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Creating new layers by splitting


    You can split a layer at any point along its timeline, creating two independent layers. This is a time-saving alternative to duplicating and trimming the layer--something you might do when you want to change the stacking-order position of the layer in the middle of the composition, such as an object revolving in front of and then behind another object.

    When you split a layer, both resulting layers contain all the keyframes that were in the original layer in their original positions; see Understanding keyframes.

To split a layer:

  1. In the Timeline or Composition window, select a layer.
  2. In the Timeline window, move the current-time marker to the time where you want to split the layer.
  3. Choose Edit > Split Layer.