Working with position keyframes and motion paths

If you want to add a new keyframe to a motion path, make sure that the current-time indicator is positioned at the time you want the new keyframe to occur. If you want to change an existing keyframe, make sure that the current-time indicator is positioned at the existing keyframe; otherwise, After Effects adds a new keyframe if you move the layer instead of moving points on the motion path. (See Controlling speed along a motion path.)

The motion-path controls that you see in the Composition window depend on the options selected in the Composition window menu. For maximum control over the shape of a motion path, use the pen tools and the spatial interpolation methods that After Effects provides. (See Comparing interpolation methods and Bezier interpolation.)


Composition window with spaceship layer selected A. Layer handle B. Layer keyframe C. Direction handle on direction line D. Composition window menu E. Motion path

To move a position keyframe:

1. Display the Timeline and Composition windows for a composition.
2. In the Timeline window, select the layer you want to modify.
3. Press P to display the Position property for the layer.
4. If you cannot see the keyframe you want to modify in the Composition window, move the current-time indicator in the Timeline window to the keyframe.
5. In the Composition window, use the pointer tool to drag a keyframe marker or its control handles on the motion path to a new position.

Note: The current-time indicator does not need to be located on a keyframe before you drag it.


Drag a layer in the Composition window to move a selected position keyframe.

To add a position keyframe by moving the layer:

1. Display the Timeline and Composition windows for a composition.
2. In the Timeline window, select the layer you want to modify.
3. Press P to display the Position property.
4. In the Timeline window, move the current-time indicator to the time where you want to add a new keyframe.
5. Move the layer by dragging it in the Composition window or by changing its Position property value.

Drag a layer in the Composition window to add a new position keyframe.

To add a keyframe using the pen tool:

1. Display the Timeline and Composition windows for a composition.
2. Select the layer you want to modify.
3. Select the pen tool  or pen + tool  from the Tools palette.
4. In the Composition window, move the pen tool over the motion path where you want to add the new keyframe and click to add the keyframe.

A new keyframe appears at the frame you clicked, on the motion path and in the Timeline window. To move the keyframe, use the selection tool.

To move all points on a motion path in unison:

1. Display the Composition and Timeline windows for a composition.
2. In the Timeline window, select the layer containing the motion path you want to move.
3. Press P to open the Position property.
4. Click the word "Position" to select all Position keyframes.
5. In the Composition window, click a keyframe with the selection tool and drag the path to a new position.

Dragging the motion path by a keyframe