Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Transform Handles
Every layer has a
virtual bounding box
surrounding the
layer's contents at the
time of import. In
some file format cases
(Photoshop or
Illustrator) you can tell
After Effects to set
the bounding box to
an object's size (excluding all empty space surrounding the image) or the
document's size (as set in the canvas size). Otherwise, the bounding box will match
the imported file's dimensions. By grabbing any of the four handles at the corners
of a layer, you can freely scale your layer. Holding the 'Shift' key switches the mode
to uniform scale, where the layer maintains its current aspect as it changes size.
Pressing 'Alt' switches the mode to Wireframe, where the layer's contents are
replaced by the bounding box frame, allowing for even faster interaction.
But notice that, unlike Photoshop or other image
editing programs, if the mouse cursor is outside
the bounding box the cursor does not change
into the rotate mode icon. To rotate your layers
you need to change the cursor tool to the Rotate
cursor. Either select the Rotate tool in the Tools
Floater or press the 'W' key
(why not 'R'? - because 'R' is
the shortcut for selecting the
Transforms Rotate in the
Timeline Window). In the
Comp Window, your cursor
is now a little arrow circle (as
seen here, left).
Layers rotate and scale from
a common locus identified
by the circle with an 'X'
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