# Glossary
Definitions of key terms and concepts used in Lottie Creator.

## A

**Anchor Point**
The pivot point of a layer around which transformations (rotation, scale) occur. Adjusted with the Anchor tool (Y).

**Animation Preset**
Pre-built animation pattern that can be applied to layers for quick effects. Access via Cmd/Ctrl+2.

**Asset**
External file (image, audio, or Lottie) imported into your project. Managed in the Assets panel.

## B

**Bezier**
Type of curve used for smooth animations and vector paths. Controlled by handles that define curve shape.

**Blend Mode**
How a layer blends with layers beneath it (Normal, Multiply, Screen, etc.). Cycle with Shift+B.

## C

**Canvas**
The main workspace area where you design and preview your animation visually.

**Color Slot**
Named color variable that can be themed. Allows one animation to have multiple color themes.

**Composition** (See Precomp)

## D

**dotCreator**
Creator's project file format (.creator) that preserves all editing capabilities, history, and layers.

**dotLottie**
Compressed Lottie format (.lottie) using ZIP container. 60-80% smaller than JSON, supports themes and state machines.

**Duplicate**
Copy a layer or element. Standard duplicate (Cmd/Ctrl+D) or Advanced Duplicate (Cmd/Ctrl+Shift+D) for patterns.

## E

**Easing**
Controls the acceleration curve of an animation between keyframes. Linear vs Smooth, or custom bezier curves.

**Ease In**
Animation starts slow and speeds up. Good for exits.

**Ease Out**
Animation starts fast and slows down. Good for entrances (most common).

**Ease In Out**
Animation starts slow, accelerates, then slows again. Creates smooth S-curve motion.

## F

**Frame**
Single moment in time on the timeline. Animations play at specific frame rates (e.g., 60 FPS).

**Frame Rate (FPS)**
Frames displayed per second. Higher FPS = smoother animation. Typical values: 24, 30, 60.

## G

**Grid**
Visual reference lines for aligning elements. Toggle with Alt+Shift+'.

**Group**
Collection of layers treated as single unit. Create with Cmd/Ctrl+G, ungroup with Cmd/Ctrl+Shift+G.

**Guide**
Non-rendering reference line for alignment. Toggle with Alt+Shift+;.

## H

**Hand Tool**
Navigate canvas by dragging. Activate with H key or hold Space temporarily.

## I

**In Point**
Start time of a layer or work area on the timeline. Set with \[ bracket key.

**Input** (State Machine)
User interaction that triggers state transitions (click, hover, scroll, etc.).

**Interactivity**
Animation features that respond to user input, typically via state machines.

## K

**Keyframe**
Marker on timeline defining a property value at specific time. Animation interpolates between keyframes.

**Keyframe Interpolation**
How values change between keyframes. Linear (constant speed) or Bezier (easing curves).

## L

**Layer**
Individual element in your animation (shape, group, precomp). Layers stack in the Outliner.

**Linear Easing**
Constant speed animation with no acceleration/deceleration. Good for mechanical movements.

**Lottie JSON**
Standard Lottie file format (.json). Vector-based animation specification, text format, universally compatible.

## M

**Mask**
Shape that hides or reveals portions of a layer. Created from vector paths.

## N

**Null Object**
Invisible layer used as parent for controlling multiple layers together. No visual output.

## O

**Opacity**
Transparency of a layer (0% = invisible, 100% = opaque). Keyframe with T.

**Out Point**
End time of a layer or work area on the timeline. Set with ] bracket key.

**Outliner**
Panel showing hierarchical layer structure. Navigate and organize layers here.

## P

**Parent**
Layer that controls child layers' transform properties. Child layers inherit parent's transformations.

**Playhead**
Vertical line on timeline indicating current frame being displayed.

**Plugin**
Extension that adds functionality to Creator (sidebar panels, tools, floating windows, presets).

**Position**
X and Y coordinates of a layer on canvas. Keyframe with P.

**Precomposition (Precomp)**
Nested composition within main scene. Groups layers with independent timeline. Like a sub-animation.

**Property**
Animatable attribute of a layer (position, scale, rotation, opacity, etc.).

**Property Panel**
Panel showing properties of selected layer. Adjust values and add keyframes.

## R

**Rotation**
Angle of layer around its anchor point (in degrees). Keyframe with R.

**Ruler**
Measurement guides along canvas edges. Toggle with Shift+R.

## S

**Scale**
Size of layer as percentage (100% = original size). Keyframe with S.

**Scene**
Top-level composition or nested composition. Create from selection with Cmd/Ctrl+Shift+C.

**Segment**
Portion of timeline with specific in/out points. Useful for exporting parts of animation.

**Shape Layer**
Vector layer containing paths, fills, and strokes. Fully editable bezier shapes.

**Smooth Easing**
Automatic ease-in-out applied to keyframes. Toggle with E or F9.

**Snapping**
Automatic alignment to guides, grid, or other elements when moving layers.

**State** (State Machine)
Named animation state that layers can transition between (idle, hover, active, etc.).

**State Machine**
Interactive system where animations transition between named states based on user input.

## T

**Theme**
Collection of color slot values creating a visual variant. One animation, multiple color themes.

**Timeline**
Panel showing animation over time. Contains keyframes, layers, and playhead.

**Token** (See Color Slot)

**Transform**
Properties controlling layer's position, scale, rotation, opacity, and anchor point.

**Transition** (State Machine)
Rule defining how and when animation moves from one state to another based on input.

**Trim Path**
Animates the drawing of a path by adjusting start/end percentages.

## W

**Work Area**
Range of timeline to preview or export. Set start with B, end with N.

## Z

**Zoom**
Magnification level of canvas or timeline. Canvas: Cmd/Ctrl+0 to fit, timeline: +/- keys.