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Trimming layer footage


    You can trim by changing the In and Out points in the Layer window or the Timeline window, depending on what you want to change.

    In the Layer window, In and Out points relate to time positions within source files, not the time at which the layer appears in the composition. For example, if you want to show just specific frames of a movie, trim the movie footage in the Layer window. However, if you want to begin the movie at the first frame in the source file and then cut it at some point in the play time, trim the Out point in either the Layer window or the Timeline window.

    The numbers below the layer image indicate the In (the In icon) and Out (the In or Out icon) times relative to running the source file, and the duration (the duration icon) (the difference between the In point and the Out point).

    In the Timeline window, the In and Out panels tell you at what points in the composition the footage appears. For example, if you want a still image to appear at a specific point in the composition and then disappear again, trim the image In and Out points in the Timeline window.

    Note: If the In and Out panels do not appear in the Timeline window, click Expand or Collapse ( the Optional panel button) below the left edge of the timeline display bars panel.

To trim or restore layer footage:

    Use one of the following techniques:

    • Drag either end of the layer duration bar in the Timeline window.
    • Move the current-time marker in the Timeline window to the time at which you want the footage to begin or end, and press Alt+[ (Windows) or Option+[ (Mac OS) (to set the In point) or press Alt+] (Windows) or Option+] (Mac OS) (to set the Out point).
    • Move the current-time marker in the Layer window to the time at which you want the footage to begin or end, and then click the In (the In icon) or Out (the In or Out icon) button to set the In or Out point.
    Setting the Out point to trim footage

    A pale rectangle behind the layer duration bar represents the footage you trimmed.

    Tip iconMove the current-time marker precisely in either the Layer or Timeline window by choosing View > Go to Time.

    Note: If the entire layer duration bar moves when you drag, you've accidentally grabbed the layer itself; choose Edit > Undo Layer Time Change and try again.