Starting After Effects can be overwhelming, so this video breaks down the different panels of the After Effects interface. We walk through the very beginning of a basic After Effects project and its components: compositions, assets, shapes, and other forms of layers in the timeline. We also go through the view window, how to view project flowcharts, and 2-view setups for 3D animation projects. 

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The best way to start working in After Effects is to be familiar with the tools at your fingertips in order to either A) problem-solve your way through a project or B) know what you’re capable of tackling and what isn’t feasible for your project. Understanding the groundwork of the interface—from how varying assets work to the timeline structure—puts us one step ahead of diving feet-first into an animation task. 

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This video covers the basics of the interface, and to learn more about each individual panel and other tools in After Effects, stay tuned for our Basics Of After Effects series.

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Additional Tips:

Frame rate, as covered in the video, covers the Frames Per Second in a file and comes with three primary settings: 24fps, 30fps, and 60fps. If you're wondering what frame rate to use, refer below:‍

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24fps = Movies

30fps = Simple vector motion graphics, regular video footage

60fps = Video games, sports footage, slow motion, and detailed animation

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Keep in mind that the higher the FPS, the smoother the sequence, as some slow motion videos are even shot in 120fps. If you're interested in seeing the difference or reading more, this article runs through the details.