Arranging batch of layers in comp

Arranging batch of layers in comp

on Oct 13, 2016 at 8:33:21 pm
Last Edited By Alan Balch on Oct 13, 2016 at 8:42:26 pm

Hello~
I have about 50 individual layers I need to space at 5 seconds apart for an AE project. All layers have been imported into a comp and I know there has to be a faster way to do this than one at a time. Can someone let me know if there is way to do this?

Also, all layers are in the comp in reverse order, layers on top need to be on bottom and vice-versa. I tried Layer>Arrange>Bring to front would work with no success. Is there another way? I just don't want to this all layer by layer.

Thanks!

Alan Balch
• • • • • • •
Videographer/Carle Foundation Hosptial
alan.balch@carle.com

Re: Arranging batch of layers in comp

on Oct 13, 2016 at 8:49:49 pm

You can use the "Sequence Layers" keyframe assistant:
https://helpx.adobe.com/after-effects/using/selecting-arranging-layers.html...

Walter Soyka
Designer & Mad Scientist at Keen Live [link]
Motion Graphics, Widescreen Events, Presentation Design, and Consulting
@keenlive [twitter] | RenderBreak [blog] | Profile [LinkedIn]

Re: Arranging batch of layers in comp

on Oct 13, 2016 at 8:57:21 pm

Thanks for the tip, Walter. That didn't seem to work as my layers are still stacked on top of each other. Is there a setting I need to look out for?

Alan Balch
• • • • • • •
Videographer/Carle Foundation Hosptial
alan.balch@carle.com

Re: Arranging batch of layers in comp

on Oct 13, 2016 at 9:03:49 pm

Confirming: select all the layers you want to sequence in the left side of the timeline panel. Right-click on one of them in the right side of the timeline panel and then choose Keyframe Assistant > Sequence layers.

To get your 5s timing, you can either trim all the layers to 5 seconds each before you do this, or calculate the amount of overlap they should have (if they're the same length) to accommodate your timing.

Walter Soyka
Designer & Mad Scientist at Keen Live [link]
Motion Graphics, Widescreen Events, Presentation Design, and Consulting
@keenlive [twitter] | RenderBreak [blog] | Profile [LinkedIn]

Re: Arranging batch of layers in comp

on Oct 13, 2016 at 9:13:26 pm

Your confirmation is right on. I did get a dissolve on all the layers, but not the 5s separation I was looking for on them. Thoughts?

Alan Balch
• • • • • • •
Videographer/Carle Foundation Hosptial
alan.balch@carle.com

Re: Arranging batch of layers in comp

on Oct 13, 2016 at 9:16:52 pm

Trim the layers to time before sequencing them. You can multi-select the layers and press Alt+[ and Alt+] to trim their in and out points. If you want 5 second spacing with a 1 second dissolve, stack them all up, trim them to 6 seconds, and then sequence layers with a 1 second transition.

If you want to reverse the stacking order, select the last one, then Shift+select the first one, cut, and then paste.

Walter Soyka
Designer & Mad Scientist at Keen Live [link]
Motion Graphics, Widescreen Events, Presentation Design, and Consulting
@keenlive [twitter] | RenderBreak [blog] | Profile [LinkedIn]

Re: Arranging batch of layers in comp

on Oct 13, 2016 at 9:23:47 pm

[Walter Soyka] "If you want to reverse the stacking order, select the last one, then Shift+select the first one, cut, and then paste."

That worked like a charm, Walter. Thanks! Out of curiosity, do you know WHY that works? It seems like there should be a "reverse order of layers" button somewhere.

Alan Balch
• • • • • • •
Videographer/Carle Foundation Hosptial
alan.balch@carle.com

Re: Arranging batch of layers in comp

on Oct 13, 2016 at 9:25:17 pm

[Alan Balch] "That worked like a charm, Walter. Thanks! Out of curiosity, do you know WHY that works? It seems like there should be a "reverse order of layers" button somewhere."

It works because Cut and Copy respect the selection order. The order in which you select items is the order they'll be represented on the clipboard, and thus the order in which they'll be pasted.

Walter Soyka
Designer & Mad Scientist at Keen Live [link]
Motion Graphics, Widescreen Events, Presentation Design, and Consulting
@keenlive [twitter] | RenderBreak [blog] | Profile [LinkedIn]

Re: Arranging batch of layers in comp

on Oct 13, 2016 at 9:39:32 pm

Excellent. Thanks again for your help, I may need it again before this project is over. Usually I use Premiere Pro to cut but I'm looking for excuses to use AE. BTW, I did figure out the Keyframe Assistant command you told me about. I had it backwards, Thanks again!

Alan Balch
• • • • • • •
Videographer/Carle Foundation Hosptial
alan.balch@carle.com