A paper animation combines a cutout image, a paper edge, texture, shadow, and movement. Start with a restrained boil for an interview, stepped stop motion for a Reel, or a fold-out for a reveal. These examples use the editor's motion calculations and presets.
Choose a style, play the preview, then open it in the editor with an original paper star. You can change the controls and download your result without an account or watermark. Replace the star with your own photo to make a finished asset.
Download the free paper star sample (SVG)
Motion uses the same calculations as the editor. Open a preset to adjust the paper edge, texture, canvas, and export.
Every setting below comes from the preset loaded by the linked editor button. Border and motion values are editor control values; the final appearance also depends on the shape and size of your image. A template changes the look of your asset and does not add a complete video timeline.
A punchy vertical cutout with stepped stop-motion energy. Use for a vertical reaction cutaway. The movement jumps between positions rather than gliding. Reduce intensity if the subject approaches the frame edge.
A fold-out reveal with newsprint texture and an ink-like edge. Use for an editorial reveal. The fold preset compresses the cutout horizontally; it is a stylized flat reveal, not a physical 3D paper simulation.
Warm recycled-paper texture with a calm floating motion. Use behind a title or calm explainer. A slower float and warm texture keep the subject readable without a large shake.
A clean white sticker edge with a quick social-ready bounce. Use for a square reaction sticker. Start with the white background; change to transparent if the destination supports alpha video.
A restrained handmade wiggle for interviews and explainers. Use for a landscape interview cutaway. This subtle boil moves and rotates the whole cutout; it does not redraw the outline frame by frame.
Bold clean edges and a sharp bounce for product highlights. Use for a product insert with a crisp white edge. Keep the item centered and leave space above it for the bounce.
| Goal | Start with | Check before delivery |
|---|---|---|
| Thumbnail or collage | Transparent PNG | PNG contains one frame, not motion. |
| Animated overlay | Transparent WebM | Browser recording and your destination editor must both preserve transparency. Test a short clip first. |
| Editor without alpha WebM support | Green-screen video | Remove the green in your video editor with chroma key. Avoid green in the subject. |
| Finished social clip | Solid or paper background | The browser chooses a supported video codec. Use 720p for a lighter first export, then try 1080p. |
A 9:16 video export uses 720 × 1280 or 1080 × 1920 pixels. Longer HD clips use more memory, especially on mobile. The photo editor does not add audio, captions, or multiple scenes; finish those steps in your video editor.
For subject selection and paper styling, follow the step-by-step paper cutout guide. For the difference between moving a layer and redrawing a line, read how the boil effect works.
Recipes maintained by Paper Animation, the maker of this tool. Updated October 5, 2026.
