5

Keyframe Basics
You animate an object by creating at least two keyframes for a parameter, such as
Opacity, at different points in a project. A keyframe is a point that records a change in
the value of a parameter. For example, to create an animation in which an object is
transparent at frame 1 and becomes opaque at frame 120, you create two keyframes:
an Opacity keyframe set to a value of 0% at frame 1 and an Opacity keyframe set to a
value of 100% at frame 120. The image fades in from 0% to 100% over the 120 frames.
The smooth, fade-in transition between the adjacent keyframed values is called
interpolation.
Keyframes for a specific parameter (such as Opacity or Rotation) are positioned on a
line over time. Values for the keyframes change the shape of that line and create an
animation curve. The type of curve from keyframe to keyframe (interpolation) can be
changed to create animation effects. For example, keyframes set to Bezier create smooth
transitions in values. Keyframes set to Linear create straight lines between the keyframes,
for sharper changes in value. You can modify keyframes and animation curves in the
Keyframe Editor, located in the Timing pane. For more information, see Keyframes and
Curves.
There are two keyframing methods available to suit your preferred workflow:
• Record Button: After the Record button is turned on, any adjustment to any parameter
in the Canvas, Inspector, or HUD adds a keyframe.
• Initial Keyframe: After a keyframe has been added to a parameter, any adjustment to
that parameter in the Canvas, Inspector, or HUD adds a keyframe, independent of the
state of the Record button.
For more information, see Keyframing Methods.
To create keyframes by moving an object across the screen using the Record button
1 Click the Record button under the Canvas (or press A) to turn on keyframe recording.
2 Place the playhead at the starting frame, then place the object in a starting position in
the Canvas.
3 Move the playhead forward, then drag the object to the ending position you want.
An editable animation path appears in the Canvas and keyframes appear in the Keyframe
Editor for the selected object.
4 Click the Record button (or press A) to turn off keyframe recording.
111Chapter 2 The Motion Interface