Rotoscoping Animation in Photoshop
Free to teach as-is — the teacher guide, student handout, and slides are included.
Free — we'll email you an access link. Google Docs format.
Objective
I can create a rotoscoped animation in Photoshop by tracing over film frames.
Part 1 of 4
Warm-up video
Drawing & Painting - The Virtual Instructor · 28:34
We don't generate video — this one is by Drawing & Painting - The Virtual Instructor on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.
Part 2 of 4
Key concepts
3 concepts
- 1
Rotoscoping is an animation technique that involves tracing over actual film to create realistic-looking animations.
- 2
In Photoshop, rotoscoping involves importing a video file, reducing the frame rate to a manageable level (like 12 frames per second), and creating video layers to draw on.
- 3
After tracing each frame, the original video layer can be hidden or removed, leaving only the animated sequence, which can then be exported as a video.
Part 3 of 4
Practice
3 questions
What is rotoscoping and why does it create realistic-looking animations?
In Photoshop, what initial steps are crucial for setting up a rotoscoping project after importing a video file?
Part 4 of 4
Exit ticket
Quick comprehension check
“Describe the basic process of creating a rotoscoped animation in Photoshop, including the initial steps with a video file and the creation of layers.”
Sample answer included in the free materials
Get the materials
Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format
Teacher Guide
Complete lesson plan with answer keys and alternate activities
Student Handout
Printable worksheet
Slides
Ready to present
We'll ask for your email to send your access link — nothing else.
Teaching a group at a different level?
Where are your students right now? We'll rebuild this lesson to match — including the teacher guide, student handout, and slides, saved to your Google Drive.
Adapt This Lesson
