Example: Keyframing Opacity in the Timeline
There is a faster way to create the Opacity parameter keyframes you created in the
previous example. You do this by adjusting the clip’s opacity over time using the
opacity overlay in the Timeline.
1
In the Timeline, edit two clips of equal duration into your sequence.
Note: The clip you want to appear in front should be placed on track V2; the other clip
should be placed on track V1.
2
Select the Clip Overlays control to display the opacity and level overlays of each clip in
your sequence.
3
Position the pointer over the opacity overlay (located directly on top of the clip on
track V2). When the pointer turns into the Adjust Line Segment pointer, drag the entire
overlay down so that the opacity value is 50 percent.
∏
Tip: If you’re having problems getting the value of the overlay to be exactly 50, hold
down the Command key while you’re dragging to gear down the ratio between the
movement of your mouse and the change of the opacity value, enabling you to adjust
the overlay more precisely.
Layer the clips, with one
clip on track V1 and the
other superimposed
on track V2.
A box displays the opacity
value as you drag.
Chapter 15
Adjusting Parameters for Keyframed Effects
307
II
4
Now, use a shortcut to create all the keyframes you need on the overlay at once. Hold
down the Option key while you position the pointer on top of the opacity overlay on
the clip in track V2. When the pointer turns into the Pen tool, click the overlay to create
five keyframes at 01:00:02:00, 01:00:03:00, 01:00:04:00, 01:00:05:00, and 01:00:06:00 in
the Timeline.
∏
Tip: If you’re having trouble creating the keyframes at exactly the times you want, try
zooming in to your clip in the Timeline by using one of the zoom controls, or by
pressing Command-+ (plus sign) to zoom in to the location of the playhead.
5
Release the Option key, then drag each of the opacity overlay segments between
keyframes (or drag the keyframes themselves up or down to the values you want).
 To adjust an overlay segment using the Selection tool: Position the pointer so that it’s
directly over an overlay segment. When the pointer turns into the Adjust Line
Segment pointer, drag the segment up or down.
 To adjust a keyframe using the Selection tool: Position the pointer so that it’s directly over
a keyframe. When the pointer turns into a crosshair, drag the keyframe up or down.