About layer properties

Each layer can contain several sets of properties. Layers that contain video or still images have mask and transform properties, such as mask shape or layer rotation. A layer can also include other properties, such as time remapping, video effects, and audio effects.

After Effects provides three ways to animate layer properties. You can animate a layer graphically in a Composition or Layer window by dragging a particular layer property value, or by typing numbers into the selected value or a dialog box. Each method is slightly different:

• When you animate a layer graphically, you change a value relative to the previous value. For example, you move a layer by selecting it at its existing position and then dragging it ten pixels to the left.
• When you animate a layer by dragging a particular layer property value, you change a value by positioning the pointer over the underlined value and dragging to decrease or increase the value.
• When you animate a layer numerically, you change a value by specifying an absolute number. For example, you move a layer by typing new coordinate values for the Position property.

Related Subtopics:

Viewing layer properties in the Timeline window
Viewing only modified properties