{"id":72377,"date":"2023-06-13T00:37:00","date_gmt":"2023-06-12T14:37:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/elements.blog-cms.envato.net\/?p=36733"},"modified":"2025-11-11T19:00:42","modified_gmt":"2025-11-11T08:00:42","slug":"a-to-z-of-after-effects-tips-tricks-hacks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/a-to-z-of-after-effects-tips-tricks-hacks","title":{"rendered":"A to Z of After Effects: Tips, Tricks, &amp; Hacks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What You Will Learn<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We&#8217;ll be covering many topics in this article on how to use Adobe After Effects. Here&#8217;s a quick sample:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>How to import files into After Effects<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How to parent different layers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How to activate motion blur for your animations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How to quickly add glow lighting effects to your objects<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How to increase the vibrance of a video<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>And more!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For all the featured images and resources, check out <a href=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/\">Envato Elements<\/a>! With one subscription, you\u2019ll have unlimited access to assets such as graphics, video templates, and fonts. Millions of creative digital assets, with simple commercial licensing, and you can cancel at any time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Watch the Video<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"A to Z of After Effects: Tips, Tricks, and Hacks\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/k1ZfDNGfX_I?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A is for Animation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Animating things is the bread and butter of After Effects. There is so much you can do that it might seem a little bit overwhelming for beginners. However, with built in animation presets, making things move couldn\u2019t be easier!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To access these simply go to the <strong>Effects and Presets<\/strong> Panel. If it is not available you can access it by going to <strong>Window &gt; Effects &amp; Presets<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Open the <strong>Animation Presets<\/strong> option, and browse through the many options you have available! Then simply click and drag the option onto the text to apply it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"385\" src=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_animation.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-83976\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_animation.jpg 850w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_animation-300x136.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_animation-768x348.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">B is for Blur and Sharpen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Access all the blur and sharpen effects from the <strong>Effects and Preset<\/strong> menu. Apply any of these blur effects by dragging it and dropping it on to the composition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once applied you can adjust the blur by changing the value in the <strong>Effect Controls<\/strong> panel. The higher the value the more blurry your image will appear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"523\" src=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_blur.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-83977\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_blur.jpg 850w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_blur-300x185.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_blur-768x473.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">C is for Composition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The majority of your work in After Effects will be placed within a composition. A composition is basically a container that stores all the layers of your animation or video. To create a composition go to <strong>Composition &gt; New Composition<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Adjust the settings of your composition such as the size, framerate and duration and then click <strong>OK<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_comp.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-83978\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_comp.jpg 850w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_comp-300x235.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_comp-768x603.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">D is for Drop Shadow<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A drop shadow can give the impression that an object is raised above the object behind it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To apply this effect go to the <strong>Effects and Presets<\/strong> panel and type in <strong>Drop Shadow<\/strong> in the search bar. Select it from the list and drag it onto the logo to apply it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can then adjust the way that it looks by going to the <strong>Effect Controls<\/strong> panel and changing the options (e.g. color, opacity, the direction and distance).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"458\" src=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_drop_shadow.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-83979\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_drop_shadow.jpg 850w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_drop_shadow-300x162.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_drop_shadow-768x414.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">E is for Eyedropper Tool<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You can change the colour of your object or text quickly and easily with the <strong>Eyedropper Tool<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Simply select your text and then go to the <strong>Character Panel. <\/strong>Then next to the colour swatches you will see an icon for the<strong>Eyedropper Tool.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Click on it and then use it to select any colour that\u2019s displayed on your screen. Even if it is outside <strong>Adobe After Effects<\/strong>, such as on your desktop or internet browser.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"997\" src=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_eyedropper.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-83980\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_eyedropper.jpg 850w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_eyedropper-256x300.jpg 256w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_eyedropper-768x901.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>F is for Frame-rate<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The frame &#8211;rate of a video is measured by the number of frames played back each second. The acronym <strong>Fps<\/strong> stands for <strong>Frames Per Second<\/strong>, and we can choose what Fps we use by going into our <strong>Composition Settings<\/strong> and adjusting the <strong>Frame Rate.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"669\" src=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_framerate.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-83981\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_framerate.jpg 850w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_framerate-300x236.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_framerate-768x604.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">G is for Glow<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To apply this effect on an image, go to the <strong>Effects and Presets<\/strong> panel and type in<strong> Glow<\/strong> in the search bar. Select it from the list and drag it onto the image to apply it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can then adjust the way that it looks by going to the <strong>Effect Controls<\/strong> panel and changing the options (e.g. color, radius and whether it is behind or in front of the object).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"569\" src=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_glow.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-83982\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_glow.jpg 850w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_glow-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_glow-768x514.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">H is for the Hand Tool<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The hand tool allows you to grab your composition and move your view around it. This could be particularly useful when you are zoomed in and you need to move around the space quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can select it from the top toolbar menu or by simply pressing and holding the <strong>Spacebar<\/strong> on your keyboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"569\" src=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_hand.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-83983\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_hand.jpg 850w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_hand-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_hand-768x514.