Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
file names, and functions that let you show or hide your files. But there the
similarities end, for After Effects offers considerably more options per layer than
any editing program.
Top is Front - Bottom is Back
The first thing to know about After Effects is that it builds in a top-down mode -
that is, the top item in the Timeline Window, layer 1, is the layer seen foremost
above all other layers. Conversely, the bottom row layer will be furthest in the
background of your project. Of course, as with all rules the exception occurs
when you work with 3D layers - this will be discussed in a later section.
Composition Settings
Let's begin with a clean
sheet and create a new
project.
1
Press 'Ctrl
N'
or use the main menu
File
Alt
New
Project. If asked to
save your present
work, click 'No'.
New
2
In the Project Window,
at the bottom of the frame, click
the 'Make Composition' button
(Ctrl
N) to the left of the
trashcan. Alternatively, you can
use the main menu Composition
New Composition.
3
The 'Composition Settings' dialog
opens, displaying production
options for composition size,
frame rate, duration, and more.
After Effects has several commonly used industry settings available under the
Preset drop-down menu. Each is user modifiable and can be saved as a new
