Changing interpolation and shape

Every key has one or two tangents that control the interpolation of the animation curveThe curve drawn between keys set for the same animatable property, at different frames or seconds. The position of the tangents and the selected interpolation mode for each key determines the shape of the animation curve. More info
See in Glossary. The term interpolation refers to the estimation of values that determine the shape of the animation curve between two keys.

Whether a key has one of two tangents depends on the location of the key on the animation curve. The first key has only a right tangent that controls the interpolation of the animation curve after the key. The last key has only a left tangent that controls the interpolation of the animation curve before the last key.

All other keys have two tangents where the left tangent controls the interpolation before the key, and the right tangent controls the interpolation after the key. By default, tangents are joined. Dragging one tangent affects the position of both tangents, and the interpolation of the animation curve both before and after the key.

Dragging a tangent may also change the interpolation mode of the animation curve. For example, most keys are set to the Clamped Auto interpolation mode which automatically smooths animation curve as it passes through the key. If you drag a tangent of a key set to Clamped Auto, the interpolation mode changes to Free Smooth.

The term interpolation mode refers to the interpolation algorithm that determines which shape to use when drawing the animation curve.

To view the interpolation mode for a key, select the key and Right-click. The context menu shows the interpolation mode. To change the interpolation mode for a key, select the key, Right-click and select another interpolation mode.

Some interpolation modes break the left and right tangents so that they can be positioned separately. When tangents are broken, you can set a separate interpolation mode for the animation curve before the key and the animation curve after the key. For more details on the different interpolation modes, see Editing Curves. In the Animation window documentation, the interpolation mode is referred to as tangent type.

• 2017–08–10 Page published with limited editorial review