# Creating Type-Specific Tracks


The type of a track is defined by a **parameter** that it animates. Each track animates only one parameter. A parameter is a setting of an object, property, material, etc. that should be animated.


The article lists the types of tracks available in the *Tracker* and gives instructions on how to create a track of a certain type.


## Node-Related Tracks


Node-related tracks allow animating common and type-specific node settings. For example, you can create a track that enables a node, or changes its position. Such tracks need to be bound to some specific node in the world.


### Creating a Node-Related Track


To create a node-related track, perform the following:


1. Click ![](../line_add.png) to add a track that will animate some parameter. The *Add Parameter* window will open.
2. Choose a *node* in the list and then choose a parameter that should be animated and click *Ok*. ![](add_node_parameter.png) If you want to animate a type-specific node parameter, click **+** to the left of the desired node type and choose the parameter.
3. In the *Select Node* dialog window that opens, bind the track to a node from the list and click *Ok*. > **Notice:** You can later change the node bound to the track in the *Name* field of the *[Track Info](../../../../editor2/tools/tracker/index.md#interface)* section: double-click the field and choose a node in the list. ![](select_node_window.png) > **Notice:** If the track animates a type-specific parameter, it should be bound to the node of the corresponding type. Otherwise, an error message will occur.
4. Compose a track by [creating](../../../../editor2/tools/tracker/basics/index.md#create_key_frame) the required number of key frames.


### Common Node Parameters


Common parameters of node-related tracks allow you to toggle the node on and off, change its position, orientation and scale along the **X, Y**, and **Z** axes.


#### Moving a Node


The **position** parameter allows you to animate node movement along the axes. A spline, along which the node moves, can be visualized in the scene: enable both the *[track graph](../../../../editor2/tools/tracker/index.md#enable_track_graph)* and **Visualizer** (*[Helpers](../../../../editor2/using_visual_helpers/index.md#visualizer) -> Show Visualizer*) in order to see the created track path.


![](track_spline.png)

*Track Path*


For each axis, you can specify a type of velocity of the node when it moves:


![](node_movement_velocity.png)

*Types of Node Velocity*


- **Inconst velocity** stands for the inconstant velocity of the node when it moves along the spline (as curves are passed faster).
- **Const velocity** stands for the constant velocity of the node. It will move at the uniform speed throughout the whole spline.


Also, you can specify the axis along which the node should be oriented when moving: choose **follow X, Y** or **Z** together with the type of velocity.


> **Notice:** For [players](../../../../objects/players/index.md), always set **follow Z**, as all cameras face in the negative Z direction by default.


| ![](follow_x.png) | ![](follow_y.png) | ![](follow_z.png) |
|---|---|---|
| *Follow X Axis* | *Follow Y Axis* | *Follow Z Axis* |


When you choose the axis to follow, you should also specify an **Offset** that specifies how far along the spline is the point by which the node is oriented.


![](node_offset.png)

*Offset*


- By the default value of 0.01, the node faces the current spline point.
- By *higher* values, the node is oriented as if it has already moved further forward the spline.


> **Notice:** By the value of 0, the node will always be oriented along the specified axis instead of facing it along the spline.


If you want to control the orientation of the node for the *[follow the axis](#follow_axis)* mode, you can use a *[dummy node](../../../../objects/nodes/dummy/index.md)*:


1. Create a *[dummy node](../../../../objects/nodes/dummy/index.md)*.
2. Add your node as its child.
3. Orient and position it relative the dummy however necessary.


#### Rotating a Node


![](node_rotation_velocity.png)

*Types of Node Velocity*


The **rotation** parameter allows you to rotate the node along **X, Y** or **Z** axes. For each axis, you can specify a type of velocity of the node when it rotates:


- **Inconst velocity** stands for the inconstant velocity of the node when it rotates (with acceleration).
- **Const velocity** stands for the constant velocity of the node. It will rotate at the uniform speed.


Also, you can specify an order of rotations about the axes: choose **order XYZ** or **order ZYX** together with the type of velocity. For example, if rotating the sun (a world light source), the order should be **ZYX**.


### Node Reference Tracks


These tracks control the **name** parameter of *[NodeReferences](../../../../objects/nodes/reference/index.md)*. This parameter allows you to change the `.node` file, to which the node reference points. Thus, by using tracks, you can animate switching of the source node of the particular *NodeReference*.


