Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
For another demonstration, delete the “Noise” modifier and select the “Built In Func-
tion” modifier. This produces a straight sinusoidal graph. Check out the drop down menu
in this modifier panel for the selection of graphs based on various mathematical functions.
All selections have buttons to control values that are introduced, which provides more stuff
to play with.
To get more experienced, try adding multiple modifiers to your curve. Just click on the
“Add Modifier” button without deleting what you already have.
9.8 Automatic Key Framing
Previously, key frames have been inserted in our animation by having our cursor in the
3D window, moving the timeline to a particular frame, changing the status of our object,
and then pressing the I key and selecting a key frame option. Besides this method, after the
frame has been selected and the object status changed, we can press the “Insert Keyframe”
button in the toolbar at the LHS of the 3D window (the T key toggles between hiding and
showing this panel).
There is another method that makes life a lot easier when multiple key frames are re-
quired. In the timeline window header, you will see a red button next to the play control
buttons. Clicking on this button toggles automatic key framing on and off (Figure 9.21).
With auto on, whenever you move, scale, or rotate your actor object in the 3D window, a
key frame will be inserted at whatever frame you have selected. Remember to turn this off
after you're done using it.
Toggle automatic key framing on and off.
Figure 9.21
9.9 Animating Other Features
Having an understanding of animation basics allows us to look at some of the other things
that can be animated in Blender
besides the movement, rotation, and size of an object. It is
also possible to animate among other things such as materials, textures, lamps, and world
settings.
The following is a list of some of the features that can be animated:
•
Material animation options
-
Material RGB values. Color can be animated to change.
-
Alpha. The transparency of an object can be animated.
-
Halo size. A halo can grow or shrink in an animation. Setting a halo to zero
will make it disappear.
-
Texture offset. Texture applied to an object can be animated. It can move
across the face or change in size.
