Keyframe is a powerful tool in animation and video editing, allowing for smooth transitions and dynamic effects. In this guide, we will explore the usage of keyframes and how they can enhance your video projects.

Understanding Keyframes

A keyframe is a point in time within an animation where certain properties are set. These properties can include position, scale, rotation, opacity, and more. Keyframes define the start and end points of an animation, with the software automatically interpolating the values between them.

Keyframe Types

There are several types of keyframes, each serving a different purpose:

  • Position Keyframes: These control the movement of objects over time.
  • Rotation Keyframes: These control the rotation of objects over time.
  • Scale Keyframes: These control the scaling of objects over time.
  • Opacity Keyframes: These control the transparency of objects over time.

Setting Keyframes

To set a keyframe, simply select the property you want to animate and click the "Add Keyframe" button. You can then adjust the value of the property at that specific point in time.

Keyframe Interpolation

The interpolation between keyframes is where the magic happens. By default, keyframes interpolate linearly, but you can adjust the interpolation to create more complex animations. Common interpolation types include:

  • Linear: A straight line between keyframes.
  • Ease In: Accelerates the animation at the beginning.
  • Ease Out: Decelerates the animation at the end.
  • Ease In Out: Accelerates and decelerates evenly.

Example: Animating a Circle

Let's say you want to animate a circle to move from the center of the screen to the top right corner. Here's how you would do it:

  1. Create a new project and add a circle.
  2. Set the position of the circle to (0, 0) at the start of the timeline.
  3. Move the timeline forward to 5 seconds and set the position of the circle to (500, 0).
  4. Set the interpolation type to "Ease Out" to create a smooth animation.
  5. Play the animation and watch the circle move to the top right corner.

Circle Animation

Further Reading

For more detailed information on keyframe usage, check out our Animation Basics guide.