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

The term "rough cut" is widely used in the animation industry to refer to the initial version of an animated project. This phase involves assembling the first draft of the animation, which typically includes all key scenes and movements but lacks the final polish and refinement.

In a rough cut, animators present a solid portrayal of the overall flow, timing, and storytelling elements without focus on the finer details like color grading, sound effects, or intricate textures. It is primarily meant to showcase the basic structure and pacing, allowing for feedback and adjustments before moving on to further stages of production.

Other terms such as "final cut" generally refer to the last version that is distributed or shared after all revisions, while "complete draft" might imply a more finished version than what is expected in the rough cut. A "prototype," while useful in some contexts, typically refers to a very early model or sample of a product, which may not accurately encompass the essence of a full animated project in progress.