Keyframing and the Graph Editor - Beginner's After Effects & YTPMV (Part 4)

Introduction

In this tutorial, we'll explore how to animate footage in Adobe After Effects using keyframing and the Graph Editor. You'll learn how to manipulate various properties like scale, position, and rotation, as well as how to use easing for smoother animations. This guide is perfect for beginners looking to enhance their animation skills in After Effects.

Step 1: Access Transform Properties

• Open your project and navigate to the timeline.
• Locate the layer you want to animate.
• Click the drop-down arrow next to the layer name.
• Click on the drop-down arrow next to "Transform" to reveal properties:
  • Anchor Point
  • Position
  • Scale
  • Rotation
  • Opacity

Tip

You can manipulate these properties directly in the viewport. For example:

• Click and drag to scale or move your footage.
• Hold Shift while dragging to maintain aspect ratio.

Step 2: Creating Keyframes

• To start animating, click the stopwatch icon next to a transform property (e.g., Scale).
• This action creates a keyframe and enables automatic keyframing.
• Move the playhead to a different point in the timeline.
• Change the property value (e.g., scale it down or up).
• Play back your animation to see the effect.

Common Pitfall

To remove keyframes, simply click the stopwatch again.

Step 3: Modifying Keyframe Values

• You can type in exact values for properties, such as entering "25" for scale.
• Use mathematical operations by typing expressions like "25 * 3" to get results automatically.

Practical Advice

• Hold Ctrl while dragging property values for precise adjustments.
• Hold Shift for more drastic changes.

Step 4: Easing Keyframes

• To modify the easing of your animations, right-click on a keyframe.
• Choose "Keyframe Assistant" and then "Easy Ease" to create smoother transitions.

Note

The default easing in After Effects is linear. For more customized easing, use the Graph Editor.

Step 5: Using the Graph Editor

• Click the Graph Editor icon to open it.
• Ensure you have the correct property selected (e.g., Scale).
• Right-click and enable "Value Graph" if it's not displaying correctly.

Adjusting the Graph

• Click the "Easy Ease" button for default easing.
• Drag the Bezier handles to customize the easing:
  • To make animation pop in quickly and slow down at the end, adjust the handles accordingly.

Tip

Hold Shift while dragging handles to maintain their height.

Step 6: Separating Dimensions for Position Adjustments

• Create keyframes for position property.
• Right-click on the position property and select "Separate Dimensions."
• This action allows you to manipulate X and Y values independently.
• Use F9 to enable Bezier easing for the separated dimensions.

Reminder

Any previous easing will be removed when you separate dimensions.

Step 7: Creating a Quick Animation

• Set your desired properties (e.g., scale, position).
• Delete existing keyframes and reset properties to defaults.
• Animate your footage by having it slide in from the left or rotate as it enters the frame.
• Use the Graph Editor for smoothing the animation.

Conclusion

You’ve learned the basics of keyframing and using the Graph Editor in After Effects. By mastering these techniques, you can create dynamic and engaging animations. Next, consider exploring how to add effects to your footage, which will further enhance your projects. Happy animating!