How do I animate effect values?

Some effects allow you to set keyframes for the values in their settings. This article will show you how to create animations with these values.

Option 1: Animate in the Timeline view

1. In the Timeline view, expand the effect parameters by using the + button on the layer.

2. Parameters that have a function icon can be animated.

3. On the layer of the effect value that you want to animate, set keyframes, interpolations and eases like you would on a peg layer. You can also add keyframes using the <+> button on the layer itself.

4. For each keyframe, adjust the value of the parameter.

5. As you work, use the Render view to check the effect on specific frames.
6. To preview the full animation, use the Render and Play button, or export the scene as a movie.

Option 2: Animate in the Bezier Editor 

If you want a more focused, detailed approach for animating effect values, you can use the Bezier Editor. Creating keyframes and interpolations in the Bezier Editor will also create them in the timeline and vice versa.

1. To open the Bezier Editor, do one of the following:
   • In the Node view, open the effect’s Layer Properties by selecting the yellow box on the node.
   • In the Timeline view, double click the effect layer’s empty space to open the Layer Properties window. 

2. In the Layer Properties window, values that can be animated will have a Function button. Click this button twice to open the Bezier Editor.

3. The Bezier Editor window will open:

4. Drag the playhead back and forth to choose the frame, or type the frame number in the Frame field.

5. Add and remove keyframes by using the Add Keyframe and Remove Keyframebuttons on the toolbar, or by using the shortcuts F6 and F7.

6. To change the value of the parameter on a specific frame, select the keyframe and change the number in the Value field.

7. To change the stop-motion keyframe to a motion keyframe (interpolation), select the keyframe you want to interpolate from and deactivate the Stop-Motion Keyframe button (so that it is no longer shaded).

8. The line between keyframes will become straight.

9. To adjust the eases or velocity, pull the yellow arrows out of either side of the keyframes to create a curve.

10. As you work, use the Render view to check the effect on specific frames.
11. To preview the full animation, use the Render and Play button, or export the scene as a movie.

Q&A 

Question: 

Is there a way to remove the animation on an effect value so that it becomes static again?

Answer: 

Yes, you can do this in the Timeline view or the effect’s Layer Properties:

• In the Layer Properties, select the dropdown arrow next to the value’s Function button and select Local.
• In the Timeline view, click on the value’s Function icon and select Local.

Question: 

Why are specific value fields in the effect Layer Properties greyed out?

Answer: 

This means that the value has animation applied to it. Either adjust the settings in the Bezier Editor or Timeline view, or reset the value back to Local using the instructions in the Answer above.