### Fields Tracks


These tracks control parameters of spacer and animation fields (except the *Field* and *Viewport Masks*):


- [Field Spacer](../../../../objects/effects/fields/field_spacer/index.md#editing) parameters
- [Field Animation](../../../../objects/effects/fields/field_animation/index.md#editing) parameters


### Light Sources Tracks


These tracks control parameters of light sources:


- [Common](../../../../objects/lights/parameters/index.md) light parameters
- [Omni light](../../../../objects/lights/omni/index.md) parameters
- [Projected light](../../../../objects/lights/proj/index.md) parameters
- [World light](../../../../objects/lights/world/index.md) parameters


### Objects-Related Tracks


Objects-related tracks allow animating common and type-specific [object](../../../../objects/objects/index.md) settings.


#### Common Objects Parameters


Common parameters of objects-related tracks allow you to toggle an object on and off, change a material or a property assigned to a surface of the object. You can also choose a specific parameter of the [material](#material_parameters) or the [property](#property_parameters) to animate.


To change a material or a property set to an object surface, perform the following:


1.

  - For the material, create the *node -> object -> material* track.
  - For the property, create the *node -> object -> property* track.
2. Choose an object-related node in the *Select Node* window that opens.
3. In the *Surface* field of the *[Track Info](../../../../editor2/tools/tracker/index.md#track_param)* section, choose a surface to change the material or property for. ![](object_surface_field.png)
4. Double-click the track line to select the material or property to be applied.


#### Skinned Mesh Parameters


These parameters allow you to toggle playback of the *[skinned mesh (legacy)](../../../../objects/objects/mesh_skinned_legacy/index.md)* animation on and off and also set animation from the `.anim` file.


#### Particle System Parameters


These tracks control parameters of [particles](../../../../objects/effects/particles/index.md) (and their emitters).


#### Water Mesh Parameters


These tracks control parameters of *[water mesh](../../../../objects/objects/water/water_mesh.md#edit_water)* waves.


#### Volume Projected Parameters


These tracks control parameters of *[volume projected](../../../../objects/effects/volumetrics/volume_proj.md#volume_proj_parameters)* objects.


### Player Tracks


These tracks allow you to set up cameras used for cut-scenes. [All types of cameras](../../../../objects/players/index.md) can be used.


> **Notice:** For more details on creating cut-scenes, see [game-related](#game) tracks.


Common parameters that available for all types of players allow you to animate the camera's [viewing frustum parameters](../../../../objects/players/index.md#view_frustum_params) and post-process materials applied after all other post-processes.


#### Moving a Camera


To animate the camera movement, perform the following:


1. Add the *node -> position* track.
2. Select the camera you want to move in the **Select Node** window that opens. The position key frames will be automatically created at the track start based on the current position of the selected player.
3. Choose the **follow z** mode.
4. Disable the track and [position](../../../../editor2/camera_settings/index.md#position_camera) the target camera.
5. [Create a snapshot](../../../../editor2/tools/tracker/basics/index.md#work_with_tracks) of the current value of the camera position.
6. Set the animating camera to be used [in-game](#switch_cameras).


#### Rotating a Camera


To animate the camera rotation, perform the following:


1. Add the *node -> position* track.
2. Select the camera you want to rotate in the **Select Node** window that opens. The rotation key frames will be automatically created at the track start based on the current orientation of the selected player.
3. Choose the **follow z** mode.
4. Disable the track and [rotate](../../../../editor2/camera_settings/index.md#position_camera) the target camera.
5. [Create a snapshot](../../../../editor2/tools/tracker/basics/index.md#work_with_tracks) of the current value of the camera rotation.
6. Set the animating camera to be used [in-game](#switch_cameras).


For a persecutor player:


1. Add the **phiAngle** and **thetaAngle** tracks.
2. Select the camera you want to rotate in the **Select Node** window that opens.
3. Disable the tracks and [rotate](../../../../editor2/camera_settings/index.md#position_camera) the target camera.
4. [Create a snapshot](../../../../editor2/tools/tracker/basics/index.md#work_with_tracks) of the current value of the camera rotation.
5. Set the animating camera to be used [in-game](#switch_cameras).


#### Player Persecutor Parameters


A player persecutor has [additional settings](../../../../objects/players/persecutor/index.md#editing) that can be animated, namely: a target that the persecutor follows, an anchor point, a distance between the persecutor and the target, [phi and theta angles](../../../../objects/players/persecutor/index.md#intro).


