Understanding the Timeline

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The timeline allows control of individual aspects of scene objects over time. Each scene object is represented as a single track that can be extended in order to show the object properties. Every object track is shown in a different color.

Timeline Panels

The timeline consists of five main panels:

Timeline_panels

On top there are playback controls and the time ruler. The initial and final frames values, specified in the text boxes on each side of the time ruler, are used to narrow the object visibility range.

The left bottom panel represents the current selected object along with the names of any parameters that have any keyframes defined. The details displayed in this area change as the selection changes, however, objects can be pinned to be displayed along with other objects regardless of selection state.

To pin the object in the tree, simply tick the box next to the icon and name:

Animation_panel_pin_object

In the right bottom panel, you can see objects (or their parameters) as layers in a classic timeline form, where it is possible to interact with and alter their start time and/or duration.

On the bottommost panel the time scale control is placed allowing you to change the time scale on the timeline and scroll to the desired part of it.

Collapsing/Expanding the Timeline

The timeline is a collapsible panel. To hide the object tracks, press the ▴ button on the right of the timeline. To expand the timeline, press the button one more time. When creating simple scenes, this provides a less cluttered and less complex way to work, as well as maximizing space for the canvas area.

Collapsed_Timeline

Moving the Current Frame Position

There are several ways to move to the desired frame position:

  • Click on the desired location on the timeline to jump to that location

  • Left-click the animation position slider and holding it move the slider to the desired timeline location

  • Use the → and ← buttons or use the Shift+6 or Shift+4 shortcuts respectively to move the animation position slider forward or backward on the timeline

  • Hit S to jump to the end of the scene

  • Hit A to jump to the beginning of the scene

  • Use → or 4 to move a frame forward and Alt+→ or 2 to move 10 frames forward

  • Use ← or 3 to move a frame backward and Alt+← or 1 to move 10 frames backward

  • Hit Space to start/stop playing

Working with the Objects on the Timeline

Changing the Duration

Each object track has its respective start and end markers on the time ruler:

In_Out_markers

They are used to change the duration that the object will display. Simply click on the marker and drag it to the desired position. The track duration will change accordingly.

These markers are typical start and end animation keyframes.

Repositioning

You can also change the temporal position of the object by dragging it to the desired position on the timeline. To do this, click on the object track and drag it to the required position.

Animation_panel_dragging

The number in the beginning of the track specifies the initial frame for the object to be displayed.