Animation Clips

Creating An Animation Clip

Animation Clips are asset files that end in file extension .anim and can be created in a number of ways:

1. Right-Click in your Project window and Create an Animation Clip from the Context Menu.

2. Click Create from the Animation window if this option is available. See Animators for details on when this option appears. Select a Name and File Path for the new clip.

3. Click Create New Clip from the Animation Clip Name dropdown in the Animation window if this option is available. See Animators for details on when this option appears. Select a Name and File Path for the new clip.

Opening the Animation Window

The Animation window can be opened via any of the following methods:

1. Open from the top toolbar Window → Animation → Animation
2. Right click any other window and Add Tab → Animation
3. Keyboard Shortcut Ctrl + 6
4. Double-Click any existing Animation Clip

Navigating the Animation Window

Navigation Bar

Record Mode vs Preview Mode

There are two distinct methods you can use to animate GameObjects in the Animation window: Record Mode and Preview Mode.

In Record mode, Unity automatically creates keyframes at the playback head when modifying any animatable property. Press the button with the red circle to enable record mode.

The Animation window time line is tinted red when in record mode.

In Preview mode, modifying your animated GameObject does not automatically create keyframes. Press the Preview button to enable preview mode.

The Animation window time line is tinted blue when in preview mode.

Note: In record mode, the Preview button is also active, because you are previewing the existing animation and recording new keyframes at the same time.

Lock Window

You can lock the Animation window so that it does not switch while you’re still able to select and manipulate other GameObjects in the Scene.

Animated Properties List