Setting Object Duration

By default, when you create an object, it exists only on the current frame. You can extend an object's duration automatically using the Auto Durations feature, or you can set its duration using the Timeline.

You can also set an object's initial duration using the Default Object Duration setting in the Settings controls of the Paint Controls panel. For more information, see Settings Controls.

Using Auto Durations

When the Auto Durations feature is enabled, objects you create are automatically extended to subsequent frames as you advance through the clip. The Auto Durations feature affects only newly created objects. It does not change the duration of objects or effects that you created before enabling Auto Durations.

To enable or disable Auto Durations:

Choose Object | Auto Durations.

A check mark indicates that the feature is enabled.

Using the Timeline

You can extend an object's duration by dragging its in and out points in the Timeline, or by adding a keyframe for that object at the desired time.

Setting Duration with the Keyboard

Use the keyboard to quickly set a selected object's in and out points.

To set object duration with the keyboard:

1. Create an object on any frame of an animation.
2. Select the object.
3. Do the following, as required:
• Move to another frame and press the . (period) key to set the object's out point to the current frame (and, therefore, extend the object's duration).
• Move to another frame and press the , (comma) key to set the object's in point to the current frame (and, therefore, extend the object's duration).