How to Insert a Location Keyframe in Blender

Inserting location keyframes in Blender allows you to animate an object moving from one position to another over time. This article provides a quick, step-by-step guide on how to add location keyframes using hotkeys, the Object Properties panel, and Blender's Auto-Keyframing feature.

Method 1: The Keyframe Shortcut (Fastest)

  1. Select the Object: In the 3D Viewport, click on the object you want to animate to select it.
  2. Set the Frame: Go to the Timeline at the bottom of the screen and drag the playhead to the frame where you want the movement to start.
  3. Position the Object: Press G to move the object to its starting position, then left-click to set it.
  4. Insert Keyframe: Press I on your keyboard while hovering over the 3D Viewport to open the Insert Keyframe Menu.
  5. Choose Location: Click Location from the list (or press Location if using a quick keymap). A yellow diamond will appear on the timeline at your selected frame.
  6. Animate Movement: Move the playhead to a later frame, reposition your object using G, and press I -> Location again.

Method 2: Using the Properties Panel (Precise Control)

  1. Select your object in the 3D Viewport.
  2. Set your timeline playhead to the desired frame.
  3. Open the Sidebar by pressing N in the 3D Viewport, or go to the Object Properties tab (orange square icon) on the right panel.
  4. Hover your mouse over the Location fields (X, Y, Z).
  5. Press I on your keyboard while hovering over the values, or right-click the Location fields and select Insert Keyframe. The input fields will turn yellow, indicating a keyframe has been added.

Method 3: Using Auto-Keyframing

  1. Move the timeline playhead to your starting frame.
  2. Click the Auto Keying icon (the small circular record button) located near the playback controls in the Timeline window.
  3. Move or transform your object in the 3D Viewport using G. Blender will automatically insert a location keyframe at the current frame whenever the object is moved.

Note: Remember to turn off Auto Keying when you are finished animating to avoid accidentally creating unwanted keyframes.