Animating Layers
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By default, layers are not animated. To animate a layer, begin by setting a keyframe on the desired position. You can then use the Transform tool to move the layer and set as many keyframes as needed for your animation. You can then edit the keyframes and timing using the layer track controls in the Timeline view.
If you decide to delete the keyframes from a layer, you can clear all of them by clicking the Animate button. Once cleared the keyframes are cleared, the layer remains at the position of the current frame.
- In the Timeline or Thumbnails view, select a panel.
- In the Stage or Camera view, select a layer.
In the Stage view, the layer is highlighted in blue.
- In the Timeline view, position the playhead on the starting position of your movement.
- In the Tools toolbar, click the Layer Transform button and position your drawing in the Stage or Camera view.
- Do one of the following:
- In the Stage or Camera view, click the layer's Animate button.
- In the Timeline view, click the button on the layer track.
- In the Tool Properties view, click the Add Keyframe button .
The Animate button turns yellow and changes shape to indicate the presence of keyframes: . A keyframe is created on the current position of the playhead.
- In the Timeline view, move the playhead to the next position where you want to add a keyframe.
- In the Camera, Stage, Top or Side view, set the new position of the layer.
A keyframe is automatically created and the animation between both keyframes is set.
Once the Animate button is on, any transformation applied to your layer with the Transform tool will create a keyframe at the current frame on the Timeline.
- Keep setting keyframes in time and space until your animation is complete.
- Click the Play button to see the animation of the layer.
- Select a layer that contains animation. This is indicated by the yellow Animate icon.
- Do one of the following:
- Click the Animate icon of the layer.
All keyframes are cleared and the layer remains at the position of the current frame.
- Press Ctrl+R (Windows) or ⌘+R (Mac OS X) to clear all keyframes on the current layer.
All keyframes are cleared and the layer resets back to its original position.
The Animate icon on the layer turns grey to indicate that it no longer contains information.