7 Trimming Layers

Learning how to edit layers through trimming, splitting, and sequencing

After Effects is stronger vertically – stacking layers to create a single rich image – than horizontally – editing together various layers back to back in a linear fashion. However, there are several tools within the software that aid in editing and sequencing layers. This chapter will cover trimming layers to remove unwanted frames, splitting layers in two so different pieces of time can be manipulated separately, plus the handy Slip, Overlay, and Ripple Insert edit tools. We’ll also cover Sequence Layers: a nifty keyframe assistant for automatically arranging multiple layers end to end, with optional overlaps.

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