Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
vast pool of hints and general knowledge in the table of contents listed on the
left of your browser. Use this guide - it really offers help that is genuinely helpful.
Focus on the Timeline Window
As described in the Interface Navigation section, the Timeline Window is where
the vast portion of your work in After Effects takes place. The Timeline Window
is the true paintbrush to the Composition Window's canvas. It's the workbench
in the auto speed shop where engines are constructed and performance is
boosted. With the Timeline Window you can apply a wide assortment of
functions, such as:
Infinitely assemble a wide assortment of media files
Transform (move, scale, rotate) and blend footage clip layers
Keyframe animate practically every function, attribute, or option in every layer
Embed or nest other Timelines within one another to create an expanding
array of interwoven compositions - precomping.
In this section we'll examine more closely the Timeline Window and the more
commonly accessed array of layer options available to the designer. Later in the
topic we'll expand on the Timeline Window's capabilities and explore its more
advanced feature set.
Mix and Match Files
One of the reasons why After Effects was developed was to allow the
unfettered mixing of different media file formats. With After Effects it matters
not that you have a 15 fps cruddy web downloaded video clip in the same
project as a 4K-resolution digital camera still, 24 fps film-shot, live-action, blue-
screen actor, with an MP3 music track. In fact, that's what you're supposed to
do - use every resource you can think of and let After Effects sort it all out.
Projects vs Comps
There is a common misunderstanding of what constitutes an After Effects
Project versus a Composition (Comp). Consider a Project the 'binder'
containing many Comps. Your Project is the actual master file saved and
opened on your computer, while a Comp is where you design, create, and
render your work.
