How to Interpolate Frames in After Effects?
Adobe After Effects is a motion graphics software that assists in the post-production of videos. It offers keyframe interpolation for creating smooth and realistic motions. After Effects keyframe interpolation aims to allow animators to create polished animations. They also get freedom in crafting flexible, expressive, and appealing animations.
Frame interpolation also helps to create a slow-motion video without shooting at higher frame rates. Also, they prove valuable in achieving specific visual effects goals. Ultimately, this guide will assist you in using time interpolation After Effects. Thus, continue reading and exploring possibilities in keyframe interpolation in After Effects.
In this article
Part I. What is Keyframe Interpolation in After Effects?
Interpolation refers to finding an unknown value from known data sets. Meanwhile, interpolation in After Effects means determining the value between keyframes. It generates asset values between keyframes, which is also called tweening. Keyframe interpolation is meant to animate objects, color changes, and image adjustments.
In animations, the keyframe sets the starting and ending points of the object’s properties. Some properties include their position, opacity, and scale. After Effects keyframe interpolation involves certain methods to calculate the values. If you want in-depth insights on them, you should head to the instructions mentioned on Adobe.
Part II. Why We Need Keyframe Interpolation?
After learning the basics of keyframe interpolation, it is important to understand why we need them. It will help you to edit your videos with the appropriate use of After Effects. So, read this section about the rationale of using after-effects frame interpolation:
1. Smooth Motion
Keyframe interpolation creates smooth transitions and avoids abrupt changes between states of objects. It is one of the key benefits of using a keyframe because the motion appears seamless. By eliminating the jerky movements, interpolation smoothens the transition with gradual change. This way, animations become visually appealing, which leads to more viewer engagement.
2. Consistency Across Animation
It refers to maintaining uniform keyframe interpolation throughout the animation project. You need unity of motion to create a professional and well-designed animation piece. For this purpose, users have to set the after-effects interpolate frames in a consistent manner. Such consistency simplifies the animation flow and creates a well-coordinated look.
3. Precision and Control
Through keyframe interpolation, animators can set the time and pacing of the animated objects. They can speed up at the start of motion, creating a pleasing effect. By controlling the speed of motion, they can emphasize specific moments. Besides, the change in timing and pace of the animation resulted in a polished project.
Part III. How to Interpolate Frames in After Effects?
As highlighted earlier, you can interpolate frames through many methods. One of them includes temporal, and the other is spatial keyframe interpolation. The temporal one is the interpolation of values in time, while the spatial one is the interpolation of values in space.
Let’s figure out how we can use both methods in keyframe interpolation. Before moving, create an after-effects keyframe interpolation:
Step 1: Launch Adobe After Effects in your system and reach its main interface. Access the editing panel and draw a shape using the “Rectangle” tool from the top toolbar. Then, press the “P” key from the keyboard and click the “Position” in the timeline.
Step 2: Move the timeline indicator to 1 second and drag the shape aside. Again, choose the timeline indicator to 2 seconds and move the shape elsewhere.
Spatial Interpolation - Motion Graph
In spatial interpolation, you can adjust the motion path and change the positions of objects. It can create smooth curves and change the path for animation. Let’s learn how you can perform spatial interpolation in After Effects:
Step 1: Go to the “Edit” from the top toolbar and choose “Preferences” from the list. Upon choosing Preferences, click the “general option and find a pop-up screen. Now enable the “Default Spatial Interpolation to Linear” and press the “OK” button.
Step 2: Select the keyframe path from the timeline and right-click on it. From the extended list, tap the “Keyframe Interpolation” option. You will get a pop-up menu to tap the downward icon of “Spatial Interpolation.” Choose one option of your choice and hit “OK” to proceed. There, you can play with the motion path and adjust by simply dragging the lines.
Temporal Interpolation - Value Graph
Using this method, you can make precise adjustments in the motion path. Simply put, you can increase the time to make the animation smooth or decrease it to make the animation fast. If it sounds confusing, follow the given steps and try this method to understand better:
Instructions. To change the time, go to the timeline and drag the diamond-shaped icon towards the left. You can witness the enlarged distance between points of the motion path. However, to create such a motion path, lead to the “Pen” tool and select the “Convert Vertex Tool.” This will help you bring curvature by creating handles across your defined motion path.
Part IV. Change Keyframe Interpolation with AI Video Enhancer in One Click
Using After Effects frame interpolation might prove difficult for non-professional editors. If you feel the same and find the earlier steps complex to digest, here is an alternative for you. Wondershare UniConverter is the easiest solution with the same results as After Effects offers. It is an extraordinary platform with AI integration to maintain your editing workflow.
For this purpose, there is an exclusive feature named the “Frame Interpolation Model.” This feature detects the jerks and stabilizes the frame for a smoother view. Additionally, it allows users to choose the level of smoothness from different options.
How to Perform Frame Interpolation with Ease in UniConverter
This AI platform requires no prior editing knowledge due to the presence of such technology. Yet, for seamless editing, below is a step-by-step guide to achieving frame interpolation in UniConverter:
Step 1: Get UniConverter and Access the AI Video Enhancer
To start the process, install the latest UniConverter on your device. For this, use the official site of UniConverter and launch it to access its home screen. When you find the user-friendly interface, proceed with the “AI Video Enhancer” option.
Step 2: Import Your Desired File to Start Frame Interpolation
After tapping “AI Video Enhancer,” you’ll enter the next window. There, use the “+” icon and find the file manager to select the video you want to import. Upon selection, press the “Open” button, and the video will appear on the screen.
Step 3: Process Frame Interpolation and Export the Results
Now, click the “Frame Interpolation Model” and head to the “Smoothness Setting” section. There, pick one option from 2x or 4x tabs and press the “Preview” button to start the process.
Once AI finishes analyzing, you’ll get a preview of the results. Then, tap on the “Stop Preview” and switch back to export the output. Finally, hit the “Export” button and get the smoother video ever on your device.
