Convert to Bezier interpolation

Bezier interpolation—the default keyframe type—is the most flexible method of curve generation because it allows manual modification of the curve. If you’ve converted Bezier keyframes to another linear keyframes, Motion lets you convert them back to Bezier keyframes.

Convert a linear keyframe into a Bezier keyframe

  • While holding down the Command key, drag the keyframe in the keyframe graph.

    Tangent handles appear and your mouse movement controls one of the handles.

    Keyframe Editor showing Linear keyframe being converted into Bezier keyframe

Note: Command-clicking a Bezier point resets it to Linear interpolation.

To simultaneously modify the tangent handles of more than one keyframe point, Shift-click to select multiple points, then adjust the tangent handles. If there are no tangent handles on the point, drag the point while holding down the Command key.

Adjust tangents of a keyframe point

Each Bezier keyframe point has two tangent handles that adjust the angle of curve at the keyframe. By default, these handles are locked together (moving one moves the other, creating a uniform curve at the keyframe point). However, you can break the handle to create separate curve segments on each side of a keyframe point. Doing so lets you create irregular curves.

Curve with unbroken and broken keyframe point tangent handles

Do any of the following:

  • “Break” tangent handles to adjust one independently of the other: Hold down the Option key and drag a tangent’s handle, or Control click a tangent handle, then choose Break Handle from the shortcut menu.

  • Relink broken tangent handles: Hold down the Option key while dragging a tangent, or Control-click a tangent handle and choose Link and Align Handles.

Constrain a tangent handle’s angle to 45-degree increments

  • While holding down the Shift key, drag the handle.

    Keyframe Editor showing Bezier handle being moved while constrained