Page 625 - Kitab3DsMax

Chapter 21: Understanding Animation and Keyframes

Note
You can also access key-specific dialog boxes in the Motion panel for a selected object by clicking the Parameters
button. n
Within each of these key dialog boxes is a Time value that shows the current frame. Next to the Time value
are two arrows that enable you to move easily to the other keys in the scene. The dialog box also includes
several text fields, where you can change the key parameters.
Most of the key dialog boxes also include flyout buttons for selecting Key Tangents. Key Tangents deter-
mine how the animation moves into and out of the key. For example, if the In Key Tangent is set to Slow
and the Out Key Tangent is set to Fast, the object approaches the key position in a slow manner but accel-
erates as it leaves the key position. The arrow buttons on either side of the Key Tangent buttons can copy
the current Key Tangent selection to the previous or next key.
The available types of Tangents are detailed in Table 21.3.

TABLE 21.3
Key Tangents

Toolbar Button Name Description
Smooth Produces straight, smooth motion; this is the default type.

Linear Moves at a constant rate between keys.

Step Causes discontinuous motion between keys; it occurs only between
matching In-Out pairs.
Slow Decelerates as you approach the key.

Fast Accelerates as you approach the key.

Custom Lets you control the Tangent handles in function curves mode.

Custom – Locked Lets you control the Tangent handles in function curves mode with the
Handles handles locked.

Using the Motion Panel

You have yet another way to create keys: by using the Motion panel. The Motion panel in the Command
Panel includes settings and controls for animating objects. At the top of the Motion panel are two buttons:
Parameters and Trajectories.

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