Animate · alpha · worked example
How to plan animation holds with a frame timing chart
A timing chart turns a vague motion idea into specific drawing and hold decisions. Start with a short action before choosing frame-by-frame work or a tween.
Updated October 10, 2026 · by thecreatingco
A small example to work through
Our original one-second study uses 12 frames: a dot pauses, moves right, then holds. The positions are a planning chart, not an Animate project or rendered animation.
| Item | Example | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Frames 1–3 | x=0 | Opening hold |
| Frames 4–6 | x=25 / 50 / 75 | Movement |
| Frames 7–9 | x=100 | Arrival hold |
| Frames 10–12 | x=100 | Longer closing hold |
| Total | 12 frames at 12 fps | 1 second |
Download the editable text worksheet · Download the CSV worksheet
Use the blank observation and decision fields to record your own result. These downloads are planning worksheets; they do not load an app project or demonstrate a completed export.
Try it and inspect the result
- Open Animate and begin a small study. If you can set playback rate, record it beside the timing chart.
- Compare a frame-by-frame move with the current tween controls. Check that holds remain still and that the travel interval feels intentional.
- Preview repeatedly and test the current save or export controls with this short study. Keep your chart and original work before extending the sequence.
When the result differs
- One second became half a second
- Check playback rate; 12 frames at 24 fps lasts 0.5 seconds.
- Hold drifts
- Inspect interpolation or position changes during the intended hold.
- Need a longer pause
- Add held frames deliberately rather than slowing every part of the action.
What this example establishes
The arithmetic establishes our planned duration, not an app timing benchmark. Animate is a public alpha; verify the current project recovery and export behaviour before committing to a long production.
This page supplies a worked example and a review method. It does not report a newly completed end-to-end app test. For current availability and edition details, read the Animate overview.