Summary  
This chapter explains how to use keyframes to animate properties over time, adjust their timing, and apply easing curves via a graph editor to create smooth transitions.

General domain of usage  
Motion graphics and animation production

**Keyframes** are markers on the timeline that lock a parameter's value at a specific point.

Definition

For example, if you set the X position of a layer to 0 at the first keyframe and 100 at the second, After Effects will automatically generate a smooth transition between 0 and 100, creating the animation.

In this chapter, **you've learned**:
- The basics of using keyframes to create animations in After Effects;
- How to set keyframes for various properties and adjust timing;
- How to use the graph editor to create smooth transitions for dynamic and polished animations.

### Mentioned shortcuts

## Task
Create an animation of a star from the previous chapter, making it follow a square trajectory with ease-in and ease-out, while also rotating around itself.  
The result will look like this:

What is the function of keyframes in After Effects?

How do you create a keyframe for a parameter in After Effects?


This course provides a comprehensive introduction to Adobe After Effects, covering essential tools and techniques for animation, motion graphics, and visual effects. You'll engage in precise practice, learning to create full animations and advanced transitions in dedicated chapters. By the end, you'll have the skills to craft dynamic animations and high-quality video content through hands-on projects.

Explore the core interface and functionality of After Effects, covering how to navigate compositions, layers, and essential tools. Learn effective project organization and develop a solid understanding of basic transformations, forming the foundation for more advanced animation work.

The focus is on mastering key animation principles, including keyframing and easing, while applying them to create a complete animation and designing motion graphics transitions in practical examples.

Explore advanced features such as chroma keying with the Keylight effect, using masks to refine visuals, applying Adjustment Layers to multiple elements, and improving project organization through pre-composing. Practice creating professional transitions and master techniques like zooms and whip pans with precise execution.

Keyframes

Mentioned shortcuts

Task

1. What is the function of keyframes in After Effects?

2. How do you create a keyframe for a parameter in After Effects?