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Understanding the time graph


    The time graph portion of the Timeline window contains a time ruler, markers to indicate specific times and current work area, and duration bars for the layers in your composition. Use the time graph to adjust the range of time shown in the Timeline window, and to specify a range of time to render when creating or previewing a movie.

    The time graph also contains controls for adjusting time for layers and controlling motion and changes over time. For more information on working with time for an individual layer, see Positioning a layer in time.

    The time graph

    A. Time graph

    Use to view layer durations, a time ruler, markers, and keyframes.

    B. Viewing-area markers

    Indicate the area displayed in detail in the time graph. These markers are part of the navigator view, described below. Drag to view a specific area. See Viewing and setting the current time.

    C. Navigator view

    Uses smaller versions of the work-area markers and current-time marker to show their relationship to the entire composition. As you drag the viewing-area markers to change the view, the miniature markers in the navigator view show your view and the location of the current-time marker in the context of the full duration of the composition.

    D. Work-area markers

    Indicate an area of the composition for rendering or previewing. To render only part of the composition, drag the work-area marker to specify the part of the composition to render. See Setting up a work area.

    E. Time ruler

    Indicates the part of the composition duration currently displayed in the time graph. For information on ways to display time on the time ruler, see Setting time-display options.

    F. Window menu button

    Displays the Timeline window menu, which includes functions affecting layers and keyframes, as well as providing access to the Composition Settings dialog box.

    G. Composition-time marker

    Used to add markers to the time ruler. Drag the marker to a point on the time ruler. Drag it back to remove it.

    H. Comp Family button

    Click to open the active Timeline window's associated Composition window.

    I. Zoom slider

    Drag to magnify a portion of the time graph or to see more of the time graph. You can also use the zoom-in icon ( the zoom-in icon) or the zoom-out icon ( the zoom-out icon).