Setting Keyframes in After Effects

Setting Keyframes in After Effects is a very simple process. When the stopwatch is active for a specific property, After Effects automatically adds or changes a keyframe for the property at the current time whenever you change the property value. Follow these easy steps to set your keyframes in After Effects:

1. Move the current-time indicator to the time where you want to begin the animation.
2. Set the layer property to the value you want at that point in time; for example, move the layer to a new position.
3. Click the Stopwatch icon  next to the property name to activate it. After Effects creates a keyframe at the current time for that property value.
4. Move the current-time indicator to the time where you want to add an additional keyframe.
5. Change the value for the property in the layer outline.

(Steps provided by Adobe After Effects CS3 Help) You can also copy and paste the same keyframe values anywhere in the selected layer. This is a fast way to add the same values and have them repeat.