A position of the persecutor can be controlled in one of two ways:


- By setting the position of the target node (the node *[position](#node.position)* parameter).
- By changing phi and theta angles for the persecutor. This variant is also used to rotate the persecutor.


A player persecutor allows following a node with a camera:


1. Add the *node -> player -> persecutor -> target* track.
2. Select the player persecutor node in the **Select Node** window that opens.
3. Double-click the track line. In the dialog window that opens, choose a node that this player will follow.
4. By default, the camera will focus on the center of coordinates of the node. You can change the point of focus:

  1. Add the *node -> player -> persecutor -> anchor* track.
  2. Double-click the track line to set anchor values: they change coordinates of the point of focus by X, Y and Z axes.
5. Adjust the distance between the node and the persecutor. For that, add the *node -> player -> persecutor -> distance* track. > **Notice:** The distance can only be within **[Min - Max](../../../../objects/players/persecutor/index.md#distance_params)** distance range set for the persecutor.
6. Set the camera to be used [in-game](#switch_cameras).


### Sound Source Tracks


These tracks control parameters of [sound sources](../../../../objects/sounds/sound_source.md). For common sound parameters, see the chapter on [Sound-Related Tracks](#sound).


#### Switching a Sound Source


To play a sound from a positional sound source:


1. Add *node -> soundsource -> play* track.
2. Choose a sound source.
3. Double-click the track line to start or stop playback of the sound source.


### World Transform Path Tracks


These tracks allow you to [control playback](../../../../objects/worlds/world_transforms/transform_path/index.md#play) of the transformation defined by the path: continue the playback if it is paused, or start it if stopped.


## Material-Related Tracks


Material-related tracks allow you to change some material setting over time. [Options, states, textures, and parameters](../../../../principles/world_structure/index.md#material_options) of the material can be animated. Such tracks need to be bound to some specific [user material](../../../../content/materials/index.md#user_materials).


### Creating a Material-Related Track


To create a material-related track, perform the following:


1. Click ![](../line_add.png) to add a track that will animate some parameter. The *Add Parameter* window will open.
2. Choose a *material* in the list and then choose a parameter that should be animated: ![](add_material_parameter.png)

  - If the parameter is one of the [common](../../../../editor2/materials_settings/index.md#common_tab) material settings, you can add it straight away and go to the [next step](#select_material).
  - If the track should animate a state, texture, or parameter of the material, check the type of the target parameter and choose it in the list:

    - For a material state with a *checkbox*, select **stateToggle**.
    - For a material state with a *drop-down list*, select **stateSwitch**.
    - For a material parameter with a *slider*, select **parameterSlider**.
    - For a parameter with a *color picker*, select **parameterColor**.
    - For a material *texture*, select **textureImage**.
3. In the *Select Material* dialog window that opens, bind the track to a user material from the list and click *Ok*. > **Notice:** You can later change the material bound to the track in the *Name* field of the *[Track Info](../../../../editor2/tools/tracker/index.md#interface)* section: double-click the field and choose a material in the list. ![](select_material_window.png)
4. If the track animates a state, texture, or parameter of the material, specify its name in the *State, Texture*, or *Parameter* field of the *[Track Info](../../../../editor2/tools/tracker/index.md#interface)* section. ![](material_state_field.png) *Track Info with State Field*
5. Compose a track by [creating](../../../../editor2/tools/tracker/basics/index.md#create_key_frame) the required number of key frames:

  - For one of the common material settings or **stateToggle**, double-click enables and disables the setting.
  - For **stateSwitch**:

    - To set the 1st state value, set 0 as the track *[Value](../../../../editor2/tools/tracker/index.md#value)*.
    - Track *[Value](../../../../editor2/tools/tracker/index.md#value)* of 1 means the 2nd state value in the drop-down list.
    - Track *[Value](../../../../editor2/tools/tracker/index.md#value)* of 2 means the 3rd state value in the drop-down list, etc.
  - For **parameterSlider**, set the *[Value](../../../../editor2/tools/tracker/index.md#value)*.
  - For **parameterColor**, pick a color.
  - For **textureImage**, choose a file.


## Property-Related Tracks


Property-related tracks allow you to change some property setting over time. Options, states, and parameters of a property can be animated. Such tracks need to be bound to some specific user property.


