The EssentialShowbiz Dictionary™

of Entertainment Industry Terms

Keyframe

1 minute read | Last updated: 4 months ago

What does Keyframe mean?

Keyframe refers to a specific frame in an animation or video where a significant change occurs, such as a character’s position, size, or other attributes. Keyframes are used in both traditional and computer-generated animation to define the starting and ending points of any smooth transition. In between these keyframes, the software generates the intermediate frames (a process known as “tweening”), creating fluid motion. Keyframes are a crucial aspect of editing in animation, special effects, and motion graphics.

Example:A keyframe in an animated film marks the moment when a character begins to jump, with another keyframe defining the character’s landing.
Example: In video editing, keyframes are used to animate text by setting a start keyframe for its position off-screen and an end keyframe for its final on-screen position.

Did You Know?
In traditional hand-drawn animation, animators would draw the keyframes, while assistants would fill in the intermediate frames!

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