Microsoft KB Archive/163991

= Microsoft Knowledge Base =

HOWTO: Copy an Object's Translation Fcurves To a Camera/Light
Last reviewed: February 21, 1997

Article ID: Q163991

The information in this article applies to:


 * Softimage 3D for IRIX, version 3.51
 * Softimage 3D for Windows NT, version 3.51

SUMMARY
This article demonstrates how to copy a translation function curve from an object to a camera or light. Before starting this procedure, ensure that all the necessary modifications are made to your original translation curve before copying it. Otherwise, you will have to repeat the entire Copy/Paste process so that the Fcurve for the camera or light reflects any modifications.

You can choose to copy the translation animation for a camera or a light on the same path as your source object, on a duplicate path located elsewhere, or on a completely different path that you can draw yourself. The translation curve you are copying can also be a custom curve generated with the SaveKey>Object>Translation operation.

If you have not modified the default (constant, linear or spline) translation curve that you obtain from path animation, there is no need to use this technique because your translation slope can easily be achieved by applying path animation to your camera or light.

Copying Translation Function Curves

 * 1) Select the camera/light.
 * 2) Apply path animation using Path -> Pick Path.
 * 3) Choose FcrvSelect -> Object -> Translation to display the translation curve.
 * 4) Select the source object that has the translation curve you want to copy.
 * 5) Choose FcrvEdit -> Copy/Paste Fcurve Segment to copy the curve in the buffer.
 * 6) Leave the operation on Copy, click Process and then click OK.
 * 7) Select your camera/light.
 * 8) Choose FcrvSelect -> Camera -> All to display the translation curve.
 * 9) To replace the translation curve, choose FcrvEdit -> Copy/Paste Fcurve Segment.
 * 10) Change the operation from Copy to Replace, click Process and then OK.

The source object's translation curve now appears in your camera/light Fcurve window, overwriting the exiting one.

If you wish to copy only parts of the curve, or insert the curve in a different frame than the first frame of your source object's translation animation, select a different Operation option (Copy, Cut, Insert, Replace) as well as your Start and End frames.