User Guide

CHAPTER 4
146
Managing Layers
Nesting compositions containing layer-time markers
If you add one composition to another, the original composition becomes a layer in the
parent composition. All the nested composition’s composition-time markers become
layer-time markers in the Timeline window of the parent composition. These markers are
not linked to the original composition-time markers: Changes you make to the compo-
sition-time markers in the original composition do not affect layer-time markers in the
nested composition. For example, if you remove one of the original composition-time
markers, the corresponding layer-time marker for the nested composition remains in
place. For more information about nesting, see “Organizing a project using nesting” on
page 342.
Adding markers synchronized to audio
After Effects provides a quick way to add and label markers for significant points in a
layer’s audio track, such as a rhythmic beat in music or spoken words in dialogue. Once
markers are created, you can use them to synchronize video or other effects.
To synchronize markers to dialogue:
1 In the Time Controls window, select the Audio button ( ) and then click the RAM
preview button ( ).
2 At the points in time where you want to add a marker, press the asterisk key (*) on the
numeric keypad to create a layer marker.
3 When previewing is complete, double-click a marker you just created, type a descriptive
label in the Comment box (such as a word being spoken at that time), and click OK.
Repeat for any other markers you added.
About After Effects Audio/Video switches
The Timeline window contains the Audio/Video Features and the Switches panels. By
default, these panels appear to the left (A/V Features) and right (Switches) sides of each
layer name, but you can hide a panel or arrange panels in a different order. For general
information about using panels, see “Default controls and panels” on page 116 and
“Optional panels” on page 117.
UG.book Page 146 Wednesday, February 21, 2001 12:05 PM