3D animation refers to the process of creating moving images in a three-dimensional digital environment. Unlike traditional 2D animation, where characters and scenes are created on a flat surface, 3D animation involves the manipulation of objects in a three-dimensional space.

This process typically involves several stages:

1. Modeling: Objects, characters, and environments are created using specialized software. This involves creating a digital mesh that defines the shape of the object.
2. Texturing: Once the models are created, textures are applied to them to give them color, surface details, and realistic appearances.
3. Rigging: Rigging involves creating a digital skeleton (or rig) for characters, allowing animators to manipulate them like puppets. This skeleton is made up of joints and bones that control the movement of the character.
4. Animation: Animators then create movement by manipulating the rigged objects over time. This can involve keyframing (setting key poses at specific points in time) and using interpolation to fill in the motion between keyframes.
5. Lighting: Lighting is added to the scene to create atmosphere, highlight objects, and set the mood. This can involve simulating realistic light sources and shadows.
6. Rendering: Once everything is set up, the final animation is rendered. This process involves calculating how light interacts with the objects in the scene and generating the final images or frames.
7. Compositing: Finally, the rendered frames are combined, edited, and enhanced using compositing software. This step involves adding visual effects, adjusting colors, and integrating the animation into any live-action footage if necessary.

3D animation is widely used in various industries, including film, television, video games, advertising, architecture, and product visualization, to create compelling and immersive visual experiences.