2D animation on Mac and PC - 5 free apps in comparison

17 February 2021 21 February 2021 / From Johannes Domke / Apps / Post a comment

Chapter in this post:

1 OpenToonz for macOS and Windows
2 OpenToonz explains: YouTube video with an overview of functions
3 blenders for macOS, Windows and Linux
4 Blender Explains: Insightful YouTube Video
5 soci for easier projects and web integration
6 Sozi Tutorial on YouTube
7 Krita - drawing app with animation tool
8 Krita introduction with this video
9 Pencil2D - Recommended for beginners
10 Pencil2D - Instructions for simple animation
11 Overview of all programs mentioned
12 Similar posts

Cartoons, anime, animated cartoons, GIFs, and many other types of 2D animation are more popular than ever. Even the content of YouTube channels with several million subscribers partly “only” consists of videos with animated digital drawings. The “only” is in quotation marks because there is a lot of work behind such videos. If you want to face this with free software, you will find five free apps that you can use here. Everything from simple to complex is included. And with OpenToonz even a representative from Studio Ghibli is used. Furthermore, it is about Blender, Sozi, Krita and Pencil2D.

Draw digitally on Mac and PC: Wacom Intuos Pro in a short test

In this guide I will introduce you to five free apps for digital 2D animation on Mac and PC. These are the free programs OpenToonz, Blender, Sozi, Krita and Pencil2D. Some focus on drawing, others on simple animation, and the professional on both.

Sir Apfelot recommendation: Clean up your Mac hard drive with CleanMyMac

OpenToonz for macOS and Windows

OpenToonz is an animation program that relies on classic animation creation. The free open source software, which has been used in the renowned Japanese studio Ghibli since “Princess Mononoke”, is traditionally used to combine digital or scanned individual drawings into an animation. But easier implementations are also possible.

The structure of the level overview corresponds to a sequence and animation plan as it is traditionally used in anime production (X-Sheet). This vertically running X-Sheet can be translated into a horizontal line in OpenToonz, which corresponds to the timeline of an editing program and can thus make it easier to get started.

OpenToonz for Mac and PC is therefore more of a program for ambitious animators who not “only” animate vector graphics using mesh or anchor lines using keyframes, but want to give each frame an individual touch (Mesh and Co. are also included) . In addition to the download, you can get additional apps, effects and instructions on the official website (main instructions in Japanese).

App name: OpenToonz
Compatibility: macOS, Windows
Website: opentoonz.github.io/e/

OpenToonz explains: YouTube video with an overview of functions

Blender for macOS, Windows and Linux

You may already be familiar with Blender if you have already dealt with 3D applications. For creating and animating 3D objects, Blender is probably the best free, open source software you can get. It runs on both Mac and PC with Windows or Linux as the operating system.

In addition to 3D animation, current versions of the software are able to create 2D animations. The great advantage here is that 3D worlds can be combined with 2D characters and / or other 2D objects. There are also many design options and effects that can be brought together, for example, via a node system.

Some professional studios already use Blender for cartoons or anime productions or have announced that they will publish works that have been created with this app. Of course, if you are aiming for a professional 2D animation, a certain amount of training is necessary here too. The program doesn't do any work for you, but gives you the tools you need to do it yourself efficiently.

App name: Blender
Compatibility: macOS, Windows, Linux
Website: blender.org

Blender explains: insightful YouTube video

Sozi for simpler projects and web integration

The Sozi app is less complex and also not intended for professional productions. This is more for the simpler animation of vector graphics and layers. There is no drawing tool available for this, but the content must be created externally (in InkScape, Photoshop, Affinity Designer, GIMP, etc.) and then imported. InkScape is also free and is recommended to work with Sozi.

The timeline for the rather simple camera pans and keyframe animations is rather rudimentary compared to the aforementioned apps and Adobe After Effects or Premiere Pro. The output of the finished moving images in a video format is also possible. In addition, the whole thing can be output as code, for example to include it on a website.

