shot
Click Adjust angle & framing above the preview to change what the camera sees. Use it to center your model or move in closer before you export.
Step 5: Choose MP4 or GIF and save
Open the format list at the top right and pick one:
- MP4 (video) is best for sharing on most sites and apps. It gives smooth motion and a small file.
- GIF (video) loops by itself and plays almost anywhere, including in chats and on web pages. GIF files are usually much bigger than MP4 files for the same clip.
Then click Save, choose a folder and a name, and you are done. Our guide on how to save in Paint 3D covers the image and 3D formats on the same menu.
Record your edits as a video
Paint 3D has a second, separate kind of video. It records the steps you take while you work, which is handy for tutorials or to show how a picture was made.
- Click History at the top right.
- Switch Start recording to on, then work as normal.
- When you are done, click Export as video in the same panel.
The History slider in that panel also lets you step back through your changes, even if you were not recording.
Common problems
There is nothing to animate. The animations are built for 3D objects. Add one to the scene, then open the video export again.
Paint 3D says you are already recording. The full message asks you to save or discard the current recording before creating a new video. Save or discard that recording first.
The GIF file is huge. Lower the Number of loops, or export an MP4 instead.
The model is off to one side in the video. Use Adjust angle & framing before saving.
FAQ
Can Paint 3D make animations?
Yes, simple ones. It has six ready-made animations for 3D scenes, and it can export them as MP4 or GIF. You cannot draw frame-by-frame animation in it.
How do I make a GIF in Paint 3D?
Go to Menu, Save as, Video, pick an animation, and choose GIF (video) in the format list before you click Save.
How do I make a 3D model spin in Paint 3D?
Use the Turntable animation in the video export. It rotates the scene around a central axis.
Can I animate a 2D picture?
The animations are made for 3D content. To use a flat picture, select it and click Make 3D first, which turns it into a flat 3D object.
Where are my videos saved?
Wherever you choose in the save window. Our guide on where Paint 3D files are saved explains where projects and exports end up.
Spotted something that does not match your screen? Email [email protected].
