After Effects Graph Editor Tutorial: Custom Easing Curves

The Graph Editor is the single most important tool for professional animation in After Effects. Once you master it, your work will instantly look more polished.

Opening the Graph Editor:
Click the graph icon (📈) in the timeline panel, or select a property and press Shift+F3.

Two graph types:
- Speed Graph (default): Shows how fast a value changes over time. A flat line = constant speed. A peak = fastest point.
- Value Graph: Shows the actual value over time. More intuitive for position — you can see the object's actual trajectory.

Toggle between them using the graph type buttons at the bottom of the Graph Editor.

Basic workflow:
1. Set your keyframes (e.g., Position from A to B)
2. Select all keyframes → F9 (Easy Ease)
3. Open Graph Editor
4. Click a keyframe handle and drag to reshape the curve

Reading the Speed Graph:
- High peak = fast movement
- Low/flat = slow movement
- For snappy motion: you want the speed to peak quickly at the start, then taper to zero

Creating "motion design snap":
1. Easy Ease your keyframes first
2. In Speed Graph, pull the outgoing handle of the first keyframe UP and to the RIGHT (fast start)
3. Pull the incoming handle of the last keyframe to be very long and flat (gentle stop)
4. Aim for about 75-85% influence on the incoming ease

Separate Dimensions tip:
Right-click your position property → Separate Dimensions. This lets you control X and Y easing independently — essential for arc-based motion and overshoots.

Pro tip: Install the FREE "Flow" plugin or use the "Ease and Wizz" script for preset curves. But learn to do it manually first — understanding the graph is non-negotiable for professional work.