Adding Keyframes

Curves adds new features on top of Final Cut Pro's existing keyframe system, so if you've worked with keyframes in Final Cut before, you will already be familiar with the workflow. Use the add keyframe button () to the right of a parameter to add a keyframe at the current time. Then, move forward or backward in the timeline and move the clip to create an animation.

For example, to make an image spin, add a 0° rotation keyframe, move forward in the timeline, then set the rotation to 360°:

Use and to move between keyframes, and to delete a keyframe.

If a parameter has been keyframed, Final Cut automatically creates a new keyframe anytime you make a change.

Animating with the on-screen controls

You can create position keyframes just by dragging the clip around. Add a keyframe, move forward in time, then click and drag the object to a new position and a keyframe will be automatically created.

Curves draws the path your clip takes over time with a red line. The path only appears when you're working on a Curves animation; it won't show up in the final render. You can disable the path by unchecking the "Show Path" box. Keyframes are represented with dots () on the path. You can add as many keyframes as you want to a clip:

Click on a keyframe to move to it in the timeline:

As you're creating a new keyframe, Curves will automatically snap your cursor to align with existing keyframes (past and future), keeping everything nice and lined up:

Editing keyframes

Select your clip in the timeline and press control (^) + V. This will open up the Final Cut keyframe editor.

A marker is placed at every keyframe. You can click and drag a marker to adjust when the keyframe occurs. Use the drop down list next to "Curves: All" to configure which parameter's keyframes are shown.