### Creating a Property-Related Track


To create a property-related track, perform the following:


1. Click ![](../line_add.png) to add a track that will animate some parameter. The *Add Parameter* window will open.
2. Choose a *property* in the list and then choose a parameter that should be animated: ![](add_property_parameter.png)

  - If the track should animate a parameter of the property, check the type of the target parameter and choose it from the list:

    - For a parameter with a *checkbox*, select **parameterToggle**.
    - For a parameter with a *drop-down list*, select **parameterSwitch**.
    - For a parameter with a *slider*, select **parameterFloat**.
    - For a parameter with a *text string*, select **parameterString**.
    - For a parameter with a *color picker*, select **parameterColor**.
3. In the *Select Property* dialog window that opens, bind the track to a user property from the list and click *Ok*. > **Notice:** You can later change the property bound to the track in the *Name* field of the *[Track Info](../../../../editor2/tools/tracker/index.md#interface)* section: double-click the field and choose a property in the list. ![](select_property_window.png)
4. If the track animates a state or a parameter of the property, specify its name in the *State*, or *Parameter* field of the *[Track Info](../../../../editor2/tools/tracker/index.md#interface)* section. ![](property_state_field.png) *Track Info with State Field*
5. Compose a track by [creating](../../../../editor2/tools/tracker/basics/index.md#create_key_frame) the required number of key frames:

  - For **intersection, collision, stateToggle** or **parameterToggle**, double-click to enable and disable the setting.
  - For **stateSwitch** or **parameterSwitch**:

    - To set the 1st state or parameter value, set 0 as the track *[Value](../../../../editor2/tools/tracker/index.md#value)*.
    - Track *[Value](../../../../editor2/tools/tracker/index.md#value)* of 1 means the 2nd state or parameter value in the drop-down list.
    - Track *[Value](../../../../editor2/tools/tracker/index.md#value)* of 2 means the 3rd state or parameter value in the drop-down list, etc.
  - For **parameterFloat**, set the *[Value](../../../../editor2/tools/tracker/index.md#value)*.
  - For **parameterString**, set a string.
  - For **parameterColor**, pick a color.


## Render-Related Tracks


These tracks control [render settings](../../../../editor2/settings/render_settings/index.md):


![](add_render_parameter.png)


- [Common](../../../../editor2/settings/render_settings/index.md) settings.
- [Refraction](../../../../editor2/settings/render_settings/transparent/index.md#refraction) dispersion for red, green, and blue channels.
- Stems and leaves [animation](../../../../editor2/settings/render_settings/vegetation/index.md) settings.
- Amount of [motion blur](../../../../editor2/settings/render_settings/camera_effects/index.md#motion_blur) for moving physical bodies.
- Scene [environment](../../../../editor2/settings/render_settings/environment/index.md) settings for each [preset](../../../../editor2/settings/render_settings/environment/index.md#presets).
- [Glare](../../../../editor2/settings/render_settings/camera_effects/index.md#glare_effects) and specific camera effects such as [exposure](../../../../editor2/settings/render_settings/camera_effects/index.md#exposure), [tone mapping](../../../../editor2/settings/render_settings/color/index.md#filmic), [bloom](../../../../editor2/settings/render_settings/camera_effects/index.md#bloom), [cross flares](../../../../editor2/settings/render_settings/camera_effects/index.md#cross), [lens flares](../../../../editor2/settings/render_settings/camera_effects/index.md#lens).
- [DOF](../../../../editor2/settings/render_settings/camera_effects/index.md#dof) settings.
- [Color correction](../../../../editor2/settings/render_settings/color/index.md) settings.


Render settings are applied to the screen image (i.e. all cameras both in the UnigineEditor and in the game).


Also, a render-related track allows you to toggle rendering into the screen buffer on and off by using the **enabled** parameter, or to create smooth fade-in and fade-out effects by using the **fadeColor** parameter.


### Creating Fade-In and Fade-Out Effects


To add fade-in or fade-out effects:


1. Add a *render -> fadeColor* track.
2. A key frame with 0 alpha will be automatically created.
3. Double-click the created key. This color has 0 alpha value channel, which means it is absolutely transparent.
4. Set alpha (**A** slider) to 255 to create a solid color (for example, black) and click *Ok*.
5. Double-click the track line to create another key frame. This color should have 0 alpha.
6. Key frame colors are smoothly interpolated from solid color to completely transparent one (revealing a screen image).

