Control holds and timing
See this course’s project requirements
A two-second ball loop, its editable Pencil2D source, a timing plan and a before/after revision note.
Keep your working files in your own notebook or software. Save a private description, checklist, and work link in My Proof.
What to include
- A 320×240 silent scene lasting 24 frames at 12 FPS.
- Six planned poses developed into 12 distinct drawings.
- Separate moving-ball and static-ground layers.
- A playable GIF or 24 ordered PNG frames with a playback-rate note.
- PCLX source and a short timing comparison.
Review and revise
Use these criteria to check your work and choose what to improve.
- The action and contact moment are readable.
- Frame count, rate and range agree with the timing plan.
- The scene stays inside the camera field.
- The export and revision note preserve inspectable work.
Want more background?
The idea in everyday life
Open dot-loop-02.pclx with keys at 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21 and end frame 24. Each key currently lasts four frames.
Timing is how long a pose lasts; spacing is how far the object moves between poses.
Control holds and timing — guided practice
Compare the same drawings at two playback speeds.
Open dot-loop-02.pclx with keys at 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21 and end frame 24. Each key currently lasts four frames.
1. Check the holds
Click frames 1, 2, 3, 4: the same high pose should remain. Click 5: the next pose appears. Repeat around 9 and 13. Write the six holds as 1–4, 5–8, 9–12, 13–16, 17–20, 21–24.
You should see: Six four-frame holds fill all 24 frames.
An inclusive frame count avoids a one-frame timing error.
2. Preview the base
Press Play at 12 FPS and stop after two cycles. Observe the change from y=85 to 130 compared with 70 to 85. Record which segment moves farther during equal time.
You should see: The 45-pixel step covers more distance than the 15-pixel step.
Unequal spacing suggests changing speed even with equal hold durations.
3. Make a speed comparison
Change only FPS to 24 and preview. Record the new duration 24/24=1 second. Restore 12 FPS.
You should see: The sequence plays twice as fast without changing any drawing.
Changing frame rate changes all timing together.
4. Record a revision target
Write one observation, such as: four-frame holds feel stepped; add drawings halfway through each hold in the next lesson. Save your restored 12-FPS file.
You should see: The next revision addresses spacing between visible poses.
A specific observation is more useful than simply calling the animation bad.
What to finish
A base-speed comparison and a specific timing revision note.
Watch for this
Changing FPS while claiming only one pose was adjusted.
How can I tell I understand it?
Explain the result, reproduce the procedure, and complete the changed-input check.
Quick knowledge check
Answer all 3 questions. Get at least 2 right and the lesson completes automatically.
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Answer all 3 questions above and get at least 2 right. You can review the explanations and try again.
Go to the knowledge checkOptional course overview video · same video as Lesson 1
Pencil2D | Learn 2D Animation Tutorial Overview
From TJ FREE. Watch here or open it on YouTube .
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Sources and further reading
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Source & access notes · checked 2026-09-12
Read camera field, bitmap drawing, timeline keys, playback and onion-skin controls.
Access: Public reading without a paid account; reviewed September 12, 2026.
Reuse: Link only. Lessons and practice assets are original; free access does not grant permission to copy the provider's material.
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