Sozi addresses a different target group than OpenToonz or Blender - namely not those users who want to create cartoons or anime, but rather presentations and other short digital content with less effort to create. If you are looking for something like that, you can also benefit from a free download here.

App name: Sozi
Compatibility: macOS, Windows, Linux
Website: soci.baierouge.fr
InkScape website: inkscape.org

Sozi tutorial on YouTube

Krita - drawing app with animation tool

At Krita, too, the focus is not primarily on professional 2D animations. Rather, it is a drawing app in which animation is offered as a secondary feature. It's roughly comparable to Photoshop - it's more about photos, images, drawings, layers and image effects. Nevertheless, there are video and animation options.

Krita is therefore more for all those who want to create digital art and only want to try out the animation of graphics on the side. It would also be possible to create individual graphics in Krita and the composition in Kdenlive. The developers also came up with the Kdenlive app, an open source app for video editing and editing. Some use it as a Premiere Pro alternative.

App name: Krita
Compatibility: macOS, Windows, Linux
Website: Krita.org/en/
Kdenlive website: kdenlive.org/en/

Krita start with this video

Pencil2D - Recommended for beginners

In the main source for this post (see below) Pencil2D is recommended especially for all those who are overwhelmed by the interface and the possibilities of the other apps (especially OpenToonz and Blender). If you want an easy introduction or don't want to go too deep anyway, you can take the first steps with Pencil2D.

The user interface and the individual tools are reduced to the most basic and easy to use. However, this also means that z. For example, the keyframe features are rather rudimentary and the animations are drawn more frame by frame. However, as with all the other apps mentioned, ready-made graphics can be inserted in order to animate them. If you dig yourself completely into it, you can apparently also implement more ambitious projects, as some anime tutorials on YouTube prove.

App name: Pencil2D
Compatibility: macOS, Windows, Linux
Website: pencil2d.org

Pencil2D - Instructions for simple animation

All programs mentioned at a glance

As the main source for this post, the embedded video below was very helpful. It briefly introduces all five apps, including screenshots of their use. In addition, individual possible uses and individual features are discussed. Of course, none of the app ideas go into depth; the video is only seven minutes long. Nevertheless, it provides a very good overview. On the appropriate YouTube channel TJ FREE There are introductions, instructions and tutorials in English for all programs. In addition, other free programs for all possible areas of application are presented. Check it out ;)

Johannes Domke

After graduating from high school, Johannes completed an apprenticeship as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which resulted in his independence. For several years he has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others. His articles include product introductions, news, manuals, video games, consoles, and more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.

Did you like the article and did the instructions on the blog help you? Then I would be happy if you the blog via a Steady Membership or at Patreon would support.

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Desertec - Desert electricity as a solution to energy problems
I just watched a video on YouTube about the "Desertec" Foundation, which is pursuing an interesting approach to meet global energy needs with renewable resources from the deserts of the world. This project has the potential to solve the energy problems of the future and protect the environment in the long term. Due to the focus on desert areas, The foundation also likes to be associated with the term "desert stream". With this article, I would like to simply give a rough overview of the foundation and draw some attention to it. At the same time, not only should the positive effects of the Desertec projects be mentioned, but also the possible negative effects are shown.
Desertec's website - A vision for a sustainable future through the use of solar energy in desert regions.

