This document provides an overview of animation, including its definition, categories, techniques, principles, and file formats. It defines animation as bringing images to life by varying visual properties over time. There are two main categories: cell animation involving hand-drawn frames, and computer animation which can be 2D or 3D. Basic animation techniques include drawn, cut-out, model, and computer animation. Principles like squash and stretch, anticipation, and timing are described. Common file formats and animation software are also listed.