Using keyframing

Availability note: The keyframing feature described here is provided in Studio Ultimate only.

In the parameters window for any effect that supports keyframing, locate and check the Use keyframes box. Until you do this, the effect maintains a single set of parameter values throughout the clip.

Pinnacle Studio image001 Using keyframing

When you switch on keyframing for an effect, two keyframes are created automatically. One is anchored to the start of the clip, and the other to its end. The parameters for both are set to the non-keyframed value. On the Movie Window timeline, a keyframe appears as a numbered flag on the video clip. The keyframe flags are displayed as long as the effect’s parameter window remains open.

Pinnacle Studio 148 keyframe flags Using keyframing

Keyframes for the effect currently open in the effect parameters window are shown as numbered flags over a vertical line. The current keyframe, if any, has a highlighted flag, like that of keyframe 3 here.

At the same time, additional controls are displayed at the bottom of the parameters window: the Add and Delete buttons, the Current keyframe indicator with forward and back arrows, and the Keyframe time counter with jog arrows.

Pinnacle Studio image003 Using keyframing

New controls appear at the bottom of the parameters window when keyframes are enabled.

Pinnacle Studio 148 keyframes   current frame Using keyframingThe Current keyframe indicator shows the number of the keyframe attached to the frame you are viewing in the Movie Window. Use the arrows to advance from keyframe to keyframe. As you click, the Movie Window scrubber jumps to the next keyframe position.

When you are viewing frames of your movie for which no keyframe has been defined, the indicator shows a dash. The displayed parameter values are those that will apply to the current frame during playback.

To create a keyframe at any such point, click the Add button, or simply start to adjust the parameters: when you do, Studio adds a keyframe automatically.

Pinnacle Studio image005 Using keyframing

Keyframes are numbered in sequence from the start of the clip. When a new keyframe is inserted, or an old one is deleted, those that come after are renumbered to correct the sequence.

Pinnacle Studio image006 Using keyframing

The Delete button is available whenever the current frame has a keyframe; that is, whenever the Current keyframe indicator shows a number rather than a dash.

The Keyframe time counter shows the time offset within the clip of the current movie time – the frame showing in the Player. The first keyframe is therefore at time zero, and the last is at an offset equal to one frame less than the duration of the clip.

When the current frame has a keyframe, its time offset can be changed with the counter’s jog arrows. The positions of the first and last keyframes cannot be adjusted. Others can move freely between the current positions of their neighboring keyframes.

Pinnacle Studio image007 Using keyframing

Setting the time of keyframe 3.

Using keyframing