# Start and finish lines

## Add an IFX to use for the start and finish lines

We’ll add an IFX to the environment to use for the start line and finish lines. The Christmas Fence Pole is a good choice. For instructions on how to add IFX, see [IFX](/engage/experience-editor/working-with-objects/ifx.md#adding-an-ifx-to-a-experience).

<figure><img src="/files/ITZHCu7408W5Bo6ocR7J" alt=""><figcaption><p>Christmas fence pole</p></figcaption></figure>

## Set the end time for the pole

Next, we’ll configure how long the object remains on the timeline. Our animation will have a maximum duration of one minute. You can drag the end grip of the object container on the timeline, but if you want to set an exact time, complete the following steps:

1. On the timeline, select the cog icon on the object’s container. For more information, see [Effect options](/engage/experience-editor/working-with-objects/effect-options.md).
2. On the **Current Effect Options** page, edit the **End Time** field and enter `00:01:00`.
3. Select **SAVE EFFECT**.

<figure><img src="/files/RUDuczEMt5EtVuPUqddf" alt=""><figcaption><p>End Time field</p></figcaption></figure>

## Complete the start line

1. On the timeline, select the pole.
2. On the left-hand side of the timeline view, select **Clone**.
3. On the timeline, select the new clone.
4. On the left-hand side of the timeline, select the translate tool (<img src="/files/HHCo16TEnPww1R9ocpZo" alt="" data-size="line">), and then move the new clone a short distance along the Y (blue) axis.

<figure><img src="/files/tZx62Sq1vqeehbSnWSyW" alt=""><figcaption><p>A pair of Christmas fence poles to mark the start line</p></figcaption></figure>

## Add the finish line

To ensure that the finish line posts align with the start line posts, we can clone the start line posts.

1. On the timeline, select one of the poles.
2. Hold Ctrl and select the second pole.
3. On the editor panel, select **Clone**.

## Position the finish line

Use the transform tool to move the finish line poles a suitable distance along the X (red) axis. The following image shows an example layout:

<figure><img src="/files/o4gjvuhEjSDG9yhjmKfA" alt=""><figcaption><p>Relative position of the start and finish lines (select to expand)</p></figcaption></figure>

To ensure that the finish line poles align correctly, you can turn on the snap feature of the gizmo. Object movement will then snap to an invisible grid. You can also increase the step increment to make the translation jumps larger and easier to compare.

<figure><img src="/files/BXnIpCx1kerEs7vBZrbl" alt=""><figcaption><p>Snap and increment settings on the gizmo</p></figcaption></figure>

## Set custom names

Use of custom names is optional but can help you to identify objects on the timeline. To set a custom name for an object, select the cog icon on its container, edit the **Custom Name** field, and then select **SAVE EFFECT**. For more information, see [Setting a custom name](/engage/experience-editor/working-with-objects/setting-a-custom-name.md).

<figure><img src="/files/2Et3E1AjKXnaUioF7VlM" alt=""><figcaption><p>Timeline without custom names (select to expand)</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/ok5FXwMW6fdCbsEQ2gru" alt=""><figcaption><p>Timeline with custom names (select to expand)</p></figcaption></figure>


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