Definition & Meaning of "pinscreen animation"

What is "pinscreen animation"?

Pinscreen animation is a technique where an image is created by pushing or pulling pins on a screen to form a textured, three-dimensional surface. The screen, covered with a dense array of movable pins, can be manipulated to create various depths and shapes. Animators press the pins in different patterns to form images and then capture each frame with a camera. By changing the pin arrangements slightly between frames, the resulting sequence creates the illusion of movement and texture. This method is known for its distinctive, tactile quality and its ability to produce highly detailed and expressive visual effects.