How To Use Keyframes in CapCut (2025): An Easy Step-by-Step Guide
Want to take your CapCut edits to the next level? Keyframes are the secret weapon for smooth transitions, dynamic animations, and pro-level effects.
Whether you’re creating eye-catching motion graphics or perfecting seamless zooms, learning how to use keyframes will transform your videos.
This guide will walk you through how to use keyframes in CapCut to add movement, precision, and creativity to your edits—no advanced editing skills required!
Table of Contents
What Are Keyframes in CapCut?
Keyframes are points that define the beginning and end of any transition or movement within your video.
In simpler terms, they allow you to animate properties such as position, scale, opacity, and rotation of video elements over time.
With keyframes, you can create dynamic effects such as panning, zooming, rotating, and animating objects within a scene.
Can You Keyframe in CapCut?
Yes, CapCut supports keyframing. This feature lets you control parameters like position, rotation, scale, and opacity over time.
It’s an essential tool for adding dynamic effects to your videos.
By adding keyframes at different points on the timeline, you can create smooth transitions and animations.
To use keyframing, select the element, tap “Add Keyframe,” and adjust its properties at different intervals. The full guide is below.
Key Features of Keyframes in CapCut
CapCut’s keyframe editing tool is a game-changer for creating captivating animations while minimizing the time and effort involved.
It’s designed to empower creators with a seamless, intuitive experience, helping bring videos to life with precision and ease.
1. Intuitive Design for Effortless Animation
CapCut’s user-friendly interface makes it simple to add keyframe effects. Whether you’re adjusting motion or creating transitions, the design ensures smooth navigation, even for beginners.
The intelligent layout and magical shortcuts help you create professional-grade animations in no time.
2. Customize Parameters for Smooth Animations
The keyframe tool allows users to fine-tune various parameters to achieve smooth, dynamic effects.
You can adjust the position, scale, rotation, opacity, and even the shape and color of your elements. This flexibility ensures every animation is as unique and polished as your vision.
3. Cloud-Based Collaboration for Teams
CapCut’s platform goes beyond individual editing. With its cloud-based team space, multiple members can collaborate on the same project.
You can edit, review, and share content seamlessly, enhancing productivity and simplifying the creative process.
4. Advanced Editing Tools for All Projects
From tweaking simple transitions to crafting complex motion effects, CapCut packs all the tools you need for innovative content. Its AI-powered engine ensures precision while saving hours of manual effort.
5. Multi-Device Accessibility
CapCut’s all-in-one editor works across platforms, whether you’re on a PC, Mac, or web browser. Start projects wherever you are and sync them effortlessly across devices.
This flexibility makes it easy to work on your video animations anytime, anywhere.
How to Use Keyframes in CapCut
CapCut makes the process of adding keyframes simple and accessible to all users. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use keyframes in CapCut:
- Open CapCut and Start a New Project
Launch CapCut and import your video clips. Once your project is set up, you can start working on adding keyframes to animate different elements in your video. - Select the Element You Want to Animate
Keyframes can be applied to various elements, including text, images, stickers, or video clips. Select the element you wish to animate from your timeline. - Position the Timeline Where You Want to Add a Keyframe
Move the playhead on the timeline to the point where you want the animation to begin. This will serve as the starting point for your keyframe. - Add a Keyframe
To add a keyframe, tap on the keyframe icon (a diamond shape) in the editing tools. This will place a keyframe at the current playhead position. - Move to the Next Keyframe Position
Move the playhead to where you want the animation or movement to end. At this point, make the changes to the element’s properties (e.g., position, scale, rotation) that you want to animate. - Adjust the Properties
Adjust the properties of the element (e.g., move the object, zoom in, change opacity) that you want to animate. CapCut will automatically animate the changes between the keyframes. - Preview the Animation
Once your keyframes are set, play the video to preview the animation. You can make further adjustments if needed by moving the keyframes or changing the properties.
