> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://stage-precision.gitbook.io/grid/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://stage-precision.gitbook.io/grid/timeline/overview.md).

# Overview

Use Timelines to build time-based sequences in Grid Studio with Layers for automation, recording, media playback, camera switching, Workflows, parameter animation, Timecode, and more.

**Timelines** provide time-based sequencing and automation inside Grid Studio.

They can be used to organize complete sequences, animate parameters, trigger Workflows, play audio and video, control camera cuts, record data, drive Effectors, and structure a project visually over time.

A project can contain multiple Timelines, allowing different sequences or parts of a show to be managed independently.

Timelines can run freely using their own playback controls or be driven by an external Timecode source.

***

## How Timelines Work

A Timeline uses a **Playhead** to represent the current position in time.

As the Playhead moves through the Timeline, the different Layers evaluate their content and perform their corresponding functions.

Depending on the Layer type, this can include:

* setting Parameter values
* triggering Workflow Events
* playing audio or video
* switching Cameras
* replaying recorded I/O data
* applying Effectors
* generating animated values or colors

The Timeline can be played, paused, stopped, looped, navigated manually, or controlled through Workflows.

For details about the Timeline interface and navigation, see **Timeline View**.

***

## Layers and Layer Items

A Timeline is built from **Layers**.

Each Layer type is designed for a specific type of time-based content.

Layers can contain **Layer Items**, which represent either a single point in time or a time range with a defined duration.

Common operations such as moving, resizing, renaming, coloring, locking, duplicating, and deleting Items are shared across many Layer types.

See:

* **Working with Layers**
* **Working with Layer Items**

***

## Timeline Cues

**Timeline Cues** are placed directly on the Timeline ruler.

They can be used as markers or to control Timeline navigation and playback.

Available Cue types include:

* Info
* Play
* Pause
* Jump to Time
* Jump to Cue

Cues make it possible to create navigation points, pauses, jumps, and repeating sections directly inside a Timeline.

See **Timeline Cues** for details.

***

## Layer Types

Grid Studio provides several Timeline Layer types for different applications.

### Trigger Layer

Generate time-based Workflow Events or control 3D transforms using:

* Trigger
* Timed Trigger
* Motion Path

### Audio Layer

Play audio files from the Timeline, route them to a Sound Card, and use the audio Envelope as a live control value.

### Parameter Layer

Record object Parameter changes as Keyframes or manually create Parameter Keys.

This Layer is primarily optimized for object-based Timeline recording.

### Notes Layer

Place visual notes, reminders, TODOs, and additional information directly on the Timeline.

### Region Layer

Divide the Timeline into labeled and color-coded sections for visual orientation.

### Recording IO Layer

Record and replay complete raw data streams from supported I/O connections such as:

* UDP
* sACN

### Camera Layer

Create time-based Camera and shot sequences and react to Camera changes through a Layer Workflow.

### Media Layer

Play video files and expose the current video frame as an internal Image Provider for other Grid Studio systems.

### Color Layer

Create and animate a generated Color value using dedicated Color Keys.

### Curve Layer

Animate linked Parameters using detailed Keyframe curves with Linear, Hold, and editable Bezier interpolation.

### Value Layer

Create and animate a single generated Float value using Keyframes.

### Effector Layer

Place Grid Studio Effectors on the Timeline and control their Weight over time using automatic fade-in and fade-out Keys.

***

## Timeline Settings and Playback

Each Timeline provides its own playback and timing settings, including:

* Start Time
* End Time
* Current Time
* Play Speed
* Loop
* Play at Load

Timelines also provide direct controls for playback, recording, and Cue navigation.

See **Timeline Settings & Playback** for details.

***

## Workflows and Events

Timelines integrate directly with Grid Studio **Workflows / the Node Editor**.

Timeline Actions can be used to control playback, recording, Cue navigation, looping, and Playhead position.

Timeline Events can be used to react to playback and recording state changes.

Several Layer types also provide their own Workflows and Events.

See **Timeline Actions & Events** for Timeline-level Workflow integration.

***

## Timecode

A Timeline can be driven by an external **Timecode Provider**.

This allows the Playhead position to follow sources such as MTC, LTC, SDI Timecode, or other available Timecode Providers.

A Timeline can also generate Timecode from its own Playhead position and use it as a Timecode source for internal or external purposes.

See **Timecode & Timelines** for details.