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, Shortcuts

Key Insights

  • Understand the concept of nesting compositions.
  • Identify layer types: audio, footage, text, shape, and adjustment.
  • Use solids as placeholders and for masking.
  • Learn shortcuts to enhance workflow efficiency.
  • Adjust properties of shape layers individually.
  • Utilize null objects for parenting and expressions.
  • Recognize the impact of light layers on 3D layers.
  • Pre-compose layers to simplify complex compositions.
  • Reset properties for keyframed layers easily.

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Related Tutorials

What you need to know before starting the course
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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

Identify the intellectual property rights, permissions, and licensing needed for using content.
Working in the motion graphics industry part 4
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Working in the motion graphics industry part 4

Identify when and how to obtain permission to use images, audio, or footage such as a model release, location permitting, property release, rights, permissions, licensing.
Working in the motion graphics industry part 5
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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 6

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Working in the motion graphics industry part 7

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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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Find and use the exercise files used in this course

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

Create and modify compositions to match the delivery requirements such as frame rate, resolution, duration, and more.
Customize compositions to suit you
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Customize compositions to suit you

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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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Everything you need to know about the project and timeline panels

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Panels
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Panels

Identify, navigate, and manipulate elements such as the Composition panel, Preview panel, Effects & Presets panel.
Effects controls and layer 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

Learn to use non-visible design tools in the interface to aid in controlling and working with the timeline and media.
Markers
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Markers

Learn to use non-visible design tools in the interface to aid in video workflow composition (timeline) and layer (clip) markers.
Grids and guides
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Grids and guides

Learn how to use guides and grids to define title/action safe zones (areas) and more.
Importing
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Importing

Learn how to import media from various sources and learn how to work with compatible files, importing layers, and more.
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)

We continue to learn more about masks and track mattes.
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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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

Adjust footage for use in compositions and learn moving, sequencing, trimming, and splitting layers.
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

Manipulate digital video and use basic auto-correction methods and tools.
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

Create composites and learn features such as keying, opacity, masking effects, mattes, and alpha channels.
Adjustment layers
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Adjustment layers

Learn more about adjustments layers and animation presets
Keyframes part 1
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Keyframes part 1

Apply and adjust transformations using keyframes and transform properties, motion paths, and more.
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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