Traditional animation tracing is an essential skill for animators, and white screen tools have revolutionized this process by turning any device into a portable light box. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know.
What is Animation Tracing?
Animation tracing is the process of creating sequential drawings by tracing over previous frames to maintain consistency and smooth motion. Traditionally, animators used light boxes—illuminated surfaces that allow you to see through multiple sheets of paper simultaneously.
Why Use a White Screen Instead of a Physical Light Box?
Digital white screens offer several advantages:
- ✓ Cost-effective: Professional light boxes cost $50-$300+, while white screen tools are free
- ✓ Portable: Use any device you already own—laptop, tablet, or even smartphone
- ✓ Adjustable brightness: Control light intensity for different paper types
- ✓ No setup required: Instant access whenever inspiration strikes
- ✓ Multi-device options: Use multiple screens for larger work areas
Setting Up Your Digital Light Box
1. Choose Your Device
Tablets (iPad, Android tablets): Best option for most animators. Large enough for standard animation paper, portable, and bright.
Laptops: Excellent for larger drawings. Ensure the screen can lay flat or at a comfortable angle.
Desktop monitors: Great for professional setups. Consider a monitor arm for angle adjustment.
2. Prepare Your Screen
- • Clean the screen thoroughly with a microfiber cloth
- • Apply a screen protector to prevent scratches from paper and pencils
- • Adjust brightness to a comfortable level (usually 80-100%)
- • Enable wake lock to prevent screen dimming
3. Select the Right Paper
Paper choice is crucial for effective tracing:
- • 20-24 lb bond paper: Ideal weight for light transmission
- • Animation paper: Professional option with pre-punched holes
- • Tracing paper: Very translucent but can be too thin
- • Avoid: Cardstock or heavy paper (blocks too much light)
Professional Tracing Techniques
The Rough-to-Clean Workflow
- 1. Rough animation: Create loose, gestural drawings to establish motion
- 2. Key frames: Refine important poses with more detail
- 3. In-betweens: Use the white screen to trace and create frames between keys
- 4. Clean-up: Final tracing pass for polished line work
Maintaining Consistency
- • Use registration marks or tape to keep paper aligned
- • Number your frames clearly
- • Stack no more than 2-3 sheets for optimal visibility
- • Take breaks to prevent eye strain from the bright screen
Advanced Tips for Professional Results
Lighting Environment
Work in a moderately lit room. Too dark and the screen will strain your eyes; too bright and you won't see through the paper effectively.
Ergonomics
- • Position the screen at a comfortable angle (15-30 degrees)
- • Use a drawing glove to prevent smudging and reduce friction
- • Take regular breaks every 20-30 minutes
- • Maintain good posture to prevent back and neck strain
Workflow Optimization
- • Use keyboard shortcuts (W for white, B for black) to quickly toggle
- • Keep reference images on a second device
- • Scan or photograph completed frames regularly
- • Organize frames in numbered folders or binders
Common Challenges and Solutions
Problem: Can't see through the paper
Solution: Increase screen brightness, use thinner paper, or work in a darker room.
Problem: Screen keeps dimming
Solution: The white screen tool uses wake lock to prevent this. Ensure it's enabled in your browser settings.
Problem: Paper keeps sliding
Solution: Use low-tack artist tape or animation pegs to secure paper position.
Problem: Eye strain from bright screen
Solution: Reduce brightness slightly, take frequent breaks, and ensure proper room lighting.
Recommended Animation Workflow
- 1. Sketch rough key poses on paper
- 2. Place first key frame on white screen
- 3. Overlay new sheet and trace, adding in-between motion
- 4. Continue creating in-betweens until motion is smooth
- 5. Do final clean-up pass with refined line work
- 6. Scan or photograph all frames
- 7. Import into animation software for timing and compositing
Tools and Materials Checklist
Essential
- ✓ Device with white screen tool
- ✓ 20-24 lb animation paper
- ✓ Mechanical pencil (0.5mm or 0.7mm)
- ✓ Eraser (kneaded or vinyl)
Recommended
- ✓ Screen protector
- ✓ Low-tack artist tape
- ✓ Drawing glove
- ✓ Scanner or camera
Conclusion
White screen tools have democratized traditional animation by making light box functionality accessible to everyone. Whether you're a professional animator or just starting out, this technique allows you to create smooth, consistent animation without expensive equipment.
The key to success is practice. Start with simple exercises like bouncing balls or walk cycles, and gradually work up to more complex animations. With patience and dedication, you'll develop the skills to create beautiful traditional animation.