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Keyframes sound technical, but the idea is simple: you tell CapCut how something looks at one moment, and how it looks at another. The app fills in the movement between them.
The basic idea
A keyframe is a marker on the timeline that remembers a setting, such as size, position or transparency. When you set two keyframes with different settings, CapCut moves smoothly from the first to the second.
Try a slow zoom
- Tap your clip and move the playhead to the start.
- Tap the keyframe button to add the first keyframe.
- Move to the end of the clip.
- Pinch the picture a little bigger and a second keyframe appears.
- Play it back. The picture zooms in gently.
Keep the motion small
A zoom of about five to ten percent looks natural. Big, fast movement can feel busy. If in doubt, make it smaller.
More ideas
- Slide a title in from the side and let it rest in the centre.
- Fade a logo in with the transparency setting.
- Move a sticker across the screen to point at something.
- Rotate a photo slightly to give it life.
Smooth it out
Many keyframe movements look better with easing, which makes the start and end softer. If you see an option for it, try it.
Final thoughts
Keyframes are one of the best upgrades you can learn. Start with a slow zoom on a still photo, and you will quickly find more ways to use them.
Keep learning
Continue with: How to Make a Photo Slideshow with Music in CapCut, How to Remove a Background in CapCut, CapCut Speed Curves: Smooth Slow Motion and Speed Ramps. Need the app? Visit the download page.