How do I set keyframes in Blender?
Basic Keyframing
A keyframe records a value at a specific frame. Blender interpolates between keyframes to create motion. Set the current frame in the timeline, change the property, and press I while hovering to add the key.
You can also right-click a property and choose Insert Keyframe. Keyframes appear as diamonds in the timeline, and each property's keyframes can be viewed in the Graph Editor for finer control. Once you know the basics, the Dope Sheet makes it easier to time motion across many objects at once.
- Move the timeline to a frame
- Change the value of the property
- Hover and press I to insert a key
- Repeat at other frames to build motion
Editing and Cleanup
Use the Dope Sheet to move, copy, or delete keyframes in bulk. The Graph Editor lets you shape the motion curve, change interpolation, and smooth out sudden jumps.
Keep your timeline organized by naming actions and grouping related channels. Clear organization makes it easier to revise animation later in a project.
Keyframes can also be placed on a camera, a light, or a modifier setting, so the same method works across the scene. Use the keyframe menu to see which properties are animated. This quick check helps you find unwanted motion or missing keys.
Common mistakes
- Keyframing too many properties at once, which makes editing hard.
- Forgetting that the auto-keying setting can add keys unexpectedly.
