Add keys to a curve

The ways to set keys on a curve differ between the Maya legacy Graph Editor and the updated (or modern) Graph Editor.
Note: You can switch between the Classic and Modern Graph Editor in the Animation (Settings) preferences.

Modern Graph Editor

To add keys to an animation curve in the Modern Graph Editor

  1. In the Graph Editor, select the curve.
  2. Do either of the following:
    • Select the Insert Keys tool from the toolbar.
    • Select Keys > Add Key tool or Keys > Insert Keys tool from the menu bar.
  3. Drag-select the curve and middle-click to add a new key on the curve.

    All keys added to the curve will have the same tangent type as adjacent keys to preserve the original animation curve segment shape.

Once you add a key to the current animation curve, you can select the key and adjust its settings.

To delete keys from an animation curve

    In the Graph Editor, select the key you want to delete and press Delete or right-click the key and select Edit > Delete from the pop-up menu that appears.

Classic Graph Editor

To add keys to an animation curve in the Classic Graph Editor:

  1. In the Graph Editor, select the curve.
  2. Do either of the following:
    • Select the Insert Keys tool from the toolbar.
    • Select Keys > Add Key tool or Keys > Insert Keys tool from the menu bar.
  3. Middle-drag to place, and click to add a new key on the curve.

    All keys added to the curve will have the same tangent type as adjacent keys to preserve the original animation curve segment shape.

Once you add a key to the current animation curve, you can select the key and adjust its settings.

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