Change object orientation along a motion path

Use this procedure when you want to modify object orientation along part of the motion path by rotating the object on one axis. You will use the Time Slider to set keys at three points on the path:

• Where the object starts deviating from the standard path orientation
• Where the deviation should be at maximum
• Where the object should return to standard path orientation

To set keys for changing object orientation

1. In the Time Slider, click and drag the Current Time Indicator to the point in the animation where the object should start rotating on one axis to deviate from standard path orientation.
2. Select the object, then in the Channel Box, expand the motionPath node to see the Front Twist, Up Twist, and Side Twist values. Make a note of these values for reference later in this procedure.
   Tip: If you are not sure which of the twist values you want to change farther along the path, experiment with the values here. Click the text label for one of the twist values, then in the scene view, hold down the middle mouse button and slide the mouse horizontally left or right to see the object rotate around one axis. Return the twist settings to the standard path values before proceeding.
3. Right-click the text label for the twist value you will change later, then on the menu, select Key Selected.

   You should see a key added to the Time Slider at this point.

4. Click and drag the Current Time Indicator to the point in the animation where the object should be at maximum deviation from standard path orientation.
5. In the Channel Box, click the text label for the twist value that you want to change; in the scene view, hold down the middle mouse button and slide the mouse horizontally left or right until the object is at your preferred value for maximum deviation or twist from the path.
6. In the Channel Box, right-click on the text label for the twist value you changed, and then select Key Selected.

   You should see another key added to the Time Slider at this point.

7. Click and drag the Current Time Indicator to the point in the animation where the object should be fully returned to standard path orientation.
8. In the Channel Box, click the text label for the twist value that you changed at the last key, and reset the value to the standard path value.
9. Right-click on the same text label, and then select Key Selected.

   You should see another key added to the Time Slider at this point.

10. Play the animation to see the changes in object orientation along the path.