Bouncing Sphere Animation

Learning how to animate in 3DS Max, we learned how to set frames using Autokey and Set Key, as well as how to manipulate the Curve Editor and the Dope Sheet.

Autokey

Autokey is a toggle, which tracks all changes you make to the selected object without having to set each individual keyframe manually. The downside is it is harder to get accurate control over exactly what type of animation you want starting at a specific point.

Set Key

Also a toggle, although in order to create a new keyframe you have to hit the Key symbol located next to the toggle. This gives you greater control over your animation, allowing you to set different types of transformation (Movement, Rotation and Scale) at different starting and ending points.

Curve Editor

The Curve Editor allows you to control aspects of your animation such as easing, creating the 'slow at the top' speed effect for the bounce.

Dope Sheet

The Dope Sheet gives you control over all the objects in your scene, and allows you to change their position, length and type of animation. This can also be done in the Curve Editor, however the Dope Sheet gives a much easier to use interface.