> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.icraft.design/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.icraft.design/editor-features/animation-editing/animation-group.md).
# Animation Group
In complex system animations, it is often necessary to control multiple objects simultaneously while strictly defining their execution order and coordination.
**Animation Groups** are the core tool in the iCraft animation system for organizing animation logic.
With Animation Groups, users can combine individual animation nodes into structured workflows, enabling:
* Synchronized execution of multiple animations
* Sequential execution of multiple animations
* Stage-based presentation of complex processes
* Process-level animation expression
***
## Role and Positioning of Animation Groups
Animation Groups do not directly produce animation effects. Instead, they act as **containers for scheduling animation nodes**, managing the relationships between them.
Within an Animation Plan, Animation Groups address three key challenges:
* Whether animations run simultaneously or sequentially
* How to break down animation workflows into stages
* How to keep animation logic clear, controllable, and maintainable
With Animation Groups, complex system animations can be constructed much like a **flowchart**.
***
## How to Create an Animation Group？
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
After completing scene setup, enter the Animation Editor.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
In the Animation Sequence panel, click:
* **Add Sequential Animation Group**, or
* **Add Parallel Animation Group**
A corresponding Animation Group will be created within the Animation Plan.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
You can double-click the group to rename it, making the animation logic clearer and easier to maintain.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
***
## How to Add Animation Nodes to a Group？
An Animation Group itself does not contain animation effects—it requires animation nodes to be added. You can add nodes using the following methods:
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Drag an existing animation node onto the Animation Group to move it into the group
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
Hold **`Ctrl`** to select multiple nodes, then drag any selected node into the group to move all selected nodes
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
Hold **`Shift`** to select a range of nodes, then drag them into the group
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
Click any node inside a group, then click an element in the scene to create a new animation node under that node within the group
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
***
## How to Organize the Structure Within Animation Groups？
#### Parallel Animation Groups
In a Parallel Animation Group, all child animation nodes are executed simultaneously by default. No ordering adjustment is required.
**Suitable for:**
* Multi-system coordination
* Multi-object synchronized demonstrations
#### Sequential Animation Groups
In a Sequential Animation Group, animation nodes execute in order based on their position in the hierarchy. You can drag and reorder nodes to adjust execution flow.
Each node starts only after the previous one has finished.
**Suitable for:**
* Process flow demonstrations
* Step-by-step instructional content
* Logical sequence representation
***
## Nested Animation Groups: Building Multi-Level Workflows
Animation Groups support nesting, meaning:
👉 **Animation Groups can contain other Animation Groups**
For example:
* Main Process (Sequential Group)
* Startup Phase (Parallel Group)
* Operation Phase (Parallel Group)
* Shutdown Phase (Sequential Group)
This structure allows you to build **true engineering-level workflow hierarchies**.
---
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