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I is for Importing Files<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To import files such as images, videos or audio you need to go to<strong>File &gt; Import<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here you can choose to import a single file or multiple files.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"569\" src=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_importing.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-83984\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_importing.jpg 850w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_importing-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_importing-768x514.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>J is for CTRL-J<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>With more complex compositions, sometimes you may need to reduce the resolution in order to improve the performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pressing <strong>Control &#8211; Shift &#8211; J<\/strong> on the keyboard will reduce the resolution to half. Pressing <strong>Control &#8211; J<\/strong> instead will set the resolution back to full.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"569\" src=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_control_j.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-83985\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_control_j.jpg 850w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_control_j-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_control_j-768x514.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">K is for Keyframes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Keyframes are the time markers that allow you to tell After Effects where you want some sort of change to occur (such as simple transform properties like position, opacity, scale, and rotation).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can create two<strong>Transform <\/strong>keyframes with two different value settings to create a growing or shrinking animation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"569\" src=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_keyframes.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-83986\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_keyframes.jpg 850w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_keyframes-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_keyframes-768x514.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">L is for Layers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Whenever we introduce something new into a composition, it is placed inside it as a <strong>Layer<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many different types of layers that we can add, and we can easily identify each type via the small icon next to it (i.e. shape layer, text layer, adjustment layer, light layer etc.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"95\" src=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_layers.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-83987\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_layers.jpg 850w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_layers-300x34.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_layers-768x86.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">M is for Motion Blur<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Clicking on the <strong>Enable Motion Blur<\/strong> button will allow you to activate motion blur on any of your layers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then go to the layer where you wish to apply the effect and select the motion blur box next to it on the right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ensure these options are available to you by first expanding your layer options by clicking on the buttons located near at the bottom left of the layers panel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"433\" src=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_motion_blur.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-83988\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_motion_blur.jpg 850w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_motion_blur-300x153.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_motion_blur-768x391.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">N is for Null Object<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A null object is an invisible layer which can be used to become a parent to any other layer within a composition. This can be useful if we have a composition with multiple layers, and we want to move everything at once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Create a null object by going to <strong>Layer &gt; New &gt; Null Object<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From here we need to activate the <strong>Parent and Link<\/strong> column by right clicking on the top bar here and going to<strong>Column &gt; Parent and Link. <\/strong>In the dropdown box, select the <strong>Null Object<\/strong> for each of our layers. This will allow you to control any layer with the Null Layer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"201\" src=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_null.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-83989\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_null.jpg 850w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_null-300x71.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_null-768x182.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">O is for Opacity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Open up the<strong>Transform<\/strong>options within a layer to access the list of choices to edit.Once you\u2019ve found opacity, click on the <strong>Stopwatch<\/strong> icon to create a <strong>Keyframe<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Move forward a few frames into the timeline and then set the opacity to <strong>0<\/strong> to create a second keyframe.Click on the <strong>Play Preview <\/strong>button or scrub back and forth within the timeline to see your newly created opacity transition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"535\" src=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_fade.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-83990\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_fade.jpg 850w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_fade-300x189.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_fade-768x483.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">P is for the Pick Whip<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Pick Whip<\/strong> is a quick way to attach one layer to another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to attach a layer to a parent layer such as a <strong>Null Object<\/strong>, simply select the <strong>Pick Whip<\/strong> icon located on the right of a layer and then click and drag it onto the parent layer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"95\" src=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_pickwhip.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-83991\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_pickwhip.jpg 850w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_pickwhip-300x34.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_pickwhip-768x86.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Q is for Shape Tools<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Activate and cycle through the <strong>Shape Tools <\/strong>(located on the top menu bar) by pressing <strong>Q<\/strong> on your keyboard. This will cycle through all the available shapes (<strong>Rectangle<\/strong>, <strong>Rounded Rectangle<\/strong>, <strong>Ellipse<\/strong>, <strong>Polygon<\/strong>, <strong>Star<\/strong>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"323\" src=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_q.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-83992\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_q.jpg 850w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_q-300x114.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_q-768x292.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">R is for the Rotate Tool<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To rotate an object select the <strong>Rotate Tool<\/strong> from the top menu bar or press <strong>W<\/strong> on the keyboard. Then hover over the image you want to rotate and then use the mouse to click and drag to rotate the image.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"509\" src=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_rotate.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-83993\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_rotate.jpg 850w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_rotate-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_rotate-768x460.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">S is for Shape Layers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Shape layers are 2D flat objects created either manually by the user with the <strong>Pen Tool<\/strong>, or with a predetermined shape using the <strong>Shape Tool<\/strong> such as a rectangle, oval, or pentagon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can change the colour of a shape by modifying its<strong>Fill Settings<\/strong> in the top menu bar. The<strong>Stroke Settings<\/strong>are also located right next to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"446\" src=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_shape.