Certified Animation Professional (CAP) Practice Test 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Exam Study Guide

Animators achieve a sense of weight in character movements primarily by applying principles such as squash and stretch, along with careful timing. The concept of squash and stretch refers to the way objects deform and maintain volume, which is essential for making animations feel more lifelike. For instance, when a character jumps or lands, their body may squash upon impact and stretch during the ascent, conveying the effects of gravity and momentum.

Timing also plays a crucial role; slow actions can suggest heavy weight, while quick movements may imply lighter objects. By manipulating these principles thoughtfully, animators can create a believable motion that suggests how heavy or light a character or object is in relation to its environment. This understanding of physics and character interaction adds depth and realism to animations, making the characters and their actions more relatable and visually engaging.