# Keyframe graph basics

Keyframes remember values at points in time.

![](/static/basic-graph.png)

- Each graph starts with a keyframe at the start (left) and end (right) and a line connecting them.
- **The graph width maps to the clip width**, while the **graph height maps to the values of the property**, within the limits shown to the right of that graph.
- Linear keyframes transition values directly, in a straight line, while non-linear keyframes have handles that influence curves, creating smoother transitions between values.
- At least two keyframes must remain in the graph, so the first and last keyframes cannot be deleted until other keyframes are added.
- However, the first and last keyframes can be moved horizontally, so the first keyframe can start later than 0% and the last keyframe can end before 100%.
- If the playhead is over the clip, **a line briefly indicates the position of the timeline playhead** in relation to the clip. The line will update to the correct position as you move keyframes around, to allow you to snap keyframes to the playhead.
- This **"mini playhead" can be moved by using the scroll wheel as you hold `COMMAND`** while the pointer is over a graph. You can also hold `COMMAND` while moving two fingers on a trackpad. `New in v1.1`
- Alternatively, activate **Live Scrubbing** with the Live/OSC button at the top, or press `CAPS LOCK` to toggle it. When Live Scrubbing is active, moving the mouse over a graph moves the playhead.
- As you drag a keyframe, hold `SHIFT` to enable snapping to the playhead.
- **Opacity has a fixed 0..100 range**, while the other properties use defaults that should make sense, based on the clip properties. (Note that Position values are calculated based on the clip resolution, not the timeline resolution.)
- **All other limits can be changed by dragging them**, horizontally or vertically. Hold `OPTION` as you drag to change both sides in opposite directions.
- **Press the button between the limits to fit the graph** to the current values within it, plus a small buffer.
- Tick marks underneath each graph indicate seconds, with an extra indication 5-second and 10-second intervals.

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- Lastly, please note that due to a bug, playhead movement can be unreliable in secondary storylines.
- **If possible, avoid using Keyframe Toolbox on clips in storylines.**
- In a storyline, we recommend to uncheck Playhead Movement in Settings. This lets you use Keyframe Toolbox in storylines without unwanted playhead jumps. Why?
    - In a secondary storyline, the playhead cannot be moved reliably, as the clip's timecode is not accurately reported. We also can't reliably detect that a clip is in a secondary storyline and disable these features automatically. As a result, the playhead is likely to jump to near the start of your timeline instead of the correct position.
    - Playhead movement includes clicking in the graphs to move the playhead to a specific position, jumping to a keyframe position when editing a keyframe numerically, moving the playhead in the graphs when Live Scrubbing is active, and using the previous/next keyframe buttons in the OSC.