Transform multiple curve segments simultaneously

Use the Transform Keyframes tool to drag a selection box around multiple keyframes and then manipulate their positions by dragging the box or adjusting its handles. Dragging the selection box moves the selected keyframes in whatever direction you move. As a result, you can affect where the keyframes are positioned in time or you can affect their parameter values, or you can do both at the same time. Adjusting a selection box handle scales the keyframes, changing their timing and parameter values.

Keyframe Editor showing Transform Keyframes tool

Draw a selection box using the Transform Keyframes tool

  1. Select the Transform Keyframes tool (above the parameter list in the Keyframe Editor).

  2. In the graph area, drag to create a selection box enclosing the keyframes you want to manipulate.

    A box with eight handles appears in the graph area.

    Keyframe Editor showing a selection box

    Important: When transforming keyframes using the Transform Keyframes tool, by default keyframes are adjusted in whole-frame increments. You can adjust keyframe in sub-frame increments if the “Allow sub-frame keyframing” checkbox is turned on in the Time pane of Motion Preferences. Sub-frame adjustments allow greater precision, but use the Next/Previous Keyframe controls (or keyboard shortcuts) to move the playhead to keyframes that are between frames. If you move a sub-frame-adjusted keyframe using the pointer, the frame snaps to the nearest whole frame.

Drag the selection box to change keyframe timing and parameter values

  • Drag inside the selection box to move the box and the enclosed keyframes.

    Moving left and right repositions the keyframes in time, and moving up and down increases and decreases the parameter values of the keyframes.

    Note: No matter where you drag the box, only the keyframes selected by the original box are manipulated, even if the repositioned box overlaps keyframes outside the original selection. To manipulate additional keyframes, redraw the selection box in the graph area.

Scale the selection box relative to the handle opposite the one you’re dragging

  • Drag any handle to resize the selection box.

    The selection box changes shape relative to the handle on the opposite side or corner of the box, which remains locked in place.

Scale the selection box about its center

  • Hold down the Option key and drag a handle of the selection box.

    Both sides of the box scale up or down around its center as you drag along the axes.

Deform the selection box asymmetrically

  • Hold down the Command key and drag a corner handle of the selection box.

    Each corner handle moves independently of the other three corner handles of the selection box.

Deselect the selection box

Do one of the following:

  • In the Keyframe Editor, click once anywhere outside the selection box.

  • Choose the Edit Keyframes tool.

    The selection box disappears.

    Tip: You can also draw a new selection box outside of the old one to surround a different group of keyframes.