---
title: "The graph editor"
description: "Lesson 7.4 of Creator Terminal's lesson films (Going deeper): Read values over time, shape a handle, and move a key without confusing the graph with a motion path."
canonical: "https://terminal.lottiefiles.com/graph-editor/"
last_updated: 2026-10-27
---

# The graph editor

> Lesson 7.4 of Creator Terminal's lesson films (Going deeper): Read values over time, shape a handle, and move a key without confusing the graph with a motion path.

- The film (1:46): https://terminal.lottiefiles.com/media/7.4-graph-editor/d6e50b4d68cc/7.4-graph-editor.mp4
- Vertical cut: https://terminal.lottiefiles.com/media/7.4-graph-editor/e80c0961d70b/7.4-graph-editor-vertical.mp4
- Captions: https://terminal.lottiefiles.com/media/7.4-graph-editor/7995da3d0bc8/7.4-graph-editor.vtt
- The page: https://terminal.lottiefiles.com/graph-editor/

## In this lesson

### Open the graph (0:09)

Let's see how Position changes over time. Double-click Position in the score to open the graph editor. Now, over at the border, drag upwards to give the curves more room.

### Read the axes (0:22)

Time runs from left to right. Height shows the value. Here, x means horizontal position. Its rising line means the circle travels further right as time passes.

### Shape the start (0:35)

Let's give the circle a slower start. Drag the smaller handle level with the first key. The curve starts flatter. Less change in position over the same time means slower movement.

### Move a key (0:48)

Let's end the move earlier and nearer. Drag the larger end key left and down. Left makes it earlier. Down reduces its horizontal position, so the circle travels less far.

### Check the height (1:02)

Let's check the circle stays level. Click y, the vertical position. Its line is flat. Each dimension has its own curve; we shaped only x.

### Watch the result (1:13)

Let's check our changes in motion. Press Escape. Press zero, then space. The circle starts slowly, then moves right along a level path. Press space to pause.

### Keep the distinction (1:27)

Remember: keys set when and where. Handles shape the change between them. Read the graph for values over time, and the stage for the route.