Click here to watch the video on YouTube
In Arttista, visibility control relies on the principle that each frame can contain a different state and version of vector objects. To visually represent when an object is visible or hidden on the timeline, the software highlights a green block. This green highlight indicates the timeline intervals where selected scene objects remain visible.
Below is the guide on hiding, showing, and restoring object visibility on the timeline, alongside crucial timing workflows.
1. Visibility Commands (Hide and Show)
Arttista features six dedicated commands to control element visibility along the timeline:
- Hide Backward (
Ctrl + F6): Hides selected objects from current frame back to timeline start. If a range is active, the start of the range acts as the boundary. - Show Backward (
F6): Makes selected objects visible again from current frame back to timeline start (or range start). - Hide Forward (
Ctrl + F8): Hides selected objects from current frame forward to timeline end (or range end). - Show and Reset Forward (
F8): Makes objects visible from current frame forward to timeline end while resetting subsequent animation, keeping all following frames identical to the current frame. Excellent for clearing animation errors down the line to restart a sequence. - Hide on Current Frame (
Ctrl + F7): Hides selected objects only on current frame (or active range). - Show on Current Frame (
F7): Makes selected objects visible only on current frame.
➜ How to reveal a hidden object? (The F7 “Trick”)
Since a fully invisible object cannot be clicked or selected directly on canvas, use this workflow:
- Navigate on the timeline to a prior or subsequent frame where the object is visible.
- Select the object normally.
- Return to the target frame where the object is hidden and needs to reappear.
- Press F7. The object will reappear at that frame, adopting inherited transformation states.
2. Additional Timeline Timing Operations
Beyond visibility, you can adjust overall animation timing by adding or removing time directly on the timeline:
- Insert Frame (
Shift + →): Inserts empty space on timeline and shifts subsequent animation forward. For selected scene objects, Arttista holds current frame state across inserted gaps. Ideal when animation feels too fast or requires holds. - Remove Frame (
Shift + ←): Deletes current frame or selected range, pulling subsequent animation backward. Useful for speeding up motion or trimming unnecessary frames.
3. Timeline Operations Quick Reference Chart
| Operation | Shortcut | Primary Function |
|---|---|---|
| Create/Remove Keyframe | Ctrl + F2 or
double-click |
Sets or removes key pose on timeline |
| Interpolate | F2 |
Calculates in-betweens for selected objects |
| Insert Space (Frame) | Shift + → |
Extends timing, pushing frames forward |
| Remove Space (Frame) | Shift + ← |
Reduces timing, pulling frames backward |
| Select Range | Ctrl + drag |
Highlights a specific interval on timeline |
| Copy Animation | Alt + drag |
Duplicates animation range for selected objects |
| Move Animation | Shift + Alt + drag |
Cuts/moves animation range for selected objects |