Curve Editor Introduction

Curve Editor is a Track View mode that allows you to work with motion expressed as function curves on a graph. It lets you visualize the interpolation of the motion: the object transformations that 3ds Max creates between the keyframes. You can easily see and control the motion and animation of the objects in the scene using the keys on the curves and their tangent handles. The alternative mode is Dope Sheet, which lets you work directly with keys instead of curves.

• Main Toolbar > Curve Editor
• Right-click an object selected in a viewport. > Curve Editor
• Track View > Editor Menu > Curve Editor
• Default menu: Graph Editors menu > Track View - Curve Editor
• Alt menu: Animation menu > Motion Editors > Track View - Curve Editor

The Curve Editor interface consists of a menu bar, a toolbar, a Controller window, and a Key window. There is also a time ruler, and navigation and status tools at the bottom of the interface.

Note: How you zoom and pan in the Key window depends on which interaction mode, 3ds Max or Maya, is active.

By default, the Curve Editor automatically sets the magnification level when navigating between curves. If you want the Curve Editor to retain zoom levels that you set, in the View menu deselect Enable Auto-Zoom.

You can loop or cycle your animation beyond its range by adding Parameter Curve Out-Of-Range Types from the Curve Editor, as well as by adding Multiplier or Ease Curve onto other animated tracks for added control.

Tip: You can also click Mini Curve Editor on the track bar to display function curves.

Note: To restore the default layout from versions of 3ds Max prior to 3ds Max 2012, open the Track View Toolbar Right-Click Menu and choose Load Layout Function Curve Layout (Classic).