Add an animation path

Add an animation path in the Canvas

The easiest way to apply keyframes is to manipulate objects directly in the Canvas while the Record button is enabled. Using this method, you can animate changes to basic parameters such as scale, rotation, position, distort, and so on.

When the Record button is enabled and you move the playhead to a new frame, any change you make to any object generates new keyframes. When animating an object’s position, an animation path is created—a red line in the Canvas showing the direction of motion (a small white arrow at the beginning of the path) and the location of keyframe points (small white diamonds along that path).

Canvas showing selected object

Note: To view the animation paths of keyframed objects, ensure that Animation Path is selected in the View pop-up menu (in the upper-right corner of the Canvas).

If the playhead is positioned on a previously set keyframe, changes you make modify that keyframe rather than the curve, regardless of whether the Record button is on or off.

Move an object across the screen

  1. Click the Record button (or press A) to turn on keyframe recording.

  2. Place the playhead at the starting frame.

  3. Place the object in a starting position.

    Canvas showing object in its starting position

  4. Move the playhead forward.

  5. Drag the object to the ending position.

    Canvas showing object at its end position

  6. Click the Record button (or press A) to turn off keyframe recording.

    A red animation path shows the route the object will take when you play back your project, flying from position one to position two over the interval you set.

    Note: If you can’t see the animation path, click the View pop-up menu above the Canvas, then choose Animation Path. When this setting is active, a checkmark appears next to it in the View pop-up menu.

See also
Manipulate animation paths