Layers can be parented to one another via the small 'pickwick' or dropdown, which can be great for animating. This is due to the fact that the majority of the animation controls are situated here such as keyframes, but also that there is a huge amount of 'hidden' functionality which is not immediately apparent. Getting to grips with layers and the timeline in After Effects is the key to unlocking the true power of After Effects. Using an image as a Luma matte with the ‘TrkMat' dropdown in the layers palette is one of the many ‘hidden' features of After Effects layers Thankfully After Effects has an excellent File Manager in 'File>Dependencies Menu' which has a wide range of options to allow the moving and organisation of the source files with the master After Effects project file. This can be problematic if sharing work with other designers or clients. If external files, for example still images, animated or video footage have been imported, After Effects only references those files locations and does not save them with the project. This will make a new composition with the original elements settings and place the chosen element in the top layer of the new composition. If there's a file (or other composition) that could be used as a template for a new composition drag the chosen project element in the project window onto the small filmstrip icon at the bottom of the project panel. To make a new composition, use the Composition>New Composition menu item, which gives a panel for entering the settings required. When saving an After Effects file, this is the Project file, which saves all the information regarding all the compositions contained within the project. In After Effects there is only ever one project open, which acts as a container for all of the compositions and other files needed which are all situated and accessed in the Project Panel. One of the initial challenges with After Effects is understanding the difference between Projects and Compositions.
Keeping the ‘Project' palette organised is one of the most important things to learn
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