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-83994\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_shape.jpg 850w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_shape-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_shape-768x403.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">T is for Time Remapping<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Time Remapping<\/strong> is an extremely useful feature that allows you to manipulate the timing of your footage (e.g. expanding, compressing, or freezing a duration of a layer).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To access it, select your footage and then go to<strong>Layer &gt; Time &gt; Enable Time Remapping<\/strong>which will automatically place keyframes at the beginning and end of your layer (one for when your footage will start, and one for when it ends).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By moving one of these you can stretch or compress the timing of your video. You can even add additional keyframes by clicking on the keyframe button on the timeline to manipulate the layer even further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"602\" src=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_time_remapping.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-83995\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_time_remapping.jpg 850w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_time_remapping-300x212.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_time_remapping-768x544.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">U is for Unsharp Mask<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Unsharp Mask<\/strong> effect increases the contrast between colours that define an edge.Once applied, you can use the <strong>Effect Controls<\/strong> panel to adjust the values for the radius and the threshold (a lower value will produce a greater result).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"660\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_unsharp-660x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-83996\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_unsharp-660x1024.jpg 660w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_unsharp-193x300.jpg 193w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_unsharp-768x1191.jpg 768w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_unsharp.jpg 850w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">V is for Vibrance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You can easily increase the vibrance and saturation of your image in After effects by selecting the layer you want to adjust and then going to <strong>Effect &gt; Colour Correction &gt; Vibrance<\/strong>to apply it to the layer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Go to the <strong>Effect Controls<\/strong>panel to adjust the values. <strong>Vibrance<\/strong> will increase the intensity of the more muted colours whilst leaving the more saturated colours alone. <strong>Saturation<\/strong> will bump up the intensity of all the colours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"830\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_vibrance-830x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-83997\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_vibrance-830x1024.jpg 830w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_vibrance-243x300.jpg 243w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_vibrance-768x948.jpg 768w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_vibrance.jpg 850w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">W is for Workspace<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The organization and positioning of all the panels on the screen is called the<strong>Workspace.<\/strong> After Effects comes equipped with some ready made preset workspaces that you can use.To access them go to<strong> Window &gt; Workspace <\/strong>and then choose the type of workspace that is most suited to the project that you are working on (e.g. animation, essential graphics, colour, paint, minimal etc.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"811\" src=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_workspace.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-83998\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_workspace.jpg 850w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_workspace-300x286.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_workspace-768x733.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">X is for X-Y-Z Rotation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In After Effects you can use additional transform options by enabling <strong>3D<\/strong> for a <strong>Layer<\/strong>. To do this, go to the right side of the<strong>Switches Column<\/strong>and then click on the box underneath the 3D cube icon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then when you expand the layer transform options you\u2019ll find that the new <strong>X<\/strong>, <strong>Y<\/strong> and <strong>Z<\/strong> rotational positions will become available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"740\" src=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_xyz.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-83999\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_xyz.jpg 850w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_xyz-300x261.jpg 300w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_xyz-768x669.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Y is for Anchor Point Tool<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Shortcut Key Y<\/strong> is to activate the <strong>Anchor Point Tool.<\/strong>This is perfect If you want to change the<strong> Pivot Point<\/strong> of the image. Use the mouse to click and drag to change it, which will allow you to rotate the image using the new anchor point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"514\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_y-514x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-84000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_y-514x1024.jpg 514w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_y-151x300.jpg 151w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_y-768x1529.jpg 768w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_y-772x1536.jpg 772w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_y.jpg 850w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 514px) 100vw, 514px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Z is for the Zoom Tool<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Press <strong>Z<\/strong> on the keyboard to activate the <strong>Zoom tool. <\/strong>Once you see the mouse cursor change, simply click on your image to zoom in!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"725\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_zoom-725x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-84001\" srcset=\"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_zoom-725x1024.jpg 725w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_zoom-213x300.jpg 213w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_zoom-768x1084.jpg 768w, https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/aftereffects_zoom.jpg 850w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 725px) 100vw, 725px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ready to Try More Adobe After Effects Tutorials?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Awesome! So now that we have gone through the A to Z of Adobe After Effects, why not check out some of our more in-depth Adobe After Effects tutorials on Envato Tuts+ to really take your skills to the next level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you&#8217;re working on motion graphics, logo stings, animations, or you just want to learn more, we&#8217;ve got you covered!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/photography.tutsplus.com\/tutorials\/top-10-products-for-youtube-live--cms-30194\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">14 Top YouTube Live Templates for After Effects (Motion Graphics)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/photography.tutsplus.com\/articles\/top-gaming-esports-video-templates-after-effects--cms-36808\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">4 Top Gaming Video Templates for After Effects<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/photography.tutsplus.com\/articles\/top-creative-luts-lightroom-presets--cms-37341\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">10 Top Creative LUTs and Lightroom Presets<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Get ready for some rapid-fire tips and tricks on how to use Adobe After Effects!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":172,"featured_media":84030,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[151,148,142],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-72377","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-after-effects","category-post-production","category-video-filmmaking"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/72377","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/172"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=72377"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/72377\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/84030"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=72377"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=72377"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=72377"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}