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Keying Transformations

Keying transformations (scaling, rotation, and translation) is something that you’ll probably do a lot. As such, there are a number of ways in which you can key the transformation of scene elements.

You can plot a curve (trajectory) from an object’s animated transformation values—see Creating a Curve by Plotting an Object’s Transformation.

To key transformations

1. Select one or more objects.

2. Move the playback cursor to a frame where you want a keyframe.

3. Use any of these methods to set the transformation values:

- Use the SRT controls in the Transform panel, as shown on the left.

- Press the shortcut keys for scaling, rotation, or translation (x, c, or v, respectively).

- Use the 3D transform manipulators (press b to display them).

- Open the Local Transform (press Ctrl+k) or Global Transform property editors for an object and key the transformation parameters there.

You can also open the Kinematics property editor, which contains both the Local and Global Transform property editors, by right-clicking Selection in the Select panel and choosing Kinematics.

- Use the explorer or marked parameter list to mark and key specific transformation parameters.

4. Set a key using any method as described in Overview of Setting Keys, such as pressing the k key or clicking the keyframe icon in the Animation panel.

5. Move the playback cursor in the timeline to another frame where you want a key.

6. Transform the elements and set another key.

Camera rotation in the X and Y axes cannot be keyed because the camera is constrained to point at the camera interest. You can animate a camera’s Z rotation by either deactivating its up-vector constraint or modifying its Roll parameter. For more information, see Up-vector Constraints.

Keying Transformations Quickly

The best method for quickly keying all axes for each type of transformation is to use the keyboard shortcuts found on the number pad (at the right of your keyboard), as mapped out here:

Removing Transformations

To remove transformations

1. Select one or more objects with transformations.

2. From the Animation panel, choose Animation > Remove Animation > from Transforms to remove all scaling, rotation, and translation parameters.

You can also choose to remove each of these types of transformations (X, Y, and Z axes) individually with their appropriate commands.

Remembering Transformation Tools for an Object

When you’re manipulating or animating an object, you often use the same transformation tool, such as always using the Rotation tool for rotating bones in a skeleton. To make manipulation easier, you can create a transform setup property for an object so that its preferred transformation tool is automatically activated when you select that object—simply choose Get > Property > Transform Setup from any toolbar and set the options as you like (see Transform Setup [ Transformations ]).

This is very useful for control objects in a character rig —for example, when you  select the head’s effector, the Translate tool is automatically activated, or select the spine control and the Rotate tool is automatically activated.

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