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Automatically arranging layers as a sequence


    Use the Sequence Layers keyframe assistant to automatically arrange layers in a sequence. When you apply the keyframe assistant, the first layer you select remains in its initial time position, and the other selected layers move to new positions in the Timeline window based on the order in which you select them.

    Layers selected in Timeline window (top). Layers arranged in sequence after applying the Sequence Layers Keyframe Assistant (bottom).
    Layers selected in Timeline window (top). Layers arranged in sequence after applying the Sequence Layers Keyframe Assistant (bottom).

    You can specify whether the layers overlap or are arranged end to end. For overlapping layers, you determine how long the layers overlap and whether they cut or crossfade from one to the next. If you specify a crossfade, After Effects creates opacity keyframes that control how the layers fade into each other.

    Overlapping layers can have opacity keyframes set automatically to create a crossfade.
    Overlapping layers can have opacity keyframes set automatically to create a crossfade.

    For a layer to be sequenced, its duration must be less than the length of the composition so that it leaves time for other layers. If you plan to sequence still-image footage that you haven't imported yet, choose File > Preferences > Import before you import, and specify a short Still Footage duration. If you've already imported still images that are the length of the composition, you can trim all of them at once by selecting all of the still image layers, positioning the current-time marker to set the duration you want them to have, and pressing Alt+] (Windows) or Option+] (Mac OS).

To arrange layers in a sequence:

  1. In the Timeline window, hold down Ctrl (Windows) or Command (Mac OS) and select layers in sequential order, beginning with the layer you want to appear first.
  2. Choose Animation > Keyframe Assistant > Sequence Layers.
  3. In the Sequence Layers dialog box, do one of the following, and then click OK:
    • To arrange the layers end to end, leave the Overlap option unselected.
    • To overlap ends of layers, select the Overlap option and type a duration in timecode for how long the layers should overlap.
  4. If you selected the Overlap option in step 3, choose a Crossfade option to specify which layers' opacity After Effects adjusts to create crossfades.
    • If none of the selected layers uses an alpha channel or mask, choose Front Layer Only.
    • If any of the selected layers uses an alpha channel or a mask, choose Front & Back Layers.