Adobe After Effects

Module 1: Introduction to After Effects

Getting Started

• Understanding the After Effects workspace

• Panels overview (Project, Composition, Timeline, Effects)

• Creating a new composition (resolution, frame rate, duration)

• Importing assets (video, images, audio, AI/PSD files)

• Basic navigation (zoom, pan, timeline scrubbing)

Core Concepts

• Layers and their properties (transform, opacity)

• Understanding keyframes

• RAM Preview vs. Standard Preview

• Rendering basics (export settings)

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Module 2: Animation Fundamentals

Basic Keyframing

• Position, Scale, Rotation, Opacity animations

• Easy Ease for smooth motion

• Graph Editor (speed vs. value graphs)

• Parenting and linking layers

Motion Techniques

• Motion paths and direction

• Auto-Orient for natural movement

• Loop animations (expression: loopOut("cycle"))

• Time remapping (slow motion, speed ramps)

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Module 3: Effects & Presets

Built-in Effects

• Blur & Sharpen (Gaussian Blur, Radial Blur)

• Distortion (Liquify, Turbulent Displace)

• Stylize (Glow, CC Kaleida)

• Color Correction (Lumetri, Levels, Curves)

Using Presets

• Animation Presets (Text, Transitions)

• Saving custom presets

• FX Console for quick effect application

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Module 4: Text Animation

Basic Text Layers

• Character & Paragraph panels

• Text animators (position, scale, rotation)

• Range selectors (advanced text animation)

• Text presets (Typewriter, Motion Blur)

Advanced Typography

• Kinetic typography (sync with audio)

• 3D text extrusion

• Text on a path

• Masking text for creative effects

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Module 5: Masking & Rotoscoping

Masks

• Creating and editing masks

• Mask feathering & expansion

• Track mattes (Alpha, Luma)

• Mask interpolation for smooth shapes

Rotoscoping

• Rotobrush 2.0 (AI-powered cutouts)

• Refine Edge for fine details

• Manual rotoscoping with masks

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Module 6: Green Screen & Compositing

Chroma Keying

• Keylight (1.2) for green screen removal

• Spill suppression techniques

• Edge refinement for clean composites

Advanced Compositing

• Blend modes (Multiply, Screen, Overlay)

• Camera tracking for realistic integration

• Shadow catching for believable composites

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Module 7: 3D in After Effects

3D Layers & Cameras

• Enabling 3D for layers

• Camera tools (orbit, track, dolly)

• Depth of field & focus effects

• Lights (Point, Spot, Ambient)

Cinema 4D Lite (AE Built-in)

• Basic 3D object creation

• Extruding text and shapes

• Integrating 3D elements with live footage

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Module 8: Motion Graphics Templates (MOGRTs)

• Creating templates for Premiere Pro

• Essential Properties for customization

• Exporting MOGRTs

• Using