Layer menu

The Layer menu in the Key Controls window lets you select the animation layer that receives keyframes, and lets you create layers. You can select the BaseAnimation layer, or any number of separate layers on which to animate. To select, manage, and merge many layers, use the Animation Layer editor. See Animating on Layers.

Key Controls window A. Layer menu

Note: The layer selected in the Layer menu is often referred to as the current layer, to differentiate it from other layers that may also be selected in the Animation Layer editor. See Current layer.

BaseAnimation layer

The BaseAnimation layer is the default animation layer. While you can use any number of layers when animating, plotting your animation merges all layers to the BaseAnimation layer. See BaseAnimation layer.

AnimLayer1

AnimLayer1 displays in the menu by default. Select AnimLayer1 from the menu to set keyframes on this layer. Selecting “(New Layer)” from the menu creates a layer called AnimLayer2. Subsequent layers you create are sequential, such as AnimLayer3, AnimLayer4, and so on.

You can also use the Animation Layer editor to create layers, and to manage, parent, and merge layers. When you select a layer in the Layer menu of the Key Controls window, the layer displays bright green in the Animation Layer editor to indicate that this is the layer that receives keyframes.

Renamed layer A. “Rotation Y” layer selected in the Animation Layer editor B. Selected layer displayed in the Layer field

See Animating on Layers.