CE Tool Bar - Other

The last group again consists of three buttons. The last one – “Show Key Properties” – is a special case, because it opens a separate window for fine-tuning keys. For this purpose, the “Curve Editor” provides a wide range of functions and these settings are treated separately.

Toggle Frames or Time View

By default, the graph window’s legend for the horizontal axis shows the current time in frames per second (FPS). With this button you can quickly change between FPS and time.

Show Selected Keys Value as Tooltips

This is another convenient tool, helping you to get fast access to all relevant parameters of selected keys. Both time and dimensions are displayed next to the control points. Of course time is either given in frames per second or seconds, depending on your selection from “Toggle Frames” or “Time View”.

The “Selected Key Properties” Panel

Clicking on this icon opens a panel with comprehensive features and options to shape and adjust selected keys. An interesting feature is the option to specify a key’s pre- and post-behaviour to make the curve follow a certain direction. It is also the place for controlling a "Tcb" key’s properties and achieve various effects.

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Each control point carries its index number. By clicking on the arrows you can go through the keys easily, while the current index number is shown in the field.

Frame

By simply entering a new value it is possible to reposition the selected key in horizontal direction. Please note that negative values are allowed, too. Frame depends on “Toggle Frames” or “Time View”, and therefore either shows frames or seconds.

Value

Similar to “Frame” you can directly enter a new parameter value and shift the current key in vertical direction. The dimension of this value strongly depends on the attribute and its limitations.

Pre-Behaviour

You can choose between “Zero” and “Constant”. “Zero” means that the currently selected attribute’s value is zero until the first key. With “Constant” the value of the first key is used. Both settings create a line parallel to the X axis. This option only affects the very first key of a curve. The appearance of “Pre-Behaviour” is actually the same as “Post-Behaviour’s” first options, as seen on the right.

Post-Behaviour

This setting only effects the last key and is similar to “Pre-Behaviour”, but you have many more options. “Zero” resets the attribute’s value to 0.0, “Constant” just keeps the last value. With “Loop” you create an endless repetition of the curve segment between the first and the last key. “Loop offset” adds the the key values and creates a growing curve. “Follow tangent” uses the last key’s tangent gradient to continue the curve.

Node Option Field

Each control point can have its own node behaviour that directly influences the curve. It provides 4 types: “Tcb”, “Bezier”, “Linear” and “Stepped”. The way the different types are influencing the curve can be directly seen in the little graph on the right. Except for “Bezier”, all behaviours use three attributes to control the curve: “Tension”, “Continuity” and “Bias”. “Bezier” has values for “Incoming” and “Outgoing” tangents.

Ease To/Ease From

You should be familiar with these parameters from other animation programs. They are used to create a smooth and natural acceleration or deceleration, instead of a linear increase/decrease of speed. Both values range between 0.0 and 1.0.

Tension

Higher “Tension” settings produce more linear curves, while lower settings give you smooth and rounded curves. “Tension” also has a slight “Ease To” and “Ease From” effect that can be enhanced with the dedicated settings. Minimum and maximum values range between -10.0 and 10.0, and the result of the operation is visible in the graph window.

“Tension” causes an object in motion to slow down, or move a little bit less in each frame as it nears the keyframe, and to accelerate as it passes the keyframe. Without “Tension”, the object would pass through the keyframe position at a constant speed.

Continuity

By definition, “Continuity” is responsible for the tangential property of the curve at the selected key: higher values produce a curved overshoot on both sides of the key, while lower settings result in curves similar to high tension, but without any ease to or ease from effects. The range of accepted values lies between -10.0 and 10.0. Negative “Continuity” settings are usually used to replicate a sharp change in motion such as that of a falling ball striking a floor and quickly reversing direction. “Continuity” is not available for “Bezier"-type keys.

Bias

Again, this parameter accepts values between -10.0 and 10.0. High values create a (more or less) linear curve before the key and an exaggerated curve behind it. The result is a kind of hump behind the currently active key. Low values show higher curvature before entering the key and a steeper progression leaving the key. A good example is a race car moving around a bend: it could use either a negative or a positive setting to 1) anticipate the turn with a negative bias, or 2) overshoot the turn with a positive bias. “Bias” is not available for "Bezier"-type keys.

Incoming/Outgoing

These parameters are only visible with "Bezier"-type keys. By default, an animation key uses one interpolation method, but you can apply two methods: the “Incoming” method applies to the property value as the current time approaches a keyframe, and the “Outgoing” method applies to the property value as the current time leaves a keyframe.

Unlike other interpolation methods, "Bezier" interpolation lets you create any combination of curves and straight lines along the motion path. Because the two "Bezier" direction handles operate independently, a curving motion path can suddenly turn into a sharp corner at a "Bezier" key.