Cel rendering

Lights and shadows separate clearly into flat color areas.

Visual traits

• Stepped shading
• Flat color areas
• Clear boundaries

Expected changes

• Shading boundaries are more likely to become clear
• Smooth gradients are less likely

Definition

Cel rendering images light and shade as clearly separated color areas rather than smooth continuous gradients. It does not determine 2D animation production, outlines, or a particular work style.

In more detail

Light and shadow switch in steps so surface color reads as flat. Outlines, color count, material, and subject remain separate choices. It is distinct from realistic continuous shading and the production process of 2D cels.

Includes

• Stepped light and shade
• Flat-shaded 3D imaging

Excludes

• 2D cel production
• Required outlines
• Realistic continuous gradients

What this does not imply

• Outlines
• 2D animation
• A particular work style

Variability

Color count and outlines can be adjusted separately.

Usage

• Separate shading into steps

Distinguish similar expressions

• Specify outlines separately

Typical uses

• Create flat
• clear shading

Possible failure modes

• It becomes merely flat color
• It returns to continuous shading