Keyframing in Premiere Pro allows you to change properties of clips over time, creating animations and dynamic effects. Here's how to do it:
1. Import Media and Access Effect Controls
First, import your video or audio clip into your Premiere Pro project and place it on the timeline. Then, select the clip on the timeline and navigate to the Effect Controls panel. This panel displays all the adjustable properties of the selected clip.
2. Locate the Property and Toggle Animation
In the Effect Controls panel, find the property you want to animate (e.g., Position, Scale, Rotation, Opacity). Next to the property name, you'll see a toggle animation icon (a small stopwatch). Click this icon to activate keyframing for that property. The first keyframe is automatically created at the current playhead position.
3. Set Additional Keyframes
Move the playhead to a different point in time on the timeline. Change the value of the animated property in the Effect Controls panel. Premiere Pro will automatically create a new keyframe at the new playhead position with the adjusted value. Repeat this process for as many keyframes as you need to achieve your desired animation.
4. Adjust Keyframes
You can adjust the position of keyframes on the timeline by dragging them left or right. You can also adjust the value of a keyframe by selecting it (click on it in the Effect Controls panel's timeline display) and changing the property's value.
To fine-tune the animation, consider adjusting the interpolation between keyframes. Right-click on a keyframe and choose from options like:
- Linear: Creates a constant rate of change between keyframes.
- Bezier: Allows for smooth, curved transitions between keyframes using handles.
- Auto Bezier: Premiere Pro automatically creates smooth transitions.
- Ease In/Ease Out: Creates a slow start or end to the animation.
Example: Changing Position Over Time
Let's say you want to move a clip from the left side of the screen to the right side over 5 seconds.
- Import your clip and place it on the timeline.
- Select the clip and go to the Effect Controls panel.
- Locate the "Position" property under "Motion".
- Click the toggle animation icon next to "Position". This creates your first keyframe at the current playhead position. Set the Position value so that the clip is on the left side of the screen.
- Move the playhead 5 seconds down the timeline.
- Change the "Position" value in the Effect Controls panel so the clip is now on the right side of the screen. Premiere Pro creates a second keyframe.
- Play back your timeline. The clip will now move smoothly from left to right over those 5 seconds.
Summary
Keyframing in Premiere Pro is a powerful tool for creating dynamic and visually appealing videos. By setting keyframes and adjusting properties, you can control nearly every aspect of your clips over time.
