Keyframe Editing in Premiere Pro

Keyframes mark parameter changes at specific points in time. This guide covers methods for adding and editing audio keyframes.

Clip Keyframes vs Track Keyframes

Adding Keyframes in Timeline

Clip Keyframes

1. Expand the audio track (drag bottom edge of track header)
2. The white line (rubber band) represents volume
3. Ctrl+Click (Cmd+Click on Mac) on the line to add a keyframe
4. Drag the keyframe up/down to adjust value

Track Keyframes

1. Click the Show Keyframes button in the track header
2. Select Show Track Keyframes > Volume (or effect parameter)
3. Use the Pen tool (P) to add keyframes
4. Switch to Selection tool (V) to drag keyframes

Editing Keyframe Values

Drag Method

• Select keyframe and drag up/down
• Hold Ctrl (Cmd) for finer control
• Hold Shift to constrain horizontal movement

Effect Controls Panel (Precise Values)

1. Select the clip
2. Open Effect Controls panel
3. Locate the parameter
4. Click the keyframe in the mini-timeline
5. Type the exact value in the number field

Playhead Method

1. Move playhead over the keyframe
2. Adjust the parameter value in Effect Controls
3. The keyframe updates automatically

Duplicating Clips

Common Issues

Keyframes Not Responding to Drag

• Check automation mode: If set to "Read" in Audio Track Mixer, keyframes cannot be edited
• Zoom in: Keyframes are easier to select when zoomed
• Track locked: Verify the lock icon is disabled in the track header

Audio Track Mixer Keyframes Not Recording

The Audio Track Mixer only records keyframes during playback:

1. Set automation mode to Latch or Touch
2. Press Play
3. Adjust controls while playing
4. Stop and switch back to Read

For manual editing, use the timeline instead of the mixer.

See Also

• Audio Track Mixer Automation Modes
• Boosting Audio Beyond 15 dB in Premiere Pro