Synchronizing time displays of nested compositions

When you open windows associated with a composition, such as the Timeline window, the Layer window, and the Effect Controls windows, changing the current time in one window updates the other windows associated with that composition. However, changing the current time in one composition does not change the current time in windows belonging to other compositions, unless you are working with nested compositions.

You can synchronize the current-time indicators in open windows belonging to a nested composition. After Effects provides a preference that updates all windows of nested compositions when you move the current-time indicator in any nested composition.

To synchronize time displays in windows of nested compositions:

Choose Edit > Preferences > General (Windows) or After Effects > Preferences > General (Mac OS), click the Synchronize Time of All Related Items option to add a checkmark, and click OK.