Keyframes and the Spline Editor

If you create an animation using standard keyframes, Oraphim uses Linear Interpolation by default. This means the object moves at a constant, robotic speed. It starts instantly, moves consistently, and stops abruptly.

In reality, objects in physics have momentum. A car accelerates slowly, hits top speed, and decelerates as it brakes. To make your motion graphics look professional and organic, you must adjust the keyframe curves using the Spline Editor.

Opening the Spline Editor

  1. In the Compositor Workspace, look at the top right corner of the UI toolbar.
  2. Click the button labeled Spline.
  3. The Spline panel will open, usually sharing space with the Node Editor.

Using the Spline Panel

On the left side of the Spline panel is a hierarchy list showing every parameter in your node graph that currently has keyframes.

  1. Check the box next to the parameter you want to adjust (e.g., sRectangle1 > Offset X).
  2. A graph will appear. The horizontal axis represents Time (frames), and the vertical axis represents Value (position, scale, etc.).
  3. Press Ctrl + F (Windows) or Cmd + F (macOS) to zoom the graph to fit perfectly in the window.

You will see your two keyframes represented as white squares, connected by a straight, rigid line.

Easing (Smoothing) Animation

To make the animation accelerate and decelerate smoothly (often called "Ease In" and "Ease Out"):

  1. Drag a marquee box over both keyframe squares to select them.
  2. Press F on your keyboard (for "Flat" or "Fit").
  3. The straight line will instantly transform into a smooth "S" curve.

If you play your animation now, the object will start slowly, speed up in the middle, and gently glide to a halt at its destination.

Customizing the Curve (Bezier Handles)

When you selected the keyframes and pressed F, you probably noticed long horizontal lines extending from the keyframe squares. These are Bezier Handles.

  • Click and drag the circular end of a Bezier handle to manually shape the curve.
  • Steep Curve = Fast motion.
  • Flat Curve = Slow motion.
  • By pulling the handle of the final keyframe far to the left, you create a "whip-pan" effect: the object rockets onto the screen instantly and then spends a long time slowly gliding into its final resting position.

Mastering the Spline Editor is the single most important skill distinguishing amateur motion graphics from professional broadcasts.