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Creating an adjustment layer


    When you apply an effect to an ordinary layer, the effect affects only that layer and no others. However, an effect can exist independently if you create an adjustment layer for it. Any effects applied to an adjustment layer affect all layers below it in the composition stacking order. An adjustment layer at the bottom of the stacking order has no visible effect.

    Because adjustment layer effects apply to all layers beneath them, they are useful for applying effects to many layers at once. In all other aspects, an adjustment layer behaves exactly like other layers; for example, you can use keyframes with any adjustment layer property, and rename the layer. You can also create masks on adjustment layers.

To create a new adjustment layer:

  1. Display the Composition or Timeline window to which you want to add an adjustment layer.
  2. Choose Layer > New > Adjustment Layer. A new adjustment layer appears at the top of the Timeline window.
  3. Apply one or more effects to the adjustment layer.
  4. For information about effects, see Working with effects.

    Note: Transformations on adjustment layers behave slightly differently; they transform only the matte but not the fill.

To change an existing layer into an adjustment layer:

  1. In the Timeline window, select the name of the layer you want to make into an adjustment layer. (Typically, this layer already has effects applied to it, but you can add effects after making it an adjustment layer.)
  2. Choose Layers > Switch > Adjustment Layer.
  3. Tip iconIf you want to apply an effect to just part of an image, draw a mask on an adjustment layer (see Working with masks). The mask restricts the area to which the effect applies. You can animate the mask to follow a moving subject.

    For more information about switches, see About After Effects Audio/Video switches.