Straight Ahead Action and Pose to Pose are two essential methods in the 12 Principles of Animation, each providing unique benefits. People often believe Straight Ahead Action and Pose to Pose are the same thing, but they really are not. 

Straight Ahead Action is creating each frame consecutively from start to finish. This technique generates smooth, dynamic, and natural movement, which makes it perfect for animating unpredictable or elements such as fire, water, hair, or smoke. Since the movement occurs without a strict organization, it frequently seems vibrant and natural. With that said, managing timing and proportions can be more challenging, and it’s more likely that characters might stray from the model or drift from the intended course of action.

Furthermore, Pose to Pose animation starts with specifically designing the key poses, meaning the beginning, conclusion, and other important points. After these primary poses are set, animators create the in-between drawings to finalize the motion. These are known as breakdowns. This method allows for enhanced control over timing, composition, and consistency. This makes it perfect for dialogue scenes and actions. Pose to pose is ideal for saving proportions.