After Effects: Session 1 - INTRO

The main screen that shows when after effects starts up. The whole application window is made up of panels that create a full size screen.

Windows -

* Project - Ai Doc, Sound, Images

* Composition

* Time line

* Layers

As you can see the drop down window menu is similar to other Adobe programmes, you have the option of changing the workshop to your own requirements.

Effects menu, this allows you to use the main function of the programme, allowing you to put effects into a piece of motion graphic.

Starting a new document. In this case you open a new composition.

This is the window that will open, allowing you to set up the document correctly. 

The preset menu is similar to using paper sizes on Illustrator for example. In this case you will select PAL D1/DV Widescreen Square Pixel. Each different preset represents the frame rate used in regions across the globe.

Setting the resolution and duration of the new composition. As you are now working with time, you need to be aware of the length.

This is the composition settings we are working with today, after clicking okay the application window changes again. Showing a black void and also the timeline. 

NEW LAYER

Creating a new layer is similar to other software. You need to be aware of the size and colour in order to create the required shape/text/object etc.

Note: The layer can only contain one thing at a time.

The red block.

By changing the length that the object will be shown, allows you the set a time for the playback. Showing you only what is on the the timeline. 

Now there are 2 layers, each containing an object allowing you start creating a motion. By pressing the space bar, starts a playback allowing you to see how the motion works.

Selecting the quality of the on screen files for preview, will give you a more efficient playback also not altering the final outcome. Useful.

To change the zoom of time line, you need to move the grey bar in the required direction in order to select the correct frame needed to edit. Also the mountains to the bottom of the window can allow you to move the timeline. 

NOTE: By pressing the tilde key will allow you to enlarge the application window. You can also rescale the application window by dragging the top of the frame in order to resize. 

Transforming a layer. This can allow you the alter the shape and also edit the position etc of the shape.

After messing around with the rotation, scale and opacity of the shapes. You can now start to play around with how basic effects can be altered. 

NOTE: Key frames contain special information, changing the alteration of each piece of image.

To insert a key frame you can click on the stop watch icon on a layer effect. A yellow diamond will appear allowing you to adjust and insert a frame within a second.

By using the time line you can create and end point to where the key frame will end. Allowing to freely move the object within a specified space. Make sure you move it to the required time, in this case we will be putting it at the beginning. To perform this action you will need at least 2 key frames to allow a space between to demonstrate the chosen effect.

Using multiple key frames will allow you the change the speed and positioning on the screen. This can be useful to start creating a moving image.

You can also copy and paste key frames along the timeline or alternatively onto different layers. Depending on where your time indicator is place, will be where the key frames are pasted. 

To resize the object and key frames together, you can hold the Alt key and drag. This will allow you to resize them both without needing to repoint everything. 

By dragging the second grey bar, you can restrict the amount you are viewing or working on. It also loops the duration, allowing a demonstration of how your work may look. 

KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS -

Cmd + A - Select All

P - position 

T - opacity

S - scale

I - time indicator moves to in point

O - time indicator moves to out point

N - change the work space area with time indicator

U - all animated properties

By selecting all the layers you can add key frames to each one simultaneously allowing a quicker work flow and multiple effects. 

Exporting the file. You have to click on composition then render queue. By clicking on the output menu ' lossless'. It will already be set on a large file format. By clicking on format options you can change the type of codec and also the quality.  H.264 > Gives good results, small file size. 

Output To. This will be the ordinary save box, allowing you the save the file wherever required. 

To export the file, you need to click on render. This will show a demonstration of the file and also a sound confirming this action has been completed. 

NOTE - To maximise the workflow, add all files to the render queue. At the end of a session click render and all the compositions will be exported over night.