Adjusting the appearance of low-resolution compositions

When setting resolution, you can determine the size and appearance of the composition. When you lower the resolution of a composition, you can maintain image clarity by reducing the composition's size. You can also maintain its size but reduce image clarity, with the layers appearing blockier and more pixelated. The smaller on-screen image will update faster than the original-size image with a lower resolution.


Example of an image at composition resolution and half resolution A. Original composition resolution B. Half resolution with the same clarity but with a reduction in screen size C. Half resolution with the same screen size but with a reduction in clarity

To determine the appearance of lower-resolution compositions:

1. Choose Edit > Preferences > Display (Windows) or After Effects > Preferences > Display (Mac OS).
2. Select Auto-zoom When Resolution Changes to reduce the size of the composition while maintaining image clarity. Deselect this option to maintain the composition size in the Composition window but display layers with less clarity.
3. Click OK.

You can also set the magnification using the pop-up menu in the Composition window.