move layer path curves

[montblankdesign]

Is it possible control the curvature on the path that is created from the move layer tool. I want the moon to arc in the sky, not move in a series of straight lines. The first keyframe to the second is more a straight path than the second to the third keyframe. It doesn't seem to have any obvious relationship. I can't find info in the tutorial.

[Genete]

You can go to the graph mode and tweak the x,y,z values there. They are smooth but when composite with a 3D camera could look not smooth because the line you see is a 3D line.

Also be careful if you make camera and layer movements. They would be mixed together and it will be very difficult to manage visually. Better go to the graph mode in that case.
-G

[slowtiger]

I do all curvy motion paths by hand. This way I can place the keys where I want them which is much more subtle than any tweaking in graph mode.

My way to do that, like a parable for a bouncing object:
1. Set start and end keys. (Like #1 and #13)
2. Set start key interpolation to linear.
3. Set middle key, rise object up to highest point of parable (#7). Now I have a kind of triangle or even bell curve.
4. Adjust #2 and #12, set object at about a third of the whole height over ground.
5. Adjust #4 and #8, set object a bit higher until the path (roughly) forms a parable.

You also could create a reference layer with a perfect ellipse and some marks for the position and adjust your keys to that. I am old-fashioned and like this method because I'd do the same while animating on paper.

Addition: This is a nice way to give a character some more bounce in a walk. I treat the top character layer like this, then add the leg animation and adjust it so the feet stay on ground level. Additionally I use the Layer Scale tool on the contact frames: one frame I compress the layer (with alt to maintain volume), the next it goes back to normal (do this one first), this key is set to "step".) To make this easier, I set the origin of the top character layer to the bottom of his feet.

[montblankdesign]

I thought there woud be a technique like that.
I think I get the concept and will try the technique.
Th additional info is great. But I am unsure what you mean by contact layer.? I did not know about using the alt key as well. That is invaluable.
I am in Los Angeles and as far as I can tell no one is using anime studio, so this forum is incredible.

[slowtiger]

Not layer, contact frame: the frame in which the object is at its lowest position.