Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Window's Magnification and Resolution to '50%'
'Half', or press 'Shift
0'
(the number pad zero) to render every other frame.
Layer splitting and duplicating are critical and integral to everyday After Effects
design production - there's no limit to their application. They are more than the
mundane functions they appear to be, and can solve countless order issues and
help create some superb visuals. Remember this: since there's no physical limit
to the number of layers we can use, why not use layers to their fullest ability?
Fill up those Timeline Windows 'til your eyes bleed.
Audio - A Sound Primer
After Effects was developed primarily as an image manipulation
application, so its audio capabilities are less well rounded than high-end
dedicated sound-music sequencer/mixer programs. But, nevertheless, After
Effects does offer some rudimentary audio mix and SFX capabilities, as well as
the ability to use audio as a source for several of its visual effects filters and
other third-party plug-ins.
Timing's Everything
Motion graphics productions often have an audio track for the designer to work
from. Whether it be a click-track or full custom-finished mix, knowing how to
properly synchronize your visuals to a soundtrack will greatly improve your
productivity and indispensability.
Sometimes the music drives the graphic design - other times, the graphics
determine the music. Either way, your project's visual cadence should reflect the
musical resource's rhythm and attitude.
In the WONK TV project, an audio track has been provided as a foundation for
constructing your graphics. Select the
AniMill_Countdown.mp3
audio layer and
press 'L' to open the Audio properties; pressing 'L' twice in quick succession
opens the Audio layer's Waveform Display.
Press the 'L' key twice. When first opened, the Waveform Display is very
narrow and provides only a low-resolution view of your track's amplitude
variations - this can make finding critical beats and sync points tough if the
track's overall amplitude changes little. Enlarge the Waveform Display by
