Camera Animation

In complex scene presentations and process animations, relying solely on object movement is often not sufficient to highlight key information. Camera Animation is used to control the viewing perspective during playback, guiding the audience’s attention by automatically adjusting camera position, angle, and focus.

In iCraft, Camera Animations exist as animation nodes. They can be placed within Sequential or Parallel Animation Groups, working together with element animations, pipe animations, and line animations to form a complete presentation workflow.

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Role of Camera Animation

Camera Animation is designed to address the following:

• Automatically switch viewing perspectives without manual interaction
• Focus on key areas at critical moments
• Create cinematic transitions (wide shot → medium shot → close-up)
• Build professional, guided presentation flows
• Support teaching, reporting, and product demonstrations

Typical Use Cases

• Step-by-step process walkthroughs
• Equipment operation demonstrations
• System structure breakdowns
• Narrative-style animated presentations

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How to Create a Camera Animation？

Before creating a Camera Animation node, make sure the scene setup is complete and the editor is switched to Animation Mode.

1

Set a Camera Key Point

Adjust the view in the canvas by dragging to your desired perspective.

2

Add a Camera Key Point

Click “Add Camera Key Points” in the Animation Plan panel. The system will record the current camera position, orientation, and focus as the target viewpoint.

3

Preview the Animation

Click the “Try” button to preview the camera animation.

• The camera will smoothly transition from the previous key point to the new one
• If this is the first key point in the plan, the transition will start from the default view

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How to Edit a Camera Animation？

1

Update Camera View

Select an existing camera key point, adjust the view in the canvas, and click “Update Camera Key Point” to overwrite the original viewpoint.

2

Manage Animation Nodes

Camera animation nodes behave like standard animation nodes:

• They can be added to Sequential or Parallel Animation Groups
• Their execution order can be adjusted via drag-and-drop

3

Duration

Controls how long the camera transition takes.

• Longer duration → slower movement
• Default: 2s
• Range: 1s ~ unlimited

4

Delay

Defines how long the animation waits before starting after being triggered.

• Default: 0 seconds (no delay)
• Range: 0 ~ unlimited

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Tips for Using Camera Animation

1. Let the Camera Serve the Narrative

Avoid excessive camera switching. Design camera movement around the storytelling flow.

2. Use Separate Key Points for Each Stage

Do not overload a single camera animation with too many transitions. Break them into multiple nodes.

3. Combine with Animation Groups

• Sequential Groups: for main narrative flow
• Parallel Groups: for synchronized presentation

4. Use Delays to Create Rhythm

Adding a 2–4 second pause before key moments can significantly improve clarity and audience understanding.