Controlling speed along a motion path

When you animate a spatial property such as Position, Anchor Point, Effect Point, or 3D Orientation, you can view and adjust the rate of change of the layer in the Speed graph in the Timeline window or on the motion path in the Composition or Layer window. As you adjust the rate in one window, you can view the changes in the other window. In the Timeline window's Speed graph, change in the graph height indicates changes in speed. Level values indicate constant speed; higher values indicate increased speed.

In the Composition or Layer window, the spacing between dots in a motion path indicates speed. Each dot represents a frame, based on the frame rate of the composition. Even spacing indicates a constant speed, and wider spacing indicates a higher speed. Keyframes using Hold interpolation display no dots because there is no intermediate transition between keyframe values; the layer simply appears at the next keyframe's position.


Motion path in Composition window (left), Speed graph in Timeline window (right) A. Dots are close together, indicating slower speed (left), and the speed is constant (right). B. Dots are far apart, indicating faster speed (left), and the speed is constant (right). C. Inconsistent spacing of dots indicates changing speed (left), and the speed slows then increases (right).

To control speed between keyframes:

Use any combination of the following options:

• In the Composition or Layer window, adjust the spatial distance between two keyframes on the motion path. Increase speed by moving one keyframe position farther away from the other, or decrease speed by moving one keyframe position closer to the other.

More spatial distance between keyframes increases layer speed.
• In the Timeline window, adjust the time difference between two keyframes. Decrease speed by moving one keyframe farther away from the other, or increase speed by moving one keyframe closer to the other.

Shorter temporal distance between keyframes increases layer speed.
• Apply the Easy Ease keyframe assistant, which automatically adjusts the speed of change as motion advances toward and retreats from a keyframe. (See Automatically easing speed using Easy Ease.)