Apple is making waves in the world of animation with its latest prototype generative AI tool called Keyframer. This innovative tool allows users to add motion to 2D images by simply describing how they should be animated. While large language models (LLMs) have been widely explored in other creative mediums like writing and image generation, their potential in animation has remained largely untapped – until now.
Keyframer, powered by OpenAI’s GPT4, takes Scalable Vector Graphic (SVG) files and generates CSS code to animate the images based on text prompts. Users can upload an image and type a description like “make the stars twinkle,” and Keyframer will generate the corresponding animation. Whether it’s transitioning between background colors or fading stars in and out of the foreground, Keyframer brings images to life with just a few simple prompts.
What sets Keyframer apart is its user-friendly interface. Users can create multiple animation designs in a single batch and easily modify properties like color codes and animation durations. The tool automatically converts these changes into CSS, making it accessible even to those without coding experience. For more advanced users, the code is fully editable, allowing for greater customization.
Although Keyframer is still in the early stages and not yet publicly available, it shows promising potential. Apple conducted a user study with 13 participants who experimented with Keyframer using two pre-selected SVG images. While the tool currently focuses on web-based animations like loading sequences, data visualization, and animated transitions, it is an exciting step forward in the world of animation.
Keyframer is part of Apple’s growing portfolio of generative AI projects. In addition to Keyframer, Apple has introduced other groundbreaking tools like Human Gaussian Splats (HUGS), which can create animation-ready human avatars, and MGIE, an AI model that can edit images using text-based descriptions. These innovations demonstrate Apple’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of creativity and technology.
As one motion designer put it, Keyframer is not intended to replace jobs but rather to complement and enhance the skills of animators. It opens up new possibilities and allows animators to explore their creativity in new ways. While there is still work to be done, Keyframer represents an exciting leap forward in the world of animation and sets the stage for future advancements in the field.
FAQ
1. What is Keyframer?
Keyframer is a prototype generative AI tool developed by Apple that allows users to add motion to 2D images by describing how they should be animated.
2. How does Keyframer work?
Keyframer takes Scalable Vector Graphic (SVG) files and generates CSS code to animate the images based on text prompts provided by the user.
3. What can Keyframer do?
Keyframer can animate images by transitioning between background colors, fading stars in and out of the foreground, and more. It can create web-based animations such as loading sequences, data visualization, and animated transitions.
4. What makes Keyframer user-friendly?
Keyframer has a user-friendly interface that allows users to create multiple animation designs in a single batch. Users can easily modify properties like color codes and animation durations, and the tool automatically converts these changes into CSS.
5. Can users customize the generated code?
Yes, Keyframer allows more advanced users to fully edit the generated code, enabling greater customization.
6. Is Keyframer publicly available?
No, Keyframer is still in the early stages of development and is not yet publicly available.
Definitions:
– Generative AI: A type of artificial intelligence that is capable of generating new content, such as images, music, or text, without explicit instructions.
– Scalable Vector Graphic (SVG): A file format for vector-based images, which can be easily scaled without loss of quality.
– CSS: Cascading Style Sheets, a styling language used for describing the look and formatting of a document written in HTML.