Home > Layers

Luisa Winters

Instructor and consultant for Adobe products

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Layers

Learn how to use the Timeline panel and recognize the different types of layers in the Timeline panel.

This summary is AI generated

Learning Outcomes:

  • Recognize different types of layers in After Effects
  • Manage compositions for efficient workflows
  • Utilize adjustment layers effectively

Level: Intermediate

Skills you'll gain:

After Effects, Layer Management, Composition, Workflow Efficiency

Key Insights

  • Understand the purpose of pre-compositions in After Effects.
  • Identify layer types: audio, footage, text, shape, and adjustment.
  • Use shortcuts to enhance workflow efficiency.
  • Adjust layer properties to control visibility and effects.
  • Utilize null objects for parenting and organization.
  • Apply lights to 3D layers for enhanced effects.
  • Experiment with solid layers for various purposes.
  • Master the timeline panel for better layer management.
  • Learn to reset properties for easier adjustments.

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Related Tutorials

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What you need to know before starting the course

Before you get started, Luisa introduces you to how to get the most out of this course including more information about the certification exam.
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Working in the motion graphics industry part 1

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Working in the motion graphics industry part 2

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Working in the motion graphics industry part 3

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Working in the motion graphics industry part 4

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Working in the motion graphics industry part 5

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Working in the motion graphics industry part 6

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Working in the motion graphics industry part 8

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Working in the Motion graphics industry part 9
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Working in the Motion graphics industry part 9

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Learn how to access the exercise files in this course.
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How to create and modify compositions

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Workspaces
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Workspaces

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Everything you need to know about the project and timeline panels

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Panels
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Panels

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Effects controls and layer panels

Identify, navigate, and manipulate elements such as the Effect Controls panel, Layer panel, etc.
Workspaces and shortcuts
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Workspaces and shortcuts

Customize and manage workspaces such as showing, hiding, grouping, and docking panels and utilizing the Workspace panel, shortcuts, and more.
Preferences
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Preferences

Navigate, organize, and customize the application workspace and configure application preferences.
Zoom, pan, play, pause
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Zoom, pan, play, pause

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Markers
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Markers

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Grids and guides
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Grids and guides

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Importing
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Importing

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Manage layers
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Manage layers

Learn how to manage multiple layers in a composition.
Precomposing and parenting
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Precomposing and parenting

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Layer visibility
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Layer visibility

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Masks & mattes (part 1)
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Masks & mattes (part 1)

Create, apply, and manipulate masks and track mattes.
Masks & mattes (part 2)
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Masks & mattes (part 2)

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Shape layers (part 1)
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Shape layers (part 1)

Learn core tools and functionality as well as tools that affect the visual appearance of composition elements.
Shape layers (part 2)
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Shape layers (part 2)

Create visual elements using a variety of tools such as the Pen and vector editing tools.
Place assets
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Place assets

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Create text
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Create text

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Character
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Character

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Paragraph
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Paragraph

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Text animation
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Text animation

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Adjust layers
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Adjust layers

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Transform layers
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Transform layers

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Speed changes
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Speed changes

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Stabilize and color correction
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Stabilize and color correction

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Video effects
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Video effects

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3D space
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3D space

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Keying & track mattes
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Keying & track mattes

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Adjustment layers
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Adjustment layers

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Keyframes part 1
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Keyframes part 1

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Keyframes part 2
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Keyframes part 2

Part two of learning more about keyframes.
Effects controls and wiggle
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Effects controls and wiggle

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Check for errors
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Check for errors

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Archive
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Archive

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Export stills

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