The vision of the Desertec Foundation
Desertec is a foundation that aims to use desert power as a solution to the global energy problems. It is based on the idea of building solar power plants in desert areas in order to use the enormous solar energy of these regions. However, Desertec does not want to build the solar parks itself, but rather contribute to the progress of these projects. Here are some facts about the foundation and the desert power projects:
- Founded in 2009 by a group of European companies and institutions
- The aim is to cover around 2050% of Europe's electricity needs from renewable energy sources in North Africa and the Middle East by 15
- Use of photovoltaic and solar thermal power plants to generate electricity
- Integration into a European and North African power grid
- Fun fact: 250 x 250 km of solar cells could cover the world's electricity needs
The development of costs and the spread of technologies for using renewable energies are basically going in the right direction (source: Desertec).
On the Desertec website itself, the foundation describes itself as follows:
The DESERTEC Foundation is a global civil society initiative with the aim of shaping a sustainable future. It was established in 2009 as a non-profit foundation that emerged from a network of scientists, politicians and economists from across the Mediterranean who together developed the DESERTEC concept. We are working on the rapid global implementation of the DESERTEC concept, a comprehensive solution that combats global warming, ensures reliable energy supply and promotes development and security. The DESERTEC Foundation team consists of people who believe that another world is possible. To turn the vision into reality, each team member works pro bono* to support the mission.
- We raise awareness of the advantages of DESERTEC and the energy potential of desert regions
- We promote the creation of the political and economic frameworks necessary for a global transition to renewable energy
- We support knowledge transfer and scientific collaboration
- Promotion of exchanges and cooperation with the private sector
* Pro bono is a Latin expression meaning "for the common good" or "voluntarily and gratuitously".
Location: Atacama Desert, Chile; peak power: 210 MW; more than 16 hours of heat storage (photo: Desertec).

Why Desert Power?
The use of desert power offers numerous advantages for the environment and the global energy supply. Some of these advantages are:
- High solar radiation in desert areas enables efficient energy production
- Reducing dependency on fossil fuels and related emissions
- Promoting sustainable development in North Africa and the Middle East
- Potential for job creation and economic growth
challenges and criticisms
Despite the many advantages, there are also some challenges and points of criticism that are discussed in the context of the Desertec project. Here are some criticisms of the company highlighted by various sources:
1. Colonial touches: Some critics see Desertec as a colonial-era project in which resources from less developed regions, such as North Africa, are to be used to meet the energy needs of industrialized regions, such as Europe.
2. Underestimation of the energy transition: Some experts are convinced that Desertec underestimated the impact of the German energy transition, which fundamentally changed energy policy and infrastructure in Europe.
3. Internal conflicts: There were long-standing conflicts between the companies and organizations involved, which may have contributed to the escalation and failure of the project.
4. Dependence on politically unstable regions: Another point of criticism is the dependence on politically unstable regions in North Africa and the Middle East for Europe's energy supply, which could lead to uncertainties and risks in the long term.
5. Environmental Impact: Although the project targets renewable energy, there are concerns about the environmental impact that could result from building solar and wind power plants in ecologically sensitive desert areas.
6. High investment costs: The construction of solar power plants and infrastructure requires enormous financial investments.
7. Political and economic instability in some destination countries: The uncertainty and unpredictability of political decisions and economic developments can have a negative impact on investments, business relationships and the successful implementation of projects like Desertec.
8. Environmental impacts from the construction of solar power plants and power lines: There may be negative effects on ecosystems, habitats and animal species caused by the construction and operation of these facilities, including altering landscapes, soil sealing and possible disturbance to local animal populations.
9. Skepticism about the feasibility and efficiency of the project: Some experts and critics have raised concerns about the technical implementation, the cost-benefit analysis, and the actual energy and environmental impact of the project. Some assume that the desired goals may not be achieved or that there are more efficient alternatives.
Despite the points of criticism, there are many points that speak in favor of supporting the Desertec Foundation and the promotion of mega-projects in the solar thermal and photovoltaic sector will certainly continue to be a recommendable thing.
Location: Benban, Egypt; Peak power: 1650 MW; Largest solar park in Egypt (Photo: afrik21.africa).

