typical composition includes multiple layers that represent components
video and audio footage items
animated text and vector graphics
still images
lights.
Add a footage item to a composition by creating a layer for which the footage item is the source.
Then arrange layers within a composition in space and time
Composite using transparency features to let parts of underlying layers show through the layers stacked on top.
Render a composition to create a final output movie.
Working with composition panel
Composition panel contains
composition frame
pasteboard area outside of the frame for moving layers into and out of the composition frame
Only area inside the composition frame is previewed and rendered.
The offstage extents of layers are shown as rectangular outlines.
Save project and continue to save it as you build it, in case program hangs up.
File>Save saves file with name you enter (first time) or current name once project has one..
File > Increment And Save saves a copy of the project with a new automatically generated name
which is the original name followed by a number.
File > Save As saves the project with a different name or to a different location; the original file remains unchanged.
File > Save A Copy saves a copy of the project with a different name or to a different location. The open project retains its original name and location, and a copy is created with the new settings but is not opened.
Edit > Preferences > Auto-Save and select Automatically Save Projects to automatically save copies of projects at regular intervals,
Importing files
Different ways to import files into project
Open them from within Adobe Bridge
File>Import and choose Import single file or Import multiple files
Filie>Browse opens Adobe Bridge
Drag files into After Effects Project panel from Bridge
Imported file names are listed in Project window
Can reuse one file multiple times in project & keep original file name only once in project window
If you delete, rename, or move an imported source file, the reference link to that file is broken.
When link is broken:
the name of the source file appears in italics in the Project panel,
File Path column lists it as missing.
If the footage item is available, reestablish the link by double-clicking the item and selecting the file again.
