How to Use Keyframe in CapCut
If you’ve ever wondered how to bring smooth motion or dynamic effects to your videos, you’ve likely encountered the concept of a keyframe in CapCut. CapCut has become a favorite video editing tool for creators of all levels, especially for those using mobile devices or PCs to make professional-looking content.
This article will help you understand what a keyframe is, how to use it, and how it can dramatically enhance your video editing process using CapCut. Whether you’re new to editing or looking to up your game, this guide will walk you through keyframing in CapCut step by step.
What is a Keyframe and Why It Matters in CapCut
What is Keyframing?
Keyframing is a video editing technique that allows you to create smooth animations by setting different values at specific points in the timeline. The software then fills in the changes between those points.
In CapCut, a keyframe can control
- Position (move objects)
- Scale (zoom in/out)
- Rotation
- Opacity
- Effects and filters
- Text animation
By adjusting these elements frame-by-frame, keyframing in CapCut gives you precise control over how your visual content behaves.
Why Use Keyframing in Your Videos?
A keyframe is a marker that tells CapCut where a change should start or end. By setting multiple keyframes, you can create smooth animations. Here’s how keyframing makes your content more engaging.
- Animate logos or text
- Create zoom/pan effects for emphasis
- Add smooth transitions
- Make custom effects that default presets can’t match
- Match audio with visuals
- Fading clips in or out (opacity changes)
- Rotating objects for dynamic effects
Keyframing in CapCut works by recording changes in position, scale, rotation, or opacity between two points in time. The app automatically generates the animation between them. Keyframing isn’t just a tool. It’s a creative weapon for storytellers.
Where to Find the Keyframe Feature in CapCut
You don’t need to dig through menus to find this powerful feature. Here’s how to locate the CapCut keyframe tool.
Steps to Find It
- Open CapCut and start a new project.
- Add a video, image, or text layer to your timeline.
- Tap or click on the element you want to animate.
- A diamond-shaped icon (the keyframe icon) will appear near the timeline.
- Tap the icon to insert your first keyframe.
Tip: If you’re on desktop, learn the CapCut keyframe shortcut to speed up editing. (As of now, there’s no official keyboard shortcut, but CapCut may update this soon.)
How to Add Keyframes in CapCut (Step-by-Step)
Adding keyframes in CapCut is simple. Follow these steps.
Step 1: Import Your Clip
- Open CapCut and start a new project.
- Import your video or image by tapping “Add”.
Step 2: Enable Keyframes
- Select your clip on the timeline.
- Tap the “Keyframe” button (diamond icon) at the bottom.
- This adds your first keyframe.
Step 3: Adjust Properties
- Move the playhead to where you want the animation to end.
- Modify the clip’s position, scale, or rotation.
- CapCut will automatically add a second keyframe.
- Play back to see the smooth transition!
Pro Tip: Use keyframes for text animations by selecting the text layer instead of the video clip.
How to Move Keyframes in CapCut
Placed a keyframe in the wrong spot? No problem! Here’s how to adjust them.
- Find the keyframe marker (small diamond on the timeline).
- Drag it left or right to change timing.
- Delete a keyframe by tapping it and selecting “Delete”.
CapCut Keyframe Shortcut: Pinch the timeline to zoom in for precise keyframe placement.
Creative Ways to Use Keyframing in CapCut
1. Smooth Zoom Effects
- Set a keyframe at the start (normal scale).
- Move forward, zoom in, and add another keyframe.
- Result: A cinematic zoom effect.
2. Animated Text & Titles
- Add text, set a keyframe, then move and resize it over time.
- Great for intro animations or highlighting words.
3. Panning Across Images
- Use keyframes to slide across a photo (like a Ken Burns effect).
4. Object Tracking
- Attach stickers or emojis to a moving object using keyframes.
5. Opacity Fades
- Make clips fade in/out smoothly by adjusting opacity keyframes.
Tips for Effective Keyframing in CapCut
DO
- Use only 2-3 keyframes per animation for a natural effect.
- Align animations with background music beats.
- Zoom in slightly on reaction shots for emotional impact.
DON’T
- Overuse keyframes – too much motion can be jarring.
- Make sudden, large changes without easing (CapCut adds easing automatically).
- Forget to preview. Watch the clip after adding keyframes to adjust timing.
Common CapCut Animation Effects Using Keyframes
CapCut provides dozens of animation effects, but with keyframes, you can go even further.
Popular CapCut Animation Effects You Can Create Manually
| Effect | How to Do It Using Keyframes |
|---|---|
| Zoom In/Out | Scale the clip between two keyframes |
| Pan Left/Right | Move position between keyframes |
| Fade In/Out | Adjust opacity over time |
| Text Slide | Move text across screen |
| Rotation | Rotate object frame by frame |
These effects allow you to bypass static filters and make highly customized visuals.
CapCut Keyframe Shortcut & Optimization Tips
As of 2025, CapCut doesn’t have a fixed keyframe shortcut on PC. But you can optimize workflow by.
- Using spacebar to play/pause quickly.
- Placing markers to remember keyframe points.
- Naming your clips (helps especially for complex animations).
Stay updated by checking CapCut’s official release notes. Shortcuts might arrive in future versions.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to use a keyframe in CapCut unlocks a world of creative possibilities. From cinematic zoom-ins to animated text, keyframes allow you to bring life and motion into your videos that go beyond default templates.
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, like how to add keyframes in CapCut and how to move keyframes in CapCut, you’ll be editing like a pro. Keep practicing, experiment with CapCut animation effects, and you’ll be creating scroll-stopping content in no time.
So, next time someone asks, “What does keyframe do in CapCut?”, you’ll have the perfect answer and the skills to show it.
Read this article if you want to learn about how to use CapCut AI Video Generator along with keyframing.
