Working with Keyframes

Every clip in the Timeline, and most effects that you apply to them, can be modified over time. This involves a concept called keyframing. Essentially, a keyframe is a location in the Timeline where you specify a value for a specific property. When you set two keyframes, Premiere Elements interpolates the value of that property over all frames between the two keyframes, effecting a change gradually over time, basically creating an animated effect. For example, in the next exercise, you’ll use keyframes to animate the appearance of an effect.

Keyframes give you significant flexibility and creativity in your projects. Although they sound challenging at first, if you work through the next few exercises, you’ll quickly grasp their operation and utility.