How to add keyframes in capcut pc

Video editing is no longer limited to professionals. With powerful tools like CapCut available on both PC and mobile, anyone can create stunning, dynamic videos. One of the most valuable features in CapCut is keyframing — a method used to animate objects, text, and effects smoothly across a timeline.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through everything from how to add keyframes in CapCut PC, utilize shortcut keys, work with keyframe graphs, and even explain where is keyframe graph in CapCut mobile. Whether you’re new to editing or an advanced creator, mastering keyframes is essential for adding motion and emotion to your videos.

Keyframes in CapCut: The Foundation of Dynamic Video

What Are Keyframes and How Do They Work in CapCut?

Keyframes mark the beginning and end of a particular animation or change. When you set two keyframes at different points in time and change a property like scale or position, CapCut automatically animates the transition between those points.

This technique is widely used in professional editing to create zoom effects, fades, rotations, and even complex transitions. In CapCut, it’s intuitive and beginner-friendly, but still powerful enough for pro-level control.

Why Keyframes Are Essential for Animating Content

Keyframes give your content life. Instead of static text or a motionless image, you can animate objects across the screen, adjust transparency, or even simulate camera movements. Here are some popular uses:

• Animating text to appear dramatically

• Panning across images

• Zooming into a subject

• Creating “Ken Burns” effects

• Synchronizing animations with audio beats

These subtle yet powerful edits improve viewer engagement and make your videos more professional.

How to Add Keyframes in CapCut PC: Step-by-Step

If you’re using CapCut on your PC, here’s how to begin using keyframes in your timeline:

Load Your Project and Set Up the Timeline

Start CapCut PC and create or open a project. Import your media files, then drag the content you want to animate (video, image, text, sticker, etc.) into the timeline. Zoom in for more precise control.

Add the First Keyframe

1. Select the object or clip on the timeline.

2. Move the playhead to the point where the animation begins.

3. Click on the diamond icon in the editing toolbar to insert a keyframe.

Modify the Object’s Property

Move the playhead forward and make a change to the element, such as resizing or repositioning. CapCut will automatically insert another keyframe to reflect the change.

Play and Adjust

Play the sequence to preview your animation. You can adjust keyframe positions or add more to refine the motion.

You can apply this to:

• Position: Move an object across the screen

• Scale: Create zoom-in or zoom-out effects

• Rotation: Rotate elements for a dynamic look

• Opacity: Make objects appear or disappear smoothly

Shortcut Keys: How to Add Keyframe in CapCut PC Shortcut Key

Does CapCut PC Have a Built-in Shortcut?

Currently, there is no dedicated default shortcut key to add a keyframe in CapCut PC. However, the diamond icon to add a keyframe is always visible in the editing toolbar above the timeline for quick access.

Custom Solutions for Faster Editing

If you’re used to shortcut-heavy workflows, you can use tools like AutoHotKey to assign a keyboard shortcut that triggers a mouse click at the location of the keyframe icon. This custom solution is perfect for users who rely heavily on animation workflows.

Other Handy Keyboard Shortcuts

While CapCut PC lacks a direct keyframe shortcut, these built-in shortcuts will streamline your editing:

Using a combination of these with precise mouse movements can make your animation workflow significantly faster.

How to Add Keyframe Graphs in CapCut PC

What Are Keyframe Graphs?

Keyframe graphs, or curve editors, let you control the speed and easing between keyframes. Instead of a flat, linear motion, graphs allow you to apply easing curves like ease-in, ease-out, bounce, and more. This creates more natural motion and professional-grade transitions.

Where to Find the Graph Editor in CapCut PC

1. Add at least two keyframes to an element.

2. Right-click the keyframe line or keyframe itself.

3. Choose Easing Curve or Graph Editor, depending on your CapCut version.

4. The keyframe graph interface will open.

How to Use Keyframe Graphs in CapCut PC

• Click and drag handles on the curve to change how fast or slow an animation occurs.

• Apply Ease In for a slow start or Ease Out for a smooth finish.

• Combine them for Ease In-Out animations.

Example:

• A bounce animation can be created by shaping the curve into a wave.

• For cinematic zooms, apply ease-in-out for subtle acceleration and deceleration.

Using keyframe graphs allows you to fine-tune motion, making your transitions smoother and more intentional.

Where Is Keyframe Graph in CapCut Mobile?

Accessing Keyframes in the CapCut Mobile App

CapCut’s mobile version provides a touch-based interface with keyframe features easily accessible:

1. Open your project.

2. Tap on the element (text, image, sticker, etc.) you want to animate.

3. Tap the diamond icon at the bottom to set your first keyframe.

4. Move the playhead and make changes to insert the second keyframe.

How to Use Keyframe Graphs (Easing) on CapCut Mobile

While CapCut mobile doesn’t include full graph editing, it does allow easing options:

1. Tap on the keyframe timeline after setting multiple keyframes.

2. Tap on Easing.

3. Choose from built-in presets like:

   • Linear (default)

   • Ease In

   • Ease Out

   • Bounce

   • Elastic

Though you can’t manually edit curve handles, these presets offer a great way to control motion speed on mobile devices.

Best Practices for Keyframes on PC and Mobile

Combine Keyframes with Easing for Smooth Transitions

Professional editors often use multiple keyframes with different easing settings to simulate camera movement, create emotional tension, or guide the viewer’s focus.

Timeline Tips for Better Keyframe Control

• Zoom in to the timeline for frame-by-frame precision.

• Keep keyframe spacing consistent to avoid abrupt changes.

• Use visual guides to align animations with audio cues.

Avoid Common Mistakes

• Don’t set too many keyframes; it clutters your timeline.

• Avoid sudden jumps in position or scale — use easing.

• Preview changes frequently to check flow and timing.

Troubleshooting Keyframe Issues in CapCut

Why Aren’t My Keyframes Working?

If keyframes don’t animate as expected:

• Make sure you’ve added at least two keyframes.

• Confirm you modified a property like scale or position between them.

• Check that the layer isn’t muted or hidden.

Graph Lag and Performance Fixes

CapCut’s graph editor can lag on some devices:

• Lower preview resolution during editing.

• Update CapCut to the latest version.

• Restart the software after heavy editing sessions.

Unlocking the Power of Keyframes

Learning how to add keyframes in CapCut PC, mastering shortcut keys, using keyframe graphs in CapCut PC, and understanding where keyframe graph is in CapCut mobile opens the door to professional-quality video production.

Why You Should Master Keyframes

• Elevate the storytelling in your videos.

• Create smooth, dynamic motion.

• Customize transitions beyond templates.

Keep Practicing and Exploring

The more you experiment with keyframes and easing, the more intuitive it becomes. Combine keyframes with audio sync, color changes, and overlays to craft your signature editing style.

Recommended Resources

• CapCut’s in-app tutorials

• YouTube tutorials from creators like Daniel Schiffer or Justin Brown

• Editing communities on Reddit, Facebook Groups, or Discord