Curves

You can use the curves view to adjust both the value of keys and the transition between them.

Curves timeline

The curves timeline is synchronized with the main timeline. The minimum time value in the curves view is determined by the start time of the object's container on the main timeline.

Presentation of keys

Each key in the curve view is represented by a square. Lines, called tracks, connect keys for the same parameter and the color of the track indicates which parameter the keys affect. The list on the left-hand side of the curve sheet provides a reference to parameter colors. For more information, see Parameter colors.

  • To toggle the visibility of a parameter, or group of parameters, select the corresponding eye icon.

To adjust the curves view to show all currently visible tracks, press f on your keyboard. To adjust the curves view to show a single track, select a key on that track, and then press f on the keyboard.

The horizontal position of a key marks its position on the timeline and the vertical position of a key indicates its value. You can move keys horizontally to retime them and move them vertically to change their value.

Adjusting keys

  • Move: To move a key, drag it to a new position. Move a key horizontally to adjust its position on the timeline and move it vertically to change the parameter value. For instructions on how to restrict key movement to a specific axis, see Restricting key movement. For instructions on how to move keys to exact positions, see Setting exact positions for keys.

  • Adjusting curves: To adjust the tangent of a line as it enters or exits a key, select the key, and then drag either of the circular grips.

Restricting key movement

You can use the toggles on the right-hand side of the the curves timeline to restrict key movement to a specific axis. Select an icon to enable that restriction.

IconEffectKeyboard shortcut

No restrictions. You can drag a key freely in both axis.

None

Restrict a key to vertical movement. This changes the value of the parameter.

Left Shift key

Restrict a key to horizontal movement. This retimes the key.

Right Shift key

Setting exact positions for keys

  • To select an exact time or value for a key, first select the key, and then use either the spinners or the numeric input fields.

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