Dragging to preview composition audio

You can preview audio by dragging the time marker in a composition. Use this technique to easily identify and mark a location to synchronize audio and visual effects. Instead of using the audio waveform, you can identify a location in the layer by moving the current-time indicator in the Timeline window and listening to audio playback.

To preview composition audio:

In the Timeline window, press Ctrl (Windows) or Command (Mac OS) while you move the current-time indicator.

As you drag across time, After Effects plays segments of the audio. You can play the audio forward or backward. If you stop moving the current-time indicator while keeping the mouse button depressed, a short section of audio will loop.