Command entry:Main toolbar (Curve Editor (Open))

Command entry: Track View Modes menu Curve Editor

Command entry:Main menu Graph Editors Track View - Curve Editor

Command entry:Right-click an object selected in a viewport. Curve Editor

Curve Editor is a Track View mode that allows you to work with motion expressed as function curves on a graph. It lets you visualize the interpolation of the motion, the object transformations that 3ds Max creates between the keyframes. You can easily see and control the motion and animation of the objects in the scene using tangent handles on the keys found on the curves. The alternative mode is Dope Sheet, which lets you work directly with keys instead of curves.

The Curve Editor interface consists of a menu bar, a toolbar, a Controller window, and a Key window. There is also a time ruler, and navigation and status tools at the bottom of the interface.

You can loop or cycle your animation beyond its range by adding Parameter Curve Out-Of-Range Types from the Curve Editor, as well as by adding Multiplier or Ease Curve onto other animated tracks for added control.

Tip You can also click Show Curves on the track bar to display function curves.

Note As of Autodesk 3ds Max 2012, the Curve Editor has been updated in the following ways:

• The default Auto Tangent method used in creating keys has been adjusted slightly to produce smoother animation. For details, consult the MAXScript help.
• The new Region Tool lets you scale and move selected keys without switching edit modes.
• Fewer toolbars are displayed by default, and the Filter settings are slightly different. For details, see Curve Editor Toolbars.
• The new Tangent Actions toolbar provides functions to break and unify key tangents (handles).
• The right-click menu in the curve-editing window differs slightly.

To restore the default layout from previous versions of 3ds Max, open the Track View Toolbar Right-Click Menu and choose Load Layout Function Curve Layout (Classic).