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# path

The path for a point-based property to follow.

```
var path: CGPath? { get set }
```

## Discussion

For layer properties that contain a <doc://com.apple.documentation/documentation/CoreFoundation/CGPoint> data type, the path object you assign to this property defines the values for that property over the length of the animation. If you specify a value for this property, any data in the [`values`](/documentation/QuartzCore/CAKeyframeAnimation/values) property is ignored.

Any timing values you specify for the animation are applied to the points used to create the path. Paths can contain points defining move-to, line-to, or curve-to segments. The end point of a line-to or curve-to segment defines the keyframe value. All other points between that end value and the previous value are then interpolated. Move-to segments do not define separate keyframe values.

How the animation proceeds along the path is dependent on the value in the [`calculationMode`](/documentation/QuartzCore/CAKeyframeAnimation/calculationMode) property. To achieve a smooth, constant velocity animation along the path, set the [`calculationMode`](/documentation/QuartzCore/CAKeyframeAnimation/calculationMode) property to [`paced`](/documentation/QuartzCore/CAAnimationCalculationMode/paced) or [`cubicPaced`](/documentation/QuartzCore/CAAnimationCalculationMode/cubicPaced). To create an animation where the location value jumps from keyframe point to keyframe point (without interpolation in between), use the [`discrete`](/documentation/QuartzCore/CAAnimationCalculationMode/discrete) value. To animate along the path by interpolating values between points, use the [`linear`](/documentation/QuartzCore/CAAnimationCalculationMode/linear) value.

## See Also

[`rotationMode`](/documentation/QuartzCore/CAKeyframeAnimation/rotationMode)

Determines whether objects animating along the path rotate to match the path tangent.


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