Keyframes, Types + Curves
Keyframes are where motion starts. Two values at two moments, After Effects does the rest.
This section enables you to
- Set keyframes on any property
- Choose between linear, Easy Ease and hold
- Shape speed in the Graph Editor
Set Keyframes
A keyframe stores a value at a moment in time. After Effects fills in the frames between keyframes.
-
01
Start the stopwatch
Click the stopwatch next to a property. This sets the first keyframe.
-
02
Move and change
Move the playhead and change the value. A new keyframe appears automatically.
-
03
Preview
Press Space to play your animation.
Space
Keyframe Types
The type of a keyframe decides how the motion feels:
- Linear – constant speed, mechanical
- Easy Ease – slow out, slow in, feels natural
- Hold – jumps to the next value, great for blinking
-
01
Easy Ease
Select the keyframes, Ctrl-click and choose Keyframe Assistant > Easy Ease.
F9 -
02
Hold
Select the keyframes, Ctrl-click and choose Toggle Hold Keyframe.
-
03
Back to linear
⌘-click (Windows: Ctrl-click) a keyframe to switch it to linear.
Curves
The Graph Editor shows how your animation moves over time. The speed graph shows how fast a value changes, the value graph shows the value itself. Most of the time you work with the speed graph.
-
01
Open the Graph Editor
Select the keyframes and switch the Timeline to the Graph Editor.
Shift+F3 -
02
Shape the curve
Drag the handles. The higher the curve, the faster the motion.
Three squares, three keyframe types
Shortcuts
| Action | Mac |
|---|---|
| Preview | Space |
| Easy Ease | F9 |
| Graph Editor | Shift+F3 |
| Previous / next keyframe | J / K |
| Work area start / end | B / N |
More info
- Keyframe interpolation – Adobe After Effects Help
- Speed graph reference – YouTube