Keyframe

Definition

In animation and motion graphics, a Keyframe is a frame at which a specific value (such as position, scale, rotation, opacity, or a color parameter) is explicitly defined. The software then automatically calculates (or "interpolates") the values for all the frames between two keyframes, creating smooth animation. For example, to animate a title sliding onto the screen, the animator would set a keyframe at the start of the animation with the title off-screen, and another keyframe a few seconds later with the title in its final position. The software would then automatically generate the smooth motion between the two keyframes.

Contextual Usage

The motion graphics designer explains the animation to the creative director: "I've set two keyframes for the logo animation — one at the start where the logo is at zero opacity and slightly scaled down, and one at the end where it's at full opacity and full size. The software interpolates between the two keyframes to create the smooth fade-in and scale-up animation. I've used an ease-in curve on the interpolation to make the animation feel more natural and less mechanical."