Setting Current Time for an Animation

The large green handle in the Timeline is called the Current Time Indicator (commonly called a Scrubber). It sets the current time of the animation.

The Current Time Indicator is the most important tool of the Animation controls. When you're creating key events, the Current Time Indicator controls when the key event occurs in the animation. Refer to "Recording Key Events" for complete instruction on creating key events.

As you move the Current Time Indicator, the Text Display Area shows you the current time. If you're using SMPTE time, the current time is displayed as Hours:Minutes:Seconds:Frame # (such as 00:01:25:13). The Frame # changes as you change the frame rate for the animation. For example, at 15 fps Bryce will insert 15 frames within each second.

If you're using Frame Count, the number of the current frame is displayed.

You can also move to a specific point in time using the Animation Setup dialog. In this dialog, you can move to either a specific time or frame.

To move to a specific frame manually:

1. Drag the Current Time Indicator along the Timeline. As you drag, watch the Text Display Area. You'll notice that the final number cycles through each frame in the second of animation time. So at 15 fps the final number will cycle through frame 0-14 between seconds.
2. Release the mouse button when the Frame # reaches the desired frame.

The Current Time Indicator also controls which portion of your animation is being displayed in the Working window.

When the indicator is at the beginning of the animation, you're seeing the first frame of the animation in the Working window. When you move the indicator, the Working window displays a different portion of the animation. So, when you move the indicator to the center of your animation range, you're seeing what the animation looks like at the middle of the movie.

To move the current time manually:

1. Drag the Current Time Indicator along the Timeline.
2. Release the mouse button when the Text Display Area shows the desired time.

To move the current time numerically:

1. Choose File > Animation Setup. The Animation Setup dialog appears.
2. In the Current fields, enter the hour, minutes, seconds and frame you want to move to. The Frame # field displays the number of the frame located at the specified time.
   
   

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