How can I prevent keyframes from being set on drawing layers?

We can make sure the preferences are set to prevent keyframes on drawing layers from the very beginning, or update layers to have this setting after they’ve been created.

Option 1: Change the Element Node preference

1. In the top menu, do one of the following:
   • In Windows, click Edit > Preferences…
   • In macOS click Harmony Premium > Preferences…
2. The Preferences window appears:

3. Select the Advanced tab.
4. In the Advanced Options Section, locate the Element Node ”Animate Using Animation Tools” Default Value option.

5. Uncheck the option.
6. Click the OK to save your settings.
7. You will now be unable to select a drawing layer with the Transform tool unless it has a peg, and any keyframe information will automatically be stored on the parent peg.

Option 2: Set Properties on many layers

If you have already created some drawings before deactivating the Element Node ”Animate Using Animation Tools” Default Value setting. You can manually update the drawing settings.

1. To update the settings on a single drawing layer, open the Layer Properties by doing one of the following:
   • In the Timeline view, right click on the drawing layer and select Layer Properties.
   • In the Timeline view, double click in the empty space on the drawing layer.
   • In the Node view, locate the drawing layer and click on the yellow box to open the Layer Properties.
2. In the Layer Properties window, click on the Controls tab.
3. Under the Animation section, make sure Animate Using Animation Tools is unchecked.

4. The change will apply automatically. Close the window once done.

TIP: You can apply this change to multiple drawing layers using the The Set Properties on Many Layersbutton in the Node View toolbar. See the article How can I change multiple properties on multiple nodes at a time? for more information.