Curve Editor

The function of the curve editor allows control of an objects trajectory by changing the tangency of the curve. To access the curve editor either click on the graph editors pulldown or click on the graph sign on the tool bar to display the function curve of the animation.

Drag a Sphere in the front viewport.

Turn on the Autokey.

Move Sphere to centre of bottom of viewport at keyframe 50.

Move Sphere to top right hand side of viewport at keyframe 100.

Right click on Sphere.

Object properties – click on trajectory.

( White boxes represent key frames for the animation ).

( White dots represent frames ).

The white dots are close together at the beginning of the trajectory and wider spaced in the middle at frame 50.

The animation is slow where the frames are close together.

The animation is fast where the frames are far apart.

The trajectory, presented so far in the animation requires correction.

The Sphere (bouncing ball) needs to start fast and accelerate when dropped from a height until frame 50 is reached.

At frame 50 the bouncing ball would bounce out fast loosing its acceleration by frame 100.

Using Key Tangencies the Tangency of the curve may be controlled by right clicking on the key at frame 50, Sphere 01 X position,  enables the Tangent to be changed to fast in and fast out.

To change the slope of the curve manually the use of the small handles will allow the curve to match the tangent chosen.

Clicking on the graph icon and the out of range Tangent Types dialogue box appears, which enables the animation to be stepped through or looping the animation.