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How do you copy an animation key in unity?

Published in Unity Animation 3 mins read

You can easily copy and paste animation keys within Unity's Animation Window using standard keyboard shortcuts.

Copying Animation Keys in Unity

Copying and pasting animation keyframes allows you to reuse poses or property values at different points in your timeline, saving time and ensuring consistency. The process involves selecting the keyframe(s) and using standard copy (Ctrl+C or Cmd+C) and paste (Ctrl+V or Cmd+V) commands.

Here's a breakdown of the steps based on the provided reference:

  1. Select the Object with the Animation: Start by selecting the GameObject in your scene that has the Animator and Animation Clip you want to edit.
  2. Open the Animation Window: Go to Window > Animation > Animation to open the Animation window. Ensure the correct object and animation clip are selected in the dropdowns at the top of the window.
  3. Switch to Dope Sheet Mode: Click the "Dope Sheet" button, typically found in the bottom left of the Animation window. The Dope Sheet view makes it easier to see and select individual keyframes.
  4. Select the Keyframes to Copy:
    • In the Dope Sheet, locate the property track containing the keyframe(s) you want to copy.
    • Click on the timeline column corresponding to the keyframe you wish to copy. This will highlight the column and place a red line through it, indicating the current time and selection.
    • To select multiple keys, you can drag a box around them or hold Shift or Ctrl (Cmd on Mac) while clicking.
  5. Copy the Selected Keyframes: With the keyframe(s) selected, press Ctrl + C (or Cmd + C on Mac).
  6. Choose the Paste Location: Click on the timeline where you want to paste the copied keyframes. This sets the insertion point for the paste operation.
  7. Paste the Keyframes: Press Ctrl + V (or Cmd + V on Mac). The copied keyframes will appear at the new location on their respective property tracks.

Following these steps allows you to duplicate animation data effectively.

  • Tip: You can copy keys from multiple properties or even from different objects (provided the target object has compatible properties and the same animation clip open).

Summary of Steps:

Step Action
1. Select Object Choose the GameObject with the animation.
2. Open Animation Window Access the Animation editor.
3. Go to Dope Sheet Switch to the Dope Sheet view for easier keyframe management.
4. Select Keyframe(s) Click on the timeline column for the desired keyframe(s).
5. Copy Press Ctrl + C (or Cmd + C).
6. Choose Paste Location Click on the timeline where you want the keys to appear.
7. Paste Press Ctrl + V (or Cmd + V).
8. Profit. Successfully reused your animation data.

This method streamlines the animation workflow, allowing for rapid iteration and refinement of character movements and object transformations.

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