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.