After Effects

 
  • The Transform Properties
    • A - Anchor Point
    • P - Position S - Scale
    • R - Rotation
    • T – Opacity


  • Timeline
    • [ ] - to trim the layer durations to the current-time marker Work area.


  • Solids and masks

  • Keyframe assistant
  • Graph editor: The Graph Editor in After Effects is a powerful tool for fine-tuning the speed and timing of your animations, moving beyond linear motion to create professional, natural-looking movement.

    • Easy Ease: Applies a slow-in and slow-out to both sides of the keyframe.
    • Easy Ease In: Applies a slow-in to the beginning of the keyframe.
    • Easy Ease Out: Applies a slow-out to the end of the keyframe.

  • Separate dimensions

  • Motion blur

  • 3D Layer

  • Effect


  • Expression:
    After Effects expressions are small pieces of JavaScript code used to automate and enhance animations and effects within a composition. They offer a powerful way to create dynamic and complex animations without manually keyframing every detail.


    • Wiggle: wiggle expression adds automatic, random movement to properties like position, rotation, or opacity using wiggle(frequency, amount).

      1. Select your layer in the timeline and press 'P' for Position, 'R' for Rotation, or 'T' for Opacity.
      2. Option and click the stopwatch icon to open Expression Editor. *To reveal Expression = Option key + Stop watch
      3. Enter the Code: Type wiggle(frequency, amount); (e.g., wiggle(2, 50);) into the expression field.


    • seedRandom(seed, timeless): The two arguments are:

      • seed: A number that defines the specific random sequence. Use the same seed for identical randomness, or a different one for variation.

      • timeless: A boolean (true/false).
        - true: The random result stays the same across frames (static randomness).
        - false: The random result changes every frame (dynamic randomness).

      1. Unique Wiggle for Multiple Layers (Swarm Effect):
        - Apply this to a property (e.g., Position, Scale..) on multiple layers.
        - seedRandom(index, true); wiggle(4, 50);
        - Explanation: index gives each layer a unique seed, and timeless=true keeps its wiggle static, creating a consistent swarm of unique movements.

      2. Static Random Values:
        - seedRandom(123, true); value + random(-20, 20);
        - Explanation: This adds a random offset that never changes, useful for static scatter or jitter.

      3. Animated Randomness:
        - seedRandom(123, false); wiggle(4, 50);
        - Explanation: The wiggle pattern changes every frame, leading to unpredictable motion.


    • loopOut(type, numKeyframes): The loopOut() expression in repeats an animation endlessly.
      • loopOut(): The default, cycles the animation between the first and last keyframes.
      • loopOut("cycle"): Same as above, explicitly cycles.
      • loopOut("pingpong"): Plays forward, then backward (like a bounce).
      • loopOut("offset"): Continues the movement from the last keyframe.
      • loopOut("continue"): Holds the value of the last keyframe.




  • Null

    • A Null Object is an invisible, non-rendering layer used as a control point to group and manipulate other layers, simplifying complex animations by controlling position, scale, and rotation of its "child" layers simultaneously through parenting. You create one via Layer > New > Null Object, then link other layers to it using the parent pick whip (the squiggly line) for efficient, unified movement and organization in your compositions.

      1. Go to Layer > New > Null Object in the top menu.
      2. Parent: Select the layer(s) you want to control, then drag the parent pick whip (the spiral icon) from the child layer's timeline column to the Null Object layer.
      3. Animate: Animate the null object's position, rotation, or scale in the timeline; the parented layers will follow.


    • Add Expression
      1. Select a child layer, open Scale property
      2. Select the word ‘Scale’ > Go to Animation > Add Expression
      3. pick whip (the spiral icon) from the child layer and drag it to the X or Y position coordinate of the Null layer.

      4. Experiment with others such as Opacity, Basic 3D,..