Working with the Layer and Footage windows

Although the Layer and Footage windows share some controls (see Working with the Composition, Layer, and Footage windows), you typically perform different tasks in each window. Use the Layer window to create or edit masks, animate anchor points and paint. Use the Footage window to evaluate, trim, and insert a movie into the composition.

In addition to the shared controls, the Layer window also contains the View pop-up menu and the Render checkbox. After Effects switches the view according to your actions. For example, if you select the pen tool, After Effects switches to the Masks view so you can create or edit a mask. Select Render to view any changes to the layer (such as masks or effects) and deselect it to view the original, unaltered layer.

To choose a view in the Layer window:

1. Open a Layer window by double-clicking the layer in the Timeline window.
2. Choose a view from the View pop-up menu:
• Masks to display existing masks
• Anchor Point Path to display existing anchor points
• Motion Tracker Points to display existing tracking points
• Effects (appear as effect name, such as Paint) to display the effect when Render is selected