Summary
The Desertec Foundation offers a visionary solution to the global energy problems and has the potential to make a significant contribution to the transition to renewable energy. While there are some challenges and criticisms, it is important to continue pursuing innovative approaches like Desertec to achieve a more sustainable energy future. I hope that I was able to give you a little insight into the work and projects of the foundation. If you would like to find out more about the current status of the Desertec projects and the foundation itself, I can tell you the video here by Breaking Lab: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jmcgdh_0gyo
Sir Apfelot newsreel week 11, 2023
Moment! Before you start the comparatively warm weekend, stay here for the new Sir Apfelot newsreel. This time I'll show you which Apple and tech news I noticed in calendar week 11. Below you will find these topics, among others: Silicon Valley bank failure and its effects, consequences of photo and video filters from social media platforms, volcanoes on Venus, Midjourney v5 with photorealistic results, HP printers continue to block third-party Ink cartridges, the legacy of Tim Cook and more.
In the Sir Apfelot newsreel for calendar week 11 of the year 2023 you will find, among other things, these reports: bankruptcy of the Silicon Valley Bank, consequences of image and video filters from social media platforms, HP printers blocking third-party ink cartridges, the rushed legacy of Tim Cook, and more!

Silicon Valley Bank collapse: Tech companies financially affected
The "Silicon Valley" in California is home to numerous tech giants, IT companies and start-ups. Until recently, many of them did their banking through Santa Clara-based Silicon Valley Bank. But now it is insolvent. According to several media reports, it is the second major bank failure in US history. in one Articles Golem shows the official letter from the bank headquarters door and gives further details. In addition, articles were published on heise online throughout the week: about here the impact on Etsy, Roku, Roblox and other companies who are not getting their money; or here on the possible impact of the bank failure on the iPhone manufacturer Apple.
"Beauty" filters on social media: Negative effects inevitable
Instagram, TikTok and Co. are always offering new filters for photos and videos. In addition to digital effects and funny gimmicks, there are also technologies that are supposed to make faces "prettier". From clearer skin to emphasizing certain elements, there's a lot going on. What influence this can have on users, especially girls and young women, is highlighted by heise online this week Articles. The long but readable report contains not only online observations, but also experiences of young people who use social media for selfies and use appropriate filter tools. Similar topics from the past few weeks:
- Study on the alleviation of psychological stress through digital detox
- New study reveals prevalence of cyberbullying among teenagers
New study proves volcanic eruptions on planet Venus
This week begins with an introduction that Venus is quite similar to Earth Post at Ars Technica. Accordingly, it is deduced that the interior of the planet must be extremely hot, which should be reflected on the surface by volcanic eruptions. Due to the fact that the atmosphere of Venus is permanently clouded, such eruptions cannot be observed easily; actually only by radar interrogations of a satellite orbiting Venus. Luckily, there is or was one decades ago. And the recent evaluation of recordings from the early 1990s shows that there was at least one recorded volcanic eruption. There should be new observations of Venus with satellites and probes in the 2030s.
Midjourney v5: AI image creation becomes frighteningly realistic
Midjourney is one of the most well-known and widely used technologies for synthetic image creation using text templates. Version 4 already showed some outstanding results, but the new version 5 surprises with extremely photo-realistic results and better hands. You read that right, because AI often has problems with its hands and five fingers when creating images. The new Midjourney should now be able to hand out realistic hands to even more realistic people. And the environment, various objects, textures and combinations of everything – including the lighting – should also be very good. Details and examples can be found e.g. B. with this link to Ars Technica.
AI-generated videos: YouTube is being flooded with malware-laden content