  - To create a *fade-in* effect, position a solid color key first and after that a transparent key frame.
  - To create a *fade-out* effect, position a transparent key frame first and after that a solid color key.


## Sound-Related Tracks


These tracks control [global sound settings](../../../../editor2/settings/sound_global/index.md) that can be changed in the *Sound* section of the *[Settings](../../../../editor2/settings/index.md)* window. The tracks also allow you to enable or disable the sounds in the scene and change its [time scale](../../../../api/library/engine/class.sound_cpp.md#setScale_float_void). To create tracks for individual sound sources, use [sound source parameters](#node_sound).


### Creating a Sound-Related Track


To create a sound-related track, perform the following:


1. Click ![](../line_add.png) to add a track that will animate some parameter. The *Add Parameter* window will open.
2. Choose a **sound** in the list and then choose a parameter that should be animated: ![](add_sound_parameter.png) For example, to create a track that controls the volume of all sounds played in the world, choose the **volume** parameter. To switch on and off all sounds, choose the **enable** parameter.


## Game-Related Tracks


These tracks can be used to create and edit cut-scenes: switching between cameras, adding and changing postprocess effects.


![](add_game_parameter.png)


The common **enabled** parameter allows you to toggle the in-game camera on and off. The other parameters allow you to control the current in-game camera: choose a player used to render the screen image (the **node** parameter), change the FOV and the distance to the near/far clipping plane of the current player, animate postprocess materials.


### Switching Between Cameras


To switch between the cameras that view the world in the game mode:


1. Add the *game -> player -> node* track.
2. Double-click the track line to set the player to render the screen at the given time.
3. Choose one of the players on the list.


### Changing Camera Settings


To set up players (change the field of view of cameras or their clipping plane distances), you can use one of the following ways:


- Set up in-game player parameters. That is, they will be applied to the camera currently used in the game.
- Set up [player node parameters](#node_player). These parameters control settings for each separate camera existing in the world.


> **Notice:** It could be more convenient to set the field of view for each camera and after that simply change in-game cameras than to create one track that changes FOV for the in-game camera, no matter what it is.


### Applying Postprocesses


To apply postprocesses, you can choose one of the following ways:


- Add postprocesses for in-game player (the *game -> player -> postMaterials* track). When cameras are switched, the postprocess will still be applied to the current in-game camera.
- Add postprocesses via the [render settings](#render) (the *render -> postMaterials* track). They are applied to the screen image (all cameras) and can be used together with players postprocess materials.


## Track-Based Track


These tracks allow for convenient mixing between different complex tracks (i.e. saved `*.track` files with a number of tracks inside).


![](add_track_parameter.png)


For example, if there are saved tracks files that control day-night shift and tracks that contain weather conditions (windy, cloudy and rainy weather, loading them as **track** tracks allow you to set the day time while controlling the amount of wind, rain, and cloudiness.


| track | Loads the track file (with tracks inside). - **Time** controls the time of contained tracks playback. - For example, 0 time value means the start time for contained tracks (of course, if the time scale for them starts at 0). - Time can also be used to slow down or speed up playback of tracks. - **Weight** controls the weight of mixing tracks. It can be any value, because for calculating the final weight proportion is used. - For example, to disable one track completely and enable another, simply set the weight of the first track to **0** and the second one to **1** (or any other positive value). - Tracks with weights 1, 5 and 10, will be mixed in the following proportion: 1/16, 5/16 and 10/16. |
|---|---|


### Mixing Different Tracks


1. Add the **track** track.
2. Double-click the track line to create a key frame.
3. Choose a `*.track` file to load.
4. Adjust the **Time** line of the track:

  1. Double-click the **Time** line to create a key frame and set **Time** = 0 and **Value** = 0, so that all tracks will be played from the beginning.
  2. Create another key frame on the Time line with **Time** = 20 and **Value** = 20. Thus on the 20th time unit of the track, all internal tracks will also be at their 20th time unit.
5. Add another **track** track, load a `*.track` file for it and adjust the **Time** line as described above.
6. Adjust the **Weight** line of both tracks to specify when the first track is to be played and when the second track: double-click the **Weight** line to add its weight. > **Notice:** To create, for example, smooth transition between tracks, use weights to indicate when the track is played and when it is stopped.