CE Menu - Keys

Except for “Select All”, “Select None” and “Delete Selected”, the other commands provide the same functionality as the appropriate "Tool Bar" icons. This also implies submenus.

Entries Without Submenus

A function with submenu carries a triangle next to its name.

Select All

If you want to select all keys from currently active curves, use this feature.

Select None

This is an easy and fast way to deselect all keys from different curves without having to go through each and every node.

Delete Selected

To delete a currently selected control point you can use this function. Removing all keys does not correspond with deleting the entire curve, because in the first case, the node and its animated attribute is still visible in the editor’s curve section. This means that you are still able to add keys by double-clicking, for example. If you entirely remove the curve, you will have to create it again if you need it in the future.

Break Tangents

If the tangents of a key are too steep or if there is a visible peak, then it is a good idea to break the tangents to achieve a smoother curve. This helps to avoid sudden jumps.

Unify Tangents

A key’s tangents can be adjusted individually for each side, but sometimes it is necessary to use equal settings for gradient, tension, or bias.

Flat Tangents

To flatten out the tangents easily, use this function.

The "Node Type" Submenu

Set Selected to TCB

TCB controllers produce curve-based animations very similar to Bezier controllers. However, they do not use adjustable tangent handles. They use fields to influence “Tension”, “Continuity” and “Bias” (=TCB) of the animation curve. TCB is the standard mode with animation keys.

Set Selected to Bezier

A “Bezier” curve is modelled using a parametric polynominal technique and it can be defined by an unlimited number of vertices. Each vertex is controlled by two other points (or handles) to adjust the endpoint tangent vectors. “Bezier” handles can be manipulated with their tangent helpers: click on the round end of a “Bezier” tangent helper and drag the mouse to change its curvature.

Set Selected to Linear

This is the “easiest” mode and does not provide any arguments or tangents. The keys are just connected with straight lines. The curve between linear keys shows edges and peaks, and changes between values might be abrupt. It is not suited for smooth transitions between several values or ease in and ease out to create delays.

Set Selected to Stepped

“Stepped Node” specifies a stepped tangent to create a curve whose outgoing tangent is a flat curve. The curve segment is flat (horizontal) and the value changes at the key without gradation. To create a stroboscope effect, for example, you would use a step tangent.

The "Start Node Behaviour" Submenu

Zero

This means that the currently selected attribute’s value is zero until the first key.

Constant

With this function the value of the first key is used. Both settings ("Zero" and "Constant") create a line parallel to the X axis. This option only affects the very first key of a curve.

The "Last Node Behaviour" Submenu

This setting only effects the last key and is similar to “ Start Node Behaviour”, but you have many more options. 

Zero

You can reset the attribute’s value to 0.0

Constant

Keep the last value with this function.

Loop

Creates an endless repetition of the curve segment between the first and the last key.

Loop offset

You can add the key values and create a growing curve. 

Follow tangent

This feature uses the last key’s tangent gradient to continue the curve.