The work on animation features continues

While the first stable Krita version with animation is just around the corner, I am already rolling up my sleeves with plans to take the feature to the next level. It's Google Summer of Code time again.

A lot has happened since last year. Import for image sequences was added, the timeline docker was reworked and a large number of smaller changes and fixes were implemented to make the animation tools ready for inclusion in Krita 3.0. For a nice overview, check out GDQuest's video tutorial.

More will be coming this summer as I work on my second GSoC project. Firstly, animation capabilities will extend to cover most layer types. I have already started implementing it for masks and filter layers. Keyframing will become available for the filter parameters and layer opacity. However, vector layers will have to wait for now as they are facing major changes in the near future thanks to Krita's Kickstarter campaign this year, which promises to bring much needed updates to the text and vector tools.

Mockup of interpolation curve editor

Secondly, many properties, such as layer opacity, will get options for interpolation between keyframes. These could be used, for example, to animate a smooth fade-out or even do basic cut-out style animation with a transform mask. To control the interpolation, a new curve editor will complement the existing timeline.

There's a lot of work ahead, but I am already looking forward to seeing these features myself.