Deleting keyframes you no longer need is a fundamental part of refining animations in Blender. Whether a keyframe is truly "unused" or simply one you wish to remove, Blender provides straightforward methods to get rid of them.
You can delete keyframes using a few different techniques depending on where you are working in Blender and which keyframes you want to target.
Methods to Remove Keyframes
Based on the provided reference, here are the primary ways to remove (delete) keyframes in Blender:
1. Using a Keyboard Shortcut in the 3D Viewport
- Method: Press Alt + I
- Context: This is typically used when you are in the 3D Viewport and want to remove keyframes from selected objects at the current frame.
- Action: This action removes all keyframes for properties that are keyed on the selected objects at the playhead's current position.
2. Using a Keyboard Shortcut Over a Value
- Method: Press Alt + I
- Context: When your mouse cursor is hovering directly over a property value that has a keyframe (like a Location, Rotation, or Scale value in the Properties panel or N-panel).
- Action: This removes the keyframe specifically from that single property value at the current frame. Keyed properties are usually indicated by a colored outline or dot next to their value input box.
3. Using the Right-Click Menu
- Method: Right Mouse Button (RMB)
- Context: Hover your mouse cursor over a property value that has a keyframe, then Right-Click.
- Action: A context menu will appear. Choose "Delete Keyframe" from this menu. This removes the keyframe for that specific property value at the current frame, similar to the Alt + I method over a value.
Here's a quick summary table:
| Method | Location/Context | Action | Applies To |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alt + I | 3D Viewport | Removes keyframes at the current frame. | Selected Objects |
| Alt + I | Over a keyed value | Removes keyframe at the current frame for that value. | Single Property Value |
| RMB > Delete Keyframe | Over a keyed value | Removes keyframe at the current frame for that value. | Single Property Value |
These methods are effective for removing keyframes frame by frame or for specific properties. While the term "unused" can be subjective, these techniques provide the necessary tools to remove any keyframe you deem unnecessary for your animation.
