Keyframes are an essential part of creating stunning animations in Alight Motion. They allow you to define any property’s starting and ending points like position, scale, rotation, or opacity to create smooth transitions. This guide will show you everything you need to know about adding, using, and mastering keyframes in Alight Motion. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned animator, this tutorial is designed to help you.
What Are Keyframe Animations?

Keyframe animations involve setting specific points (keyframes) on a timeline where certain properties of an object change. Between these points, Alight Motion automatically calculates the transitions, creating seamless animations. This technique is widely used to animate objects, text, and effects in videos.
3 Types of Keyframe Animations in Alight Motion
Hold Keyframes
Hold keyframes maintain the current state of an object until the next keyframe. They are perfect for creating sudden, sharp changes without any transition.
Linear Keyframes
Linear keyframes create a smooth, consistent transition between two points. They are ideal for simple animations where the motion needs to be steady and predictable.
Easing Keyframes
Easing keyframes makes animations more natural by altering the speed of transitions. There are three main types:
- Ease In: Animations start slow and then accelerate.
- Ease Out: Animations start fast and then decelerate.
- Ease In Out: A combination of both starting slow, accelerating in the middle, and slowing down at the end.
How to Use Keyframes in Alight Motion
Follow these simple steps to use keyframes effectively:
- Add Your Object: Insert the image, text, or shape you want to animate.
- Select the Layer: Choose the layer from the timeline that you want to animate.
- Position the playhead: Move the playhead to the point where you want your animation to start.
- Set the First Keyframe: Adjust the property you want to animate (e.g., position, scale) and tap the keyframe icon to add a keyframe.
- Move to the Next Point: Move the playhead further along the timeline and adjust the property again. Alight Motion will automatically create a new keyframe.
- Preview Your Animation: Tap play to see the animation. Adjust keyframes as needed for smoother results.
Why Should You Use Keyframes in Alight Motion?
- Precision Control: Keyframes let you control animations down to the exact frame.
- Professional Effects: Create smooth transitions, dynamic movements, and natural looking animations.
- Creative Freedom: With keyframes, you can animate any property of an object, from position to effects.
How to Copy and Paste Keyframes in Alight Motion
Save time by reusing keyframes:
- Select the layer containing the keyframes.
- Long press on a keyframe to copy it.
- Move the playhead to the desired location and paste the keyframe.
Advanced Keyframe Techniques in Alight Motion
- Motion Blur: Add motion blur for smoother and more dynamic animations.
- Graph Editor: Use the graph editor to fine tune easing and create custom motion paths.
- Keyframe Grouping: Group multiple keyframes to apply changes uniformly across an animation.
Tips to Master Keyframes in Alight Motion
- Start with simple animations and gradually explore advanced techniques.
- Use easing for natural motion to avoid linear transitions for organic movements.
- Organize your layers and keyframes for complex projects to stay efficient.
Troubleshooting Common Keyframe Issues in Alight Motion
What to Do If Animations Feel Uneven or Irregular
- Check the spacing between your keyframes uneven intervals can cause jerky movements.
- Use the graph editor to smooth out transitions.
How to Fix Slow Animations
- Ensure keyframes arenโt spaced too far apart on the timeline.
- Adjust the timing of keyframes to make animations quicker.
Bottom Line
Mastering keyframes in Alight Motion opens up a world of creative possibilities. You can create professional quality animations by understanding the different types of keyframes, using advanced techniques, and troubleshooting common issues. Whether crafting a simple motion graphic or a complex video, this guide ensures you’ll always achieve smooth and precise results. For more tips and tutorials, explore our website, or reach out with your questions weโre here to help you create amazing animations!