Key Uses for Keyframes in CapCut
Keyframes allow you to add creative and professional touches to your video. Here are some popular use cases for keyframes in CapCut:
- Panning and Zooming
Create smooth panning or zooming effects to give your video a dynamic and professional look. This is particularly useful for creating cinematic shots or emphasizing important elements in a scene. - Text Animations
Use keyframes to animate text overlays, making them appear or move dynamically within the video. Text animations can make tutorials, titles, and captions stand out, keeping viewers engaged. - Object Movement
Animate objects or stickers by moving them across the screen with keyframes. This can be useful for fun effects or creative storytelling within your video. - Smooth Transitions
Keyframes can be used to create smooth transitions between clips by adjusting properties like opacity, scale, or position. For example, you can use keyframes to gradually fade one clip into another. - Rotations and Scaling
Rotate or scale elements within your video to add a unique visual style. For instance, you can make an image spin into view or scale up as the video progresses.
Why Keyframing Is Important for Social Media Videos
Keyframing is a valuable tool for social media content creation because it allows you to produce engaging and visually appealing videos that capture the attention of your audience.
So whether you’re making TikToks, Instagram Reels, or YouTube videos, keyframes give you the flexibility to:
- Create professional-level animations that elevate the quality of your videos.
- Draw focus to important parts of your content with smooth transitions and movement.
- Add creativity and uniqueness to your videos, making them stand out in a crowded social media landscape.
For a more comprehensive look at how to use CapCut across all major social media platforms, check out our full guide on CapCut for Social Media to discover more tips and strategies for creating eye-catching content.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Keyframe in CapCut?
A keyframe in CapCut is a marker that allows you to animate changes in position, scale, opacity, and other properties over time. It helps create smooth transitions and dynamic effects in your videos.
How Do You Add Keyframes in CapCut?
To add keyframes in CapCut, import your video, select a clip, and move the playhead to the starting point. Tap the diamond (+) keyframe button, make adjustments, then move the playhead forward and add another keyframe with new settings.
Can You Use Keyframes on Both Mobile and PC Versions?
Yes! Keyframes are available on both CapCut mobile (iOS/Android) and CapCut PC, though the interface may vary slightly between platforms.
What Can You Animate with Keyframes?
Keyframes can be used to animate position, scale, rotation, opacity, and effects. This allows you to create smooth motion effects, zooms, fades, and object movements.
Why Can’t I See the Keyframe Button in CapCut?
If the keyframe option is missing, make sure you’ve selected a clip, image, or effect that supports keyframes. Also, ensure you’re in the correct editing tab and that your CapCut app is up to date.
How Do You Delete a Keyframe in CapCut?
To remove a keyframe, select the clip, navigate to the keyframe, and tap the keyframe button to delete it.
How Do You Create Smooth Animations with Keyframes?
For smooth motion, use multiple keyframes for gradual changes, space them evenly, and apply easing effects to create natural-looking transitions.
Can You Copy and Paste Keyframes in CapCut?
Currently, CapCut does not support copying keyframes directly. However, you can manually recreate movements by applying the same adjustments to multiple clips.
Does CapCut Pro Offer Better Keyframe Features?
While CapCut Pro provides premium effects and AI tools, the keyframe functionality remains the same in both free and Pro versions.
Are There Alternatives to CapCut for Keyframing?
Yes! Other video editors like Adobe Premiere Rush, InShot, and VN Editor also support keyframing, but CapCut remains one of the best free options.
Conclusion
By utilizing keyframes, you can animate various elements within your videos, giving you complete creative control over movement, transitions, and effects.
From adjusting the position and scale of objects to modifying text and visuals, keyframing allows for smooth, precise animations that enhance the overall look and feel of your projects.
So whether you’re editing for platforms like TikTok, YouTube, or Instagram, mastering the use of keyframes can significantly improve the quality of your content.
With the ability to animate objects and effects over time, you can make your videos more dynamic, visually captivating, and unique, helping your content stand out in a crowded digital space.
Once you get comfortable with CapCut’s keyframe feature, you’ll unlock a new level of creativity, adding layers of depth and professionalism to every video you produce.
