Okay, here is how to move keyframes in Adobe Animate, covering different scenarios for "all" keyframes.
Moving keyframes in Adobe Animate is typically done by selecting the keyframes in the Timeline panel and dragging them to a new position. The specific method depends on whether you want to move keyframes on a single layer or across multiple layers.
How to Move Keyframes in Adobe Animate
The core process involves selecting the keyframes you want to move and then dragging the selection along the timeline.
Here's a breakdown based on common scenarios:
Moving Keyframes on a Single Layer
This is the most common operation and is directly related to the reference information provided.
- Locate the Layer: Go to the Timeline panel and find the layer containing the keyframes you wish to move.
- Select Keyframes:
- To select a single keyframe, click directly on the keyframe icon (the small circle or square) in the timeline row for that layer.
- To select a range of keyframes, click and drag a box around the keyframes, or click the first keyframe in the range and then Shift+click the last keyframe.
- To select all keyframes for a specific property within that layer (like Position, Scale, Rotation, etc., if you are using classic tweens or animating specific properties), select the property name listed beneath the layer name if the layer is expanded. This selects all keyframes associated with that property on that layer. (As mentioned in the reference: In the Timeline panel, select keyframes for one or more properties on the same layer. To select all keyframes for a property, select the property name.)
- To select all keyframes on a single layer, click the layer name itself, or click the first frame/keyframe and Shift+click the last frame/keyframe in the layer's timeline row.
- Move the Selected Keyframes: Once selected, click and hold anywhere within the highlighted keyframe selection. Drag the selection horizontally along the timeline to the desired new frame number. As you drag, the selected keyframes and any associated tween spans will move together.
- Optional: Position the CTI: After selecting your keyframes, you may want to Move the Current Time Indicator (CTI) (the red vertical line with the frame number at the top) to the first selected keyframe. (As mentioned in the reference: Move the Current Time Indicator to the first selected keyframe.) This allows you to easily preview the animation starting from the new position of your keyframes by pressing Enter/Return.
Moving Keyframes Across Multiple Layers
Sometimes you need to shift the timing of animation across several layers simultaneously.
- Select Keyframes Across Layers:
- Click and drag a marquee selection box across the timeline rows of the layers you want to affect. This selects frames and keyframes within that range on all affected layers.
- Alternatively, select the layers you want to modify in the Timeline panel (Ctrl/Cmd-click for multiple individual layers, Shift-click for a range of layers). Then, click and drag a selection box within the timeline area across the frames you wish to move on those selected layers.
- Move the Selected Keyframes: Click and hold anywhere within the highlighted multi-layer selection in the timeline. Drag the selection horizontally to the new desired frame number. All selected keyframes and frames on the selected layers will move together.
Moving All Keyframes in the Entire Timeline
To shift everything in your project forward or backward in time:
- Select All Layers: You can often select all layers by clicking the top layer and Shift-clicking the bottom layer in the Timeline panel.
- Select All Frames/Keyframes: With all layers selected, click and drag a large marquee selection box starting from frame 1 and extending horizontally across the entire timeline duration to select all frames and keyframes on all layers. A quick way might be to select all layers, then click in the top-left corner of the timeline area (where layer names and frame numbers meet) and drag to the right.
- Move Everything: Click and hold within the massive highlighted selection. Drag horizontally to the desired starting frame (e.g., drag everything from frame 1 to start at frame 10). All layers and their content will be shifted.
Important Considerations:
- Tween Spans: When you move keyframes that are part of a tween, the entire tween span (the grey or colored area between keyframes) moves with the keyframes.
- Empty Frames: Moving a block of keyframes might leave empty frames behind or overwrite existing content if you drag them onto occupied frames. Animate will usually prompt you or adjust accordingly.
- Current Frame: Be mindful of your Current Time Indicator's position before selecting, as it can sometimes influence selection behavior, although moving the CTI after selection is common for previewing.
By selecting the appropriate keyframes or frames using the methods described above, including selecting property names for layer-specific property animation, you can effectively move your animation timing within Adobe Animate.
| Action | How to Select | How to Move |
|---|---|---|
| Keyframes on 1 Property (1 Layer) | Expand layer, click property name. | Click & Drag Selection |
| Keyframes on 1 Layer | Click+drag marquee on layer row, or click first + Shift+click last frame on row. | Click & Drag Selection |
| Keyframes on Multiple Layers | Click+drag marquee across layers/frames, or select layers + click+drag marquee. | Click & Drag Selection |
| All Keyframes in Timeline | Select all layers + click+drag marquee over entire timeline range. | Click & Drag Selection |
