A keyframe is a specific point on a timeline that marks the beginning or end of a change in a property such as position, scale, opacity, or rotation.
In video editing and animation, a keyframe defines a precise moment where a specific value is set for a property. The software then automatically calculates — or interpolates — all the intermediate values between two keyframes, creating smooth transitions and animations without requiring frame-by-frame manual adjustments.
Keyframes are fundamental to motion graphics, visual effects, and even basic editing tasks like fade-ins or position changes. By placing keyframes at strategic points on your timeline, you gain granular control over how elements behave over time. Most professional editing tools like Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, and DaVinci Resolve rely heavily on keyframe-based workflows.
Understanding keyframes is essential for anyone working with video, as they form the backbone of virtually every animated effect. Whether you are creating a simple text fade or a complex camera move in 3D space, keyframes give you the precision needed to bring your creative vision to life.
Easing refers to the acceleration and deceleration curves applied to animations, making movements feel natural rather than mechanical and linear.
Keyframe interpolation is the method by which software calculates the intermediate values between two keyframes, determining how a property transitions from one state to another.
The timeline is the primary workspace in a video editor where clips, audio, effects, and transitions are arranged sequentially to build a project.