Glossary

Term	Definition
Curve	A reusable easing shape, normalized from time 0 / value 0 to time 1 / value 100.
Control layer	The layer named CurveConductor holding curves as Slider Control effects. Visible by default; hide it if you prefer.
Marker-Driven mode	The primary workflow: a layer's keyed properties read curve names from its timeline markers (chapter).
Per-Segment mode	Advanced per-property mode: a curve is placed on specific keyframe pair(s); other segments use native interpolation. Triggered by Apply to Selected Keys or Span Selection with Curve on a fresh property.
Default + Exceptions mode	Advanced per-property mode: one curve drives every segment, with a master blend. Triggered by Apply to All Keys on Selected Property. Per-segment buttons then act as exceptions, overriding the default on specific keys.
Grey marker	An After Effects native marker whose text drives Marker-Driven mode (curve name + optional VM tag).
Cyan marker	A CurveConductor segment label — for orientation only, doesn't affect the expression.
Native marker	A marker returning a layer to native keyframe interpolation from that point.
Velocity Match	Blending a curve's edge speed with the surrounding motion for a seamless hand-off (tags VM / VMS / VME). A modifier — it changes how every apply button behaves.
Direct to Keys	A modifier that switches apply buttons from writing an expression to baking the curve into permanent keyframe easing.
Span	Stretching one curve across an entire selected key range, ignoring intermediate keys.
Blend	Overlapping adjacent curve segments so each starts before the previous finishes.
Localize	Copying curves from the control layer onto a single layer for an independent override.
Custom preset	A curve saved as a preset via ✎ Save as Preset in the editor. Stored at the user level, so it appears in the Presets tab in every comp and project. Export / Import lets you share them as .json files.