Scaling keyframes in 3ds Max allows you to adjust the timing of your animation, making it faster or slower.
To scale keyframes in 3ds Max, you primarily use the Scale Keys Tool, often in conjunction with the time slider to set the scale center.
Steps to Scale Keyframes
Scaling keyframes involves selecting the desired keys and then using the dedicated tool. The process typically follows these steps:
- Set the Scale Center: Drag the time slider to the specific frame or time you want to use as the center point around which the keyframes will be scaled. This point will remain fixed while other keys are stretched or compressed relative to it.
- Access the Tool: Click the (Scale Keys) button. Alternatively, you can access the tool from the main menu by choosing Edit > Transformation Tools > Scale Keys Tool.
- Select Keyframes: Highlight one or more keyframes that you wish to scale on the track bar or in the Curve Editor.
- Perform the Scaling:
- Scale: Drag your cursor to scale the selected keys. Dragging away from the scale center will spread the keys out (slowing down the animation), while dragging towards the scale center will compress them (speeding up the animation).
- Scale and Copy: Hold down the Shift key while dragging to create scaled copies of the selected keyframes. This is useful for repeating animation sequences at a different pace.
Understanding the Scale Center
The position of the time slider when you start scaling is crucial. It acts as the anchor point.
- If you place the scale center at frame 0, all selected keys will scale relative to the beginning of the animation.
- If you place it at the first selected key, that key will stay in place while subsequent keys are scaled.
- If you place it somewhere in the middle of a selection, keys on either side will scale relative to that point.
Where to Perform Scaling
You can scale keyframes in different interfaces within 3ds Max:
- Track Bar: The most common place for quick scaling. Select keys directly on the track bar.
- Curve Editor: Offers more visual control and precision, showing animation curves. You can select and scale keys directly on the curves.
Using the Scale Keys Tool effectively allows you to refine the timing of your animations, whether you need to stretch out a slow motion effect or tighten up a fast action sequence.
