How do I add a keyframe in Adobe Flash?

You can add a keyframe in Adobe Flash (now Adobe Animate) by using the Insert menu or a right-click option. Here's how:

Method 1: Using the Insert Menu

1. Select the Frame: Click on the frame in the Timeline where you want to add the keyframe.
2. Navigate to Insert: Go to the "Insert" menu at the top of the screen.
3. Choose Timeline: From the "Insert" menu, select "Timeline".
4. Select Keyframe: Choose "Keyframe" from the Timeline options.

Method 2: Using Right-Click (or Control-Click on Mac)

1. Select the Frame: Click on the frame in the Timeline where you want to add the keyframe.
2. Right-Click (Windows) or Control-Click (Mac): Right-click (or Control-click on a Mac) on the selected frame in the Timeline.
3. Select Insert Keyframe: In the context menu that appears, choose "Insert Keyframe".

What is a Keyframe?

A keyframe indicates a point in the Timeline where a new action begins. It's a frame where you define a change in an object's properties (position, size, color, etc.). By creating keyframes at different points in the Timeline and modifying the object's properties, you create animation.

Example:

Let's say you want to animate a ball moving across the screen.

1. Place the ball at the left edge of the stage in the first frame (which is automatically a keyframe).
2. Insert a keyframe at frame 24 (for example).
3. Move the ball to the right edge of the stage in frame 24.
4. Flash (Animate) can then tween the animation (create the frames between the two keyframes) so that the ball moves smoothly across the screen.

Types of Keyframes:

• Keyframe: A regular keyframe marks a change or a new starting point for an animation.
• Blank Keyframe: A blank keyframe is an empty keyframe, meaning there's nothing on the stage at that point in the Timeline. You often insert blank keyframes when you want to introduce new elements or pause an animation. You can create a blank keyframe by selecting "Insert Blank Keyframe" from the right-click menu (or Insert > Timeline > Blank Keyframe).

Adding keyframes is essential for creating animations in Adobe Animate. Experiment with both methods to find which one you prefer!