Animation Paper Sizes

The Foundation of Every Frame: A Guide to Animation Paper Sizes

In the world of traditional hand-drawn animation, consistency is everything. Before a frame is drawn, an animator must decide on the paper size to use. Understanding the industry standards is the first step toward a professional-looking production.

12-Field vs. 15-Field

In the "Golden Age" of animation paper wasn't measured in inches or millimetres, but in "Fields." A field refers to the area that the camera actually sees. As a general rule this is the width of this visible area in inches. The paper however will be wider.

12-Field Paper (Most Popular)

This has become by far the most popular size for traditional animation that we sell. It measures 267mm x 330mm which is approximately 13" x 10.5".

• Best For: Short films and student productions.

• Why use it? It's larger than A4 and when punched still provides a good sized working area. It's large enough to allow for fine detail, yet small enough to fit comfortably on a lightbox. 

15-Field Paper (The Cinematic Choice)

Measuring 317mm x 406mm which is roughly 16" x 12.5", 15-field paper is significantly larger and was the standard for high-budget feature films, especially in the UK.

• Best For: Complex action sequences, epic landscapes, and scenes with multiple characters.

• Why use it? Artists appreciate the additional space in which to draw. When you are animating a high-detail character, this extra space allows for more precise line work, which looks much sharper when projected onto a massive cinema screen.

The American 16-Field Standard

As with most things, the Americans like to do it bigger! Animation paper is no exception! In many major US feature film productions, particularly during the mid-20th century, 16-field was the preference. Measuring an inch bigger in each direction at approximately 17" x 13.5", it offers an even wider canvas for sweeping cinematic movements. If you are looking at original production drawings from some of the classic American features, you will likely encounter this larger, more expansive format.

The Rise of 10-Field for Cels

Like with paper, which has shifted from 15 field to 12 field, 10-field Cel is becoming increasingly popular. Whilst 12 Field is still our most popular size, 10 field cel which measures 267 x 230mm (roughly 12.5" x 9") has seen increased demand in recent years.

The "Field Guide" and Safe Areas

Regardless of the paper size, animators use a Field Gide (a grid printed on clear material) to ensure their drawings stay within the "Safe Area."

Because television sets and even some modern cinema projectors can "crop" the edges of an image, animators never draw right to the edge of the paper.

• Action Safe: The area where all important movement must happen.

• Title Safe: An even smaller inner box where text or critical plot details must reside to ensure they aren't cut off by the frame.

Acme Peg Holes: The Secret to Stability

You can’t talk about animation paper sizes without mentioning the holes at the bottom. To keep 12-field or 15-field paper perfectly aligned, the industry uses the Acme Peg System (one round hole in the center and two rectangular slots on the sides).

This system allows the paper to expand and contract slightly with temperature and humidity changes without shifting off-center. Chromacolour paper can be purchased pre-punched to match our 3-Pin Pegbars perfectly.

Which Size Should You Choose?

Size	Best Use	Equipment Needed
12-Field	TV, Short Films, Tutorials	Lightbox & Peg Bar
15-Field	Feature Film, Wide Landscapes	15F Lightbox & Peg Bar
A4	Beginners & Hobbyists	Lightbox & Peg Bar
A3	Wide Scenes, Scanning	15F Lightbox & Peg Bar

Pro Tip: If you are just starting out, stick with 12-field. It is the most economical "pro" size and works perfectly with our Chromacolour lightboxes. If you find yourself cramped for space during a complex scene, that’s when it’s time to move up to 15-field.