2009

In Auto Key mode, the workflow is to turn on Auto Key, move to
a point in time, then transform objects or change their parameters. All changes
register as keyframes. When you turn off Auto Key mode, you no longer are
creating keys. Changes made to objects when Auto Key mode is off are applied
globally to the animation. This is referred to as Layout mode.
In Set Key mode, the workflow is similar, but the behavior is
fundamentally different. Turn on Set Key mode, then move to a point in time.
Before you transform or change object parameters, you determine the tracks
you want to set keys on using Keyable icons in Track View and Filters. Once
you know what you plan to key, you try out poses in the viewport (transform
the objects, change parameters, and so forth).
When you like what you see, click the large Set Keys button or press K
on the keyboard to set a key. If you don't do this, no keys are set.
If you move to another point in time, your changes are lost and have no effect
on your animation. For example, if you find that you have a posed character,
but at the wrong frame in time, you can hold down Shift and the right-mouse
button and drag the time slider to the correct frame without losing your pose.
Using Set Key with Inverse Kinematics
Choosing IK Parameters in Key Filters allows you to use Set Key to keyframe
inverse kinematics. This lets you set keys for IK goals and end effectors using
Set Key as well as other IK parameters such as Swivel Angle or Twist.
As always, when using Set Key, you can selectively keyframe tracks by
combining Keyable icons in Track View with Key Filters.
Set Key doesn't currently support IK/FK Enabling, so don't try to keyframe the
Enable button using the Set Key button or the keyboard shortcut. Use the
Auto Key method when you want to work with IK/FK blending.
Using Set Key with Materials
If you select Materials in Key Filters, you can use Set Key to create keys for
materials. Be forewarned that you need to use Keyable Icons to limit the tracks
which get keyed. If you simply turn on Materials and set a key, you will place
keys on every Material track, something you probably don't want to have
happen.
Using Set Key Mode | 3087