What are dotted lines that indicate motion changes over time called?

Dotted lines that indicate motion changes over time are referred to as a Motion Path. This visual representation shows the trajectory that an object follows during its movement in an animation. The Motion Path is particularly important in Adobe After Effects as it provides a clear way to see and adjust the path of an animated object. It comprises the points between the keyframes where motion begins and ends, allowing animators to visualize and control how an object transitions from one position to another over time.

In the context of animation, this tool is crucial for ensuring that the motion of objects looks fluid and natural. Users can manipulate these paths to refine the direction and pace of the animation, which is vital for creating compelling visual stories. Having the ability to visualize the Motion Path directly in the workspace also aids in aligning animations with other elements in the composition, making it a valuable asset in the animation workflow.

The other terms point to different aspects of animation within After Effects. For instance, Animation Curves typically reference the ease and acceleration of the motion rather than the path itself. Keyframe Path can imply the series of keyframes set to define motion but might not clearly define the graphical representation of the motion over time. The Timeline Indicator refers to the playhead in the timeline used to navigate