Frame rate describes the number of image frames displayed per second (fps). The frame rate determines how smooth the motion appears.

This doesn't necessarily mean that what you specify as the frame rate is what you'll experience. Factors such as frame size, compression method, and computer speed can prevent some movies from achieving their set rate. If your animations will be viewed on the computer only, frame rates of 8, 10, and 12 fps are good choices. If your animations will be viewed elsewhere, you should consider the following frame rates:

• The frame rate of film is 24 fps.
  
  
• The frame rate of NTSC video is 30 fps (29.97 fps in broadcast video). NTSC is the video standard used in the United States.
  
  
• The frame rate of Phase Alternating Line (PAL) video is 25 fps.
  
  

These frame rates are sufficient to produce smooth, continuous motion with filmed or video-recorded subjects.

Animation drawings contain far less detail than live-action images. The difference in the level of detail allows animations to be produced at frame rates significantly lower than those designed for live action. Because of the smoothness of color fills and continuity between images, animations can look quite nice at rates between 10 and 15 fps.

You must consider frame rates to know how many drawings are needed to make actions smooth, natural, and consistent throughout the project.

The computer can display frames at any reasonable rate. The Frame Stacks palette provides control over frame display rates within Corel® Painter™ IX. When you create movies as frame stacks in Corel Painter, you can control the frames-per-second rate and preview different rates before you export your movie. You can preview an animation at a rate of 1 to 40 fps.

To set the preview frame rate

• On the Frame Stacks palette, adjust the Playback slider.
  
  The frame rate is displayed to the right of the slider.
  
  
  The Playback slider at 5 fps.
  
  
  The Playback slider at 25 fps.



A low frame rate, for example 5 fps, would produce a slow and choppy motion. Adding more frames to the frame stack can create a smoother motion even at a low frame rate.

• A playback rate of 5 fps with 14 frames. View animation.
• A playback rate of 5 fps with 40 frames. View animation.


A high frame rate, for example 25 fps, would produce a smooth and fast motion. Adding more frames would slow down the playback, while keeping it smooth. (Keep in mind that adding frames increases the file size.)

• A playback rate of 25 fps with 14 frames. View animation.
• A playback rate of 25 fps with 40 frames. View animation.


When deciding what frame rate to use, experiment with different settings and preview the animation to find the right balance between the number of frames and the frame rate.