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Fine-tuning speed


    Using the Speed or Velocity graph, you can adjust motion or the rate of change for a value so that it occurs more slowly just before or just after a keyframe, or so that a layer moves quickly over a certain distance and then slows down smoothly. By adjusting the rise and fall of the graph, you can control how fast or slow a value changes from keyframe to keyframe. Each temporal interpolation method affects acceleration and deceleration differently. If you don't get the results you want, try a different temporal interpolation method.

    When adjusting speed on a motion path, set the shape of a motion path first, and then use ease handles to fine-tune the speed relationships in the Speed graph. Ease handles provide the most direct control over acceleration and deceleration. You can control the values approaching or leaving a keyframe together or separately. The incoming handle increases the influence of a keyframe value on the previous keyframe when you drag it to the left, and decreases the influence on the previous keyframe when you drag it to the right. It increases or decreases the speed when you drag it up or down. The outgoing handle influences the next keyframe in the same way.

    Note: If you want a handle to have influence over more than one keyframe, use roving keyframes. See Creating smooth changes using roving keyframes.

To fine-tune speed between keyframes:

  1. In the Timeline window, expand the outline for the keyframe you want to adjust. Then click the triangle to the left of the property to display the Speed graph or the Velocity graph.
  2. At the keyframe you want to adjust, drag either ease handle up to accelerate, or down to decelerate, entering and leaving the keyframe.
  3. By default, if you drag a handle beyond the top or bottom of the graph area, the graph line is automatically resized to fit within the graph area. However, if you deselect the icon (the Graphline icon) to the right of the property values, the graph line will not be resized; see Adjusting the Speed or Velocity graph border.

To fine-tune speed separately for incoming and outgoing frames:

  1. In the Timeline window, display the Speed or Velocity graph for the keyframe you want to adjust.
  2. At the keyframe you want to adjust, press Ctrl (Windows) or Command (Mac OS) as you drag either ease handle up or down.

To rejoin split ease handles:

  1. In the Timeline window, display the Speed or Velocity graph for the keyframe you want to adjust.
  2. At the keyframe you want to adjust, press Ctrl (Windows) or Command (Mac OS) as you drag either split ease handle up or down until it meets the other handle.

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