The use of AI not only leads to beautiful pictures - and even that often only by violating copyright. At the other end of the usage spectrum is the criminal use of AI. So e.g. For example, a number of videos created with artificial intelligence have been uploaded to YouTube that promise cracks for well-known and expensive apps. For Photoshop, Premiere Pro, AutoCAD and so on, false licenses are presented for free and alleged download links are given in the video descriptions. But these links lead to malware downloads. So if you want to use expensive software for free and look for solutions on YouTube, you run the risk of downloading malware onto your computer. Source and more details: Articles from heise online.
After 40 years and not for everyone: Insert text in Word with a shortcut without formatting
What I love about Apple apps on Mac is the easy way to copy text from anywhere and then paste it without the original formatting. In Apple Pages Can I write texts or pieces of text e.g. B. simply insert it in this way using cmd+option+Shift+V. In Microsoft Word I have to right-click, click "Paste Special..." and then select "Unformatted Text" from a list and confirm again. According to Microsoft should this now change with the shortcut cmd+Shift+V (or Ctrl+Shift+V for Windows PCs), from Word version 16.67.1113.0 (Mac) or newer or 16.0.15831.20174 (Windows) or newer . But only if you have a Microsoft 365 subscription. I personally use version 16.71 with a retail license and cannot use the new key combination (as of 17.03.2023/XNUMX/XNUMX). In addition to the shortcut shown, other new key combinations for Word and all Office apps are shown in the linked source.
Third party ink cartridges: HP blocks third party ink through firmware update
In my personal opinion are inkjet absolutely out of place in the private sector as well as in many companies. There are a few use cases and certainly numerous possibilities for sensible use in companies, educational institutions and the like - but on the whole ink printers are just junk. And that's what the manufacturers wanted. They don't make the profit with the devices at all, but with the ink. That's why HP is once again blocking third-party ink cartridges, like iFun in one Entry shows. This time models from 2016 should be affected. We have more information and comments on the subject for you here: Why inkjet printers are the worst junk.
Press Releases: Latest reports from the Apple Newsroom
Since the last Sir Apfelot newsreel, there have been three publications in the German-language Apple Newsroom: two press releases and one feature. The various publications are about the Oscar that Apple TV+ received for "The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse", and about the new video shopping concept for iPhones in Apple's online shop, in which an Apple person helps via video sharing (only available in the US for the time being) and once to "four women using apps and games to advance culture“. Here you will find the three messages:
- Apple TV+ wins Academy Award for The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse for Best Animated Short: Read here
- Apple Introduces “Shop with a Specialist over Video”: Read here
- Four women using apps and games to drive culture and create change: Read here
Securing the Legacy: Tim Cook is said to have brought the headset release forward
According to a recent report by the Financial Times, several media outlets are currently pick up, Apple CEO Tim Cook is said to have pushed the release of the long-awaited mixed reality headset. It is currently expected that as part of the WWDC23Keynote will be ready in June. According to the reports, the engineers, who somehow had to reconcile the special design specifications with the necessary hardware, warned against presenting too quickly. The possibly rash action could stem from the fact that Tim Cook wants to secure his Apple legacy. The AR and VR headset would be the first major addition to Apple's product landscape under his leadership. It's possible that Tim Cook is rushing because he wants to give up the CEO post in 2025.
BLAVOR solar charger: until Sunday (19.03/15) with a XNUMX% discount
Now the sun comes out more and more often, and it stays longer in the sky again. Ideal conditions for dealing with the topic of solar power. While here and there the first political decisions in favor of "balcony power plants", their simpler implementation and corresponding funding, there are other ways to help. If you don't want to supply your entire apartment or house with solar power, but want to charge your smartphone, tablet, camera, power bank, power station, etc. with it, you can also use smaller, cheaper solar panels. BLAVOR models with 10W or 30W power are available from Amazon until Sunday with a 15% discount coupon. Abbreviation: You can go directly to the product page here
If you activate the coupon on the product page, you will receive a discount of 15 percent (when paying at the virtual checkout). The offer is only valid until Sunday, March 19, 2023.

BLAVOR solar panel: Foldable, inexpensive and with (very) good ratings
I would take a look at the 30W model in particular, because this is not only comparatively cheap at a price of just 69,99 euros, but also offers two outputs for charging a wide variety of devices. Up to 24W should be possible via the USB-A output (only QuickCharge, no Power Delivery). Up to 18V and 1,6A can be supplied via the DC output, which means up to 28,8W. The respective power is provided by three connected solar panels, which can be folded up for transport and storage. In addition to mobile storage devices and power banks, you can also charge your smartphone, tablet, camera, etc.
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Buy it at Amazon Price includes VAT, plus shipping costs (updated: 17.03.2023 at 13: 25 clock)
There are already over 100 reviews for the two BLAVOR models on the linked Amazon product page. 76% of these are 5-star ratings. Another 12% are 4-star ratings. Based on the reviews I've skimmed, it lives up to expectations and the solar panel does what it's supposed to. From charging the smartphone in the fresh air to the self-sufficient operation of a surveillance camera, various applications are described - also with corresponding photos. So it's worth taking a look at what's on offer. The charging adapters are already included for various power stations. And until Sunday you can activate a coupon for a 15% discount on the offer page!
Multi Screen Capture: Screenshot help for multi-monitor setups
Do you use multiple monitors on Apple Mac, then taking screenshots can be a bit difficult depending on the situation. With the standard key combination command+Shift+3, one screenshot image file is saved per screen. But if you only need a specific one, then you have to delete the rest. If there are several recordings, this can end up in annoying sorting work. want to remedy this Multi Screen Capture, a free Mac App, which you can download from the official App Store for macOS. It offers several useful options, but I think it could do even more. You can find details on this in this post. TL; DR: You can go directly to the App Store here
Multi Screen Capture is a useful Mac tool for anyone who uses multiple displays and needs to take screenshots of one of those displays from time to time.

Own experiences with a multi-screen setup on the Apple Mac
Multiple monitors can be used simultaneously on Mac, Mac mini, Mac Studio and similar desktop computers from Apple, among others. But additional screens can also be connected to the iMac and mobile MacBooks, both of which have their own displays. Personally, I use a MacBook Pro with the built-in display as well as an over HDMI connected monitor. Working for the Sir Apfelot Blog, I often have to take screenshots, not just of individual apps, but also of the entire screen - but usually only of one, not both. Therefore, while searching for a solution, I came across the Multi Screen Capture app. This has a good but expandable range of screenshot features.
Multi Screen Capture for screenshots of individual Mac screens
The Multi Screen Capture App is available as a free download in the App Store. The barely 675 KB large software works macOS 12 Monterey and is located in the menu bar after opening. After installation and before using it for the first time, you must give the app permission to take screen recordings. However, you can revoke this grant of rights at any time in the system settings of your Mac. You can trigger screen recordings either via the menu bar icon or via two different key combinations. After using the individual options several times, they actually flow into the workflow quite quickly. The selection looks like this:
- Via the menu bar: Selection of the individual displays
- Active screen (selected screen): The currently used screen is scanned with a key combination (by default Shift+command+E).
- Mouse screen: The screen on which the mouse cursor is located is saved using a different key combination (by default Shift+command+R).
You can use the icon in the menu bar and key combinations that can be customized to take pictures of the various screens on your Mac. You can also specify the storage location for the created screenshots here.

I'm missing this feature: Keyboard shortcuts for individual screens
Several times a year, namely at Apple's keynotes, I find myself taking notes on one screen while Apple's live stream is running on the other screen. At each of these events, I take 200 to 300 screenshots in order to be able to customize the posts I write about them. However, this is only possible to a limited extent with the Multi Screen Capture app. Because the screen I'm taking notes on is both the active screen and the one where the mouse cursor is. But I need screenshots of the inactive second screen without a mouse pointer. Therefore, an extra shortcut for this would be useful - I have already requested this function. Perhaps it will be submitted later in an update for the app. Possibly even before the WWDC23-Keynote in June :D
Interactive 3D map: satellites, space debris and debris at a glance
Through decades of space travel, the placement of satellite systems, the construction of space stations, the sending out of measuring devices and, last but not least, the military and private use of the earth's orbit, a fairly large network of man-made objects has accumulated around the earth. According to some sources, there are already over 500.000 - from small pieces of debris to disused satellites and rocket stages to active satellites and measuring tools. Keeping track of things is not so easy – on the interactive AstriaGraph website but an attempt is made.
The interactive AstriaGraph map shows you all objects in different earth orbits determined by means of different sources in 3D animation. Each has a trajectory that is animated. In addition, an overview of species, age, origin and other information can be called up for each point.

AstriaGraph - University of Texas project uses big data for Earth orbit display
The interactive website for observing objects in Earth orbit and calculating possible collisions (or other interactions) was created by the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics at the University of Texas under the direction of Professor Dr. Moriba Jah. General information about the faculty, its research and the individual projects can be found with this link. A wide variety of data sources are used for AstriaGraph, whose information about objects in Earth orbit is summarized and made available in graphical form. The areas of big data and analysis are thus combined to enable scientific and publicly accessible observation of the earth's orbit. Data sources for the project include: USSPACECOM, Planet, JSC Vimpel and SeeSat-L.
This is how you can use the AstriaGraph web tool
On the website linked at the beginning, with the interactive AstriaGraph tool, the largest part of the screen is taken up by the globe with the points arranged around it. Depending on the color, the dots have different meanings: orange indicates active satellites or other active structures, such as the ISS; Blue indicates inactive satellites; Purple indicates rocket levels; Gray indicates debris; Pink indicates uncategorized space debris. For a better overview, the purple and gray dots can also be deactivated. But if you activate their display, you can see how littered the space around planet Earth actually is. In addition to the near-Earth orbits, which can be seen in the standard view, a slightly zoomed-out view is also worthwhile. In the following screenshots you can see the earth covered by gray and differently colored dots and a huge accumulation of active and inactive satellites and space debris around it.
In this view, it appears as if space debris and active equipment are arranged in a ball in Earth's various orbits.

If you use the mouse to rotate the view, you can see that the objects in the outer orbits are not arranged in a ball shape. A large group of objects even show their own orbit.
In a search and menu mask on the left of the page you can also search for specific points and / or determine the data source, the construction, the country of origin or the orbit. In the latter menu, the Low Earth Orbit (LEO), the Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), the "stationary" orbit (GSO / GEO) synchronized with the Earth's rotation and the High Earth Orbit (HEO) are available. By searching for or selecting specific points on the interactive 3D map, the relevant information is called up and displayed in a table on the right. Furthermore, the orbit around the earth is highlighted. The rows of very close orange dots are noticeable everywhere on the map - by the way, these are the Starlink satellites from SpaceX. They will probably be similar Project Kuiper-Satellites from Amazon from 2024 look.
Here you can see a Starlink satellite chain with its orbit - zoomed in over South America.

Set speed to understand trajectories
Only from a certain zoom level does it become clear when using AstriaGraph that the individual points move in real time. The current UTC time is displayed at the bottom left. However, there are a few nondescript buttons surrounding this time display that you can use to make the animation even more extensive. You can use the square areas below to run the animation backwards (left), stop it (middle) or play it back to normal (right). The border of the time display also serves as an interactive button. If you click to the left of the time display, the animation will slow down. The limit here is 0,001 times the real-time speed. If you click further to the left, then the whole thing goes into the minus area and you accelerate the animation running backwards. This is also made clear by the fact that the left square below the time display is highlighted in color.
The display shows the 900x speed, the date and time reached with it and the square for the animation running forward is highlighted.
However, if you click to the right of the time display, you can speed up the animation. This is very impressive above a certain speed, since all points move in their own orbits around the earth. It is amazing that collisions do not occur everywhere and that not all satellites have already been pulverized. At least that's how it feels when watching the animated map. Theoretically, accelerations of up to 604.800x are possible, but the animation stops after the timeline displayed at the bottom has expired. For me, 300x to 600x worked well for the overall view. However, movements can already be seen from 5x in the standard zoom level. If you zoom in close to a certain near-Earth object, you will also see a movement in real time (1x).

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