Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this practice lesson, you will review and practice the key concepts from Unit 3 which focused on keyframes and basic animation techniques.
Exercise Files:
https://dub.sh/aeugfiles
1. Introduction
1. Review of essential tools and concepts learned in Unit 3.
2. Instructions to open exercise files or custom project folders.
2. Navigating the After Effects Interface
1. Opening compositions from the project panel.
2. Using the timeline, previewing animations, and managing compositions.
3. Resetting the workspace layout if needed.
3. Zooming and Navigating the Composition Panel
1. Zooming in/out using the mouse scroll wheel or keyboard shortcuts.
2. Fitting the composition window to view.
3. Using the spacebar for temporary hand tool navigation.
4. Working with Keyframes
1. Revealing keyframes using the ‘U’ key.
2. Adjusting animation speed by moving keyframes closer or further apart.
3. Using keyboard shortcuts to manipulate layers:
1. A for Anchor Point
2. P for Position
3. S for Scale
4. R for Rotation
5. T for Opacity
5. Duplicating and Modifying Layers
1. Duplicating layers for practice.
2. Deleting keyframes and adding new ones.
3. Adjusting keyframe values (e.g., opacity).
6. Looping Animations
1. Using the work area to create looping animations.
2. Setting start and end points of the work area using 'B' and 'N' keys.
7. Advanced Keyframe Manipulation
1. Adding new keyframes without deleting existing ones using the diamond icon.
2. Using 'J' and 'K' to jump between keyframes.
3. Animating text and adjusting timing.
8. Outro
1. Focus on getting comfortable with the tools rather than creating perfect animations.
2. Iterating through compositions for practice and review.
3. Importance of mastering these fundamental techniques before moving on to more advanced topics like effects and presets in the next unit.
In this practice lesson, you will review and practice the key concepts from Unit 3 which focused on keyframes and basic animation techniques.
Exercise Files:
https://dub.sh/aeugfiles
1. Introduction
1. Review of essential tools and concepts learned in Unit 3.
2. Instructions to open exercise files or custom project folders.
2. Navigating the After Effects Interface
1. Opening compositions from the project panel.
2. Using the timeline, previewing animations, and managing compositions.
3. Resetting the workspace layout if needed.
3. Zooming and Navigating the Composition Panel
1. Zooming in/out using the mouse scroll wheel or keyboard shortcuts.
2. Fitting the composition window to view.
3. Using the spacebar for temporary hand tool navigation.
4. Working with Keyframes
1. Revealing keyframes using the ‘U’ key.
2. Adjusting animation speed by moving keyframes closer or further apart.
3. Using keyboard shortcuts to manipulate layers:
1. A for Anchor Point
2. P for Position
3. S for Scale
4. R for Rotation
5. T for Opacity
5. Duplicating and Modifying Layers
1. Duplicating layers for practice.
2. Deleting keyframes and adding new ones.
3. Adjusting keyframe values (e.g., opacity).
6. Looping Animations
1. Using the work area to create looping animations.
2. Setting start and end points of the work area using 'B' and 'N' keys.
7. Advanced Keyframe Manipulation
1. Adding new keyframes without deleting existing ones using the diamond icon.
2. Using 'J' and 'K' to jump between keyframes.
3. Animating text and adjusting timing.
8. Outro
1. Focus on getting comfortable with the tools rather than creating perfect animations.
2. Iterating through compositions for practice and review.
3. Importance of mastering these fundamental techniques before moving on to more advanced topics like effects and presets in the next unit.
