Page "Key frame" Paragraph 29

In software packages that support animation, especially 3D graphics packages, there are many parameters that can be changed for any one object.

One example of such an object is a light.

( In 3D graphics, lights function similarly to real-world lights: They cause illumination, cast shadows, and create specular highlights.

) Lights have many parameters including light intensity, beam size, light color, and the texture cast by the light.

Supposing that an animator wants the beam size of the light to change smoothly from one value to another within a predefined period of time, that could be achieved by using keyframes.

At the start of the animation, a beam size value is set.

Another value is set for the end of the animation.

Thus, the software program automatically interpolates the two values, creating a smooth transition.