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Working with Object Animations in 2D View

2D View Window

Path edits are clearly distinguished from key frame edits.

This concerns the paths for cameras, lights and objects, as well as the relevant pop-up menus.

Editing Paths

The Object path is in green.

• Use the Edit Path tool in the window bar to select the mode.

• Button pressed: Path editor is active (as a result, the key frame editor is inactive in the view).

• Button released: Key frame editor is active (as a result, the path is visible but cannot be edited).





Creating the Path



In mode, move the object.

• White dots circled in gray indicate the start and end points that have tangents.

• The tangent handles are indicated by red dots circled in black.

This draws a green path in a straight line.

Example

Moving the Path

• Click on the path and move it.

Editing the Path

• Use the handles to graphically edit the tangents.

Adding a Control Point



• Right clicking on the green path line and selecting "Add Control Point" displays a gray circle and a tangent with two editing handles.



Result:

To Edit a Portion of the Tangent at a Point:



• Right click on the point or on an "Unlock Tangent" item handle to create an inflection point in the path.



Result:

To Delete the Inflection Point:



• Select "Lock Tangent".



Result:

Extending the Path

Extends the path without altering the existing animation.



• Alt+Click on the last control point created for the path.



Result:

Example: Extending a Path

Example: Closing a Path

Example: Pausing and Resuming

Example: Forwards and Backwards

Example: Editing Object Rotations

NB: The Timeline can be used to play the sequence at any time.

Path Edit Pop-up Menu

• Right clicking on the yellow path displays a pop-up menu with the following options:



• Add Control Point: Adds an editable point to the path.

• Delete Control Point: Deletes the point from the path (except the end points).

• Close Path: Closes the path.

• Open Path: Re-opens the path.

• Delete Path: Deletes the path.

• Right clicking on a tangent handle or control point displays a pop-up menu with the following options:



• Lock Tangent: To delete an inflection point.

or

• Unlock Tangent: To create an inflection point.

After unlocking the tangent, you can create an inflection point to work independently with half tangents.

Editing Key Frames

The Object path is in green.

NB 1: You must be in record mode in order to edit elements in the Timeline.

Example: Creating and Editing a Key Frame in 2D View

Key Frame Edit Pop-up Menu

• Right clicking on the yellow path displays a pop-up menu with the following options:

• Add Key Frame: Adds a key frame.

• Remove Key Frame: Deletes a key frame.

Adds a key frame.



In mode, the button is released (not active).

In the Timeline window, click on record in 2D view, right click on the path, and select "Add Key Frame" from the pop-up menu.



This creates the key frame.

The key frame can be moved graphically on the path, making it possible to speed up, slow down, etc.

NB: A key frame selected in 2D View appears with a red pin on the Timeline. A pause can be created in the movement of the element by duplicating a key frame in the Timeline.

The 2D View Edit Filters Pop-up Menu

• Right clicking on the white background of the 2D window displays the following pop-up menu, which makes it easier to edit in 2D View, as well as display and hide paths.



• Show All: Displays all camera, light and object paths.

• Show Only Current Type Elements: Depending on which inspector is active (Animations, Lights or Objects), this option displays all camera, light  or object paths.

• Show Only Current Element: Displays only the path currently being edited.