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Animation > Editing animation parameters > Example: cycle and interpolation

Example: animation cycle and interpolation


In this example, you animate the color of the signal lights at a railways crossing. You create an animation cycle where the light changes from dark red to bright red, then back to dark red. You use Constant interpolation to make the color change suddenly every 1/5 of a second.

Note: To try this example, open the Railway_start.axel in AXEL / Documentation / Projects. You can also follow this example using a sphere with a red material.


  1. Turn off Play ( ), go to time 0, and turn on Record ( ).
  2. In the World Explorer, select the material color parameter you want to animate.
  3. Choose Animation > Add Animation Sequence or press Ctrl+K.
  4. An animation sequence appears in the Sequencer.

  5. At time 0, set the color to dark red. Click the color chip in the Parameter Editor and select a color from the Color Editor that appears.
  6. Go to 0.4 seconds and press Ctrl+K.
  7. A new key appears at time 0.4 in the Sequencer. The color is still dark red.

  8. Go back to time 0.2 seconds, press Ctrl+K and set the color to bright red.
  9. Notice the keys in the Sequencer. Double-click the animation sequence to display the curve.

  10. To preview the animation, go to time 0, and turn on Play.
  11. The light gradually changes from dark red to bright red, then back to dark red.

  12. To make the color change suddenly, select the animation sequence and set the Interpolation to Constant in the Parameter Editor.
  13. Notice the jumps in the animation curve. The color value changes suddenly at each key.

  14. To make the animation cycle over and over again, turn on Cycle.
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