In embodiments of animation using keyframing and projected dynamics simulation, an animation object is displayed with handles associated with object regions for the animation object, each handle being selectable for setting animation constraints on an object region. An animation simulator receives a user input designating a particular handle with an animation constraint, and sets the animation constraint on the particular handle for the associated object region. The animation simulator also receives another user input, designating a timing of the object region associated with the particular handle of the animation object through multiple frames in an animation sequence. The animation simulator projects a simulation of the animation object utilizing a projected dynamics algorithm that applies physics to simulate the set of object regions of the animation object in the animation sequence, the simulation including simulating the object region associated with the particular handle based on the timing and the animation constraint.