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Additional operations

Paths​

When position parameters progress in time, there must be a path taken by the parameter in question. For example, three FX Stack keyframes were created at images 1, 6 and 30 for the Center parameter above. The center of the Center blur effect consequently follows a path as time progresses. In our example, the path is visible via the HUD and looks a bit like a red « V ».

It is possible to choose an interpolation mode between the FX Stack keyframe points which define your paths: click on the first pop-up (on the screenshot above, it is "Linear") : you may choose to connect the points in a linear, spline or smooth manner using the effect's first menu.

tip

When using Spline, it is possible to use handles. The [Ctrl] key + mouse click on a handle are used to move only this handle.

info

Paths are reviewed in greater detail in the Effect categories > Motion section of this user manual.

Moving from FX Stack keyframe to FX Stack keyframe​

It is not always easy to place yourself on a FX Stack keyframe within the timeline, especially when the project contains many images. The arrows buttons in the effect stack are used to move rapidly from one key to another without having to use the < and > keys or the mouse. If they are in white, they indicates that there is a FX Stack keyframe on the left or the right of the current position. Otherwise, there are no more FX Stack keyframes.

The contextual menu for the FX Stack keyframes​

A right click in the timeline on a « FX Stack keyframe line » (see opposite), calls up a contextual menu. You may :

  • create or delete keyframes (which requires confirmation),
  • select one or all keyframes (they will then be displayed in gray...),
  • cut, copy, paste keyframes (a process already used for images and layers).
tip

When using FX Stack keyframes:

  • The layer contextual menu offers the possibility to select the frames corresponding to the FX Stack keyframe line.
  • The Auto Fit menu (which can be accessed by right-clicking on the magnifying glass to the left of the Timeline) is used to adjust the zoom of the timeline in order to view all the FX Stack keyframes.

Contract, stretch a keyframe line​

In the previous lessons we learned how to contract or stretch an animation layer. This is also possible for keyframe lines (see below).

tip

If required, it is possible to move a keyframe from one place to another in the timeline (click and slide with the left mouse button).

Use the selections​

When you make a selection on the screen and then apply an FX stack, the latter is only applied to the selected area (whether you apply the stack to one or several images makes no difference). This is very useful when you apply your effect to a precise area in your image or animation.