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Interpolation

For all the Interpolation methods, the argument t is often time or value, though it can have other values, instead. If t is time, the interpolation between values happens over a duration. If t is value, then the expression maps one range of values to a new range of values.

All the Interpolation methods can also be used to convert from one range of values to another.

Chris and Trish Meyer provide additional information and examples for these methods in an article on the ProVideo Coalition website.

Ian Haigh provides a script on After Effects Scripts website that you can use to easily apply advanced interpolation method expressions—such as bounces—to properties.


Methods

linear(t, tMin, tMax, value1, value2)

linear(t, tMin, tMax, value1, value2)

Description

Returns value1 when t <= tMin. Returns value2 when t >= tMax. Returns a linear interpolation between value1 and value2 when tMin < t < tMax.

Parameters

Parameter Type Description
t Number Interpolation Driver
tMin Number Minimum driver value
tMax Number Maximum driver value
value1 Number or Array Value to interpolate from
value2 Number or Array Value to interpolate to

Returns

Number or Array

Example

This expression on the Opacity property causes Opacity values to ramp linearly from 20% to 80% over the time from 0 seconds to 6 seconds:

linear(time, 0, 6, 20, 80)

This expression on the Opacity property converts the Opacity values from the range 0%-100% to the range 20%-80%:

linear(value, 0, 100, 20, 80)

linear(t, value1, value2)

linear(t, value1, value2)

Description

Returns a value that linearly interpolates from value1 to value2 as t ranges from 0 to 1. Returns value1 when t <= 0. Returns value2 when t >= 1.

Parameters

Parameter Type Description
t Number Interpolation Driver
value1 Number or Array Value to interpolate from
value2 Number or Array Value to interpolate to

Returns

Number or Array


ease(t, tMin, tMax, value1, value2)

ease(t, tMin, tMax, value1, value2)

Description

Similar to linear with the same arguments, except that the interpolation eases in and out so that the velocity is 0 at the start and end points. This method results in a smooth animation.

Parameters

Parameter Type Description
t Number Interpolation Driver
tMin Number Minimum driver value
tMax Number Maximum driver value
value1 Number or Array Value to interpolate from
value2 Number or Array Value to interpolate to

Returns

Number or Array


ease(t, value1, value2)

ease(t, value1, value2)

Description

Similar to linear with the same arguments, except that the interpolation eases in and out so that the velocity is 0 at the start and end points. This method results in a smooth animation.

Parameters

Parameter Type Description
t Number Interpolation Driver
value1 Number or Array Value to interpolate from
value2 Number or Array Value to interpolate to

Returns

Number or Array


easeIn(t, tMin, tMax, value1, value2)

easeIn(t, tMin, tMax, value1, value2)

Description

Similar to ease, except that the tangent is 0 only on the tMin side and interpolation is linear on the tMax side.

Parameters

Parameter Type Description
t Number Interpolation Driver
tMin Number Minimum driver value
tMax Number Maximum driver value
value1 Number or Array Value to interpolate from
value2 Number or Array Value to interpolate to

Returns

Number or Array


easeIn(t, value1, value2)

easeIn(t, value1, value2)

Description

Similar to ease, except that the tangent is 0 only on the value1 side and interpolation is linear on the value2 side.

Parameters

Parameter Type Description
t Number Interpolation Driver
value1 Number or Array Value to interpolate from
value2 Number or Array Value to interpolate to

Returns

Number or Array


easeOut(t, tMin, tMax, value1, value2)

easeOut(t, tMin, tMax, value1, value2)

Description

Similar to ease, except that the tangent is 0 only on the tMax side and interpolation is linear on the tMin side.

Parameters

Parameter Type Description
t Number Interpolation Driver
tMin Number Minimum driver value
tMax Number Maximum driver value
value1 Number or Array Value to interpolate from
value2 Number or Array Value to interpolate to

Returns

Number or Array


easeOut(t, value1, value2)

easeOut(t, value1, value2)

Description

Similar to ease, except that the tangent is 0 only on the value2 side and interpolation is linear on the value1 side.

Parameters

Parameter Type Description
t Number Interpolation Driver
value1 Number or Array Value to interpolate from
value2 Number or Array Value to interpolate to

Returns

Number or Array