Timelines create animation by changing the position, size, visibility, and stacking order of layers. Timelines can also change the source file of images.
Timelines can move only layers. To make images or text move, make a layer using the Layer tool on the Object palette and then insert images, text, or any other type of content in the layer. See Creating a layer.
To create a timeline:
1 | Move the layer to where it should be when animation begins. |
2 | Choose Window > Timeline, or click the Timeline button in the Launcher. |
3 | Select the layer or image and you want to add to the timeline. |
Make sure you have selected the right thing. Click the layer marker or use the Layer palette to select a layer. See also Selecting, moving and resizing a layer. When a layer is selected, handles appear around it as shown in this picture.
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Clicking on the layer itself places a blinking cursor inside the layer, but it does not select the actual layer. | |
4 | Choose Modify > Add Object to Timeline, or simply drag the selected object into the Timeline inspector. |
A bar appears in the first channel of the timeline. The name of the layer or image appears in the bar. | |
If you are working with an image, the only property you can change is the image source file in Property inspector. The remaining steps do not apply. See Changing visibility, size, stacking order, and image source with timelines. | |
5 | Click the keyframe marker at the end of the bar. |
6 | Move the layer on the page to where it should be at the end of the animation. |
7 | If you want the layer to move in a curve, click a frame in the middle of the animation bar and choose Modify > Timeline > Add Keyframe. Move the layer on the page to where it should be at the midpoint of the animation. |
Repeat this step to define additional keyframes. | |
8 | Hold down the Play button to preview the animation on the page. |
Repeat the procedure to add additional layers and images to the timeline and to make more complex animation. | |
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