After Effects Workshop

Adobe After Effects - aka - 'Photoshop for video'

Standard After Effects document screen. It is possible to rescale each of the different panels and close what you don't need. To reset the layout to it's original set up select : WINDOW > PROJECT

Once assets are imported into the project file, they can then be manipulated.

From the above list of presets, PAL is UK standard;

- PAL D1/DV Widescreen is for use with video clips, as the pixels in the video are a little more rectangular.

- PAL D1/DV Square Pixel is for use with computer generated work, therefore pixels stay the same.

- PAL D1/DV Widescreen Square Pixel is what I will use so that I can keep the 16:9 ratio required, whilst working with computer artwork.

Blank PAL D1/DV Widescreen Square Pixel composition

Adding a new layer means adding elements to the document. Above I have added a simple square of solid colour measuring 100 x 100 pixels.

Adding more layers to the composition.

Each layer has a small drop down menu that gives you four key methods of manipulation; Anchor Point/Position/Scale/Rotation/Opacity. Each of these methods can be finely adjusted with regards to timing and co-ordinating different elements of the animated sequence.

Moving path shows the points to and from the object is moving.

Key frame markers show the points where significant changes occur within the sequence.

After Effect Shortcuts:

Select Layer & P > Layer & Position

Select Layer & A > Anchor Point

Select Layer & R > Rotation

Select Layer & S > Scale

Select Layer & T > Opacity

Select Layer & B > Shows beginning of the work area

Select Layer & N > Shows the end of work area

Select Layer & U Shows the animated properties

Select Layer & UU Shows all modified properties

Select Layer & I or O to move to the input or output of that layer