# Working with the Graph Editor

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The graph editor plays an important role not only in animation, but also in the rigging process as some channel links provide means to associate values in a non-linear form, which users adjust in a graph editor window, relating value to value instead of value to time. Rich covers all the different aspects of the Graph Editor in detail, explaining each function, providing a thorough understanding of each control.

Users can jump ahead to a specific section by using the Chapter selection widget on the right side of the player or by directly clicking any of the Chapter Title links below.

Tab | Time | Chapter | Description
1 | 00:32 | Definition | An explanation of the Graph Editor and its uses for Animation and Rigging.
2 | 01:49 | Open Editor | Opening of the editor viewport and curve example.
3 | 04:38 | Slope Types | Demonstrations of each type of Curve
4 | 09:40 | Weight Option | Definition of Weight as it applies to the curve handles.
5 | 12:36 | Other Options | Additional options available to manipulate the points of the channel curve.
6 | 21:08 | Context Menu | Coverage of the RMB context menu.
7 | 24:37 | Wrap-up | Wrap up summary of important information demonstrated in this video.
| 25:29 | Total Video Time |

Frequently Asked Questions--

Q.) Why are we seeing these examples in an animation context and not a rigging one?

> A.) This section is intended to show you the functions of the graph editor and how it affects channel's shape. We will use channels quite a lot in our rigs but showing how their shape can affect a rig is not always as clear as showing something moving. Never fear however, to see the graph editor in a more rigging context check out either the "Modifiers in Action" section or the Full Tutorials.

Q.) What is the difference between a keyframe handle's "Length" and "Weight"?

> A.) There is no difference really, they mean the same thing. At times its just easier to describe it as length since that is what you are actively doing to the handle, making it longer or shorter, even though "weight" is technically more correct.

Resources--

Links to the modo in-line help system
Docs: Track View (aka Dope Sheet)
Docs: Graph Editor

Links to other pages in this training
Training: Keyframes Dope Sheet
Training: Channels
Training: Modifiers (Channel Relationship)
Training: General UI
Training: Modifiers in Action (Clock)

File--

Links to the modo scenes used in the video
(click to open in modo)
File: GraphEditor_01.lxo

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