3ds Max® 2008 Bible

Chapter 34. Working with Function Curves in the Track View

IN THIS CHAPTER

• Learning the Track View interface

• Understanding the Track View Curve Editor and Dope Sheet layouts

• Working with keys and time ranges

• Adjusting function curves

• Filtering tracks

• Assigning controllers

• Optimizing animation keys

• Using out-of-range types

• Adding notes to a track

• Synching animation to a sound track

As you move objects around in a viewport, you often find yourself eyeballing the precise location of an object in the scene. If you've ever found yourself wishing that you could precisely see all the values behind the scene, then you need to find the Track View. The Track View can be viewed using three different layouts: Curve Editor, Dope Sheet, and Track Bar. Each of these interfaces offers a unique view into the details of the scene.

These Track View layouts can display all the details of the current scene, including all the parameters and keys. This view lets you manage and control all these parameters and keys without having to look in several different places.

The Track View also includes additional features that enable you to edit key ranges, add and synchronize sound to your scene, and work with animation controllers using function curves.

Learning the Track View Interface

Although the Track View can be viewed using different layouts, the basic interface elements are the same. They all have menus, toolbars, a Controller pane, a Key pane, and a Time Ruler. Figure 34.1 shows these interface elements. You can hide ...