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NTSC (29.97) drop-frame timecode


    When you work with a composition that is set to a frame rate of 29.97 fps, After Effects uses SMPTE 30-fps drop-frame timecode by default, making adjustments using the SMPTE-standard method of renumbering the first two frame numbers of every minute, except at every tenth minute. For example, the frame after 59:29 is labeled 1:00:02 instead of 1:00:00. Non-drop-frame timecode is also available. In both cases, frames are not discarded or skipped; they are merely numbered differently.

    After Effects displays drop-frame timecode by using semicolons between the numbers and displays non-drop-frame timecode using colons between the numbers. In the Project Settings dialog box, you can choose how 29.97-fps compositions and footage display their timecode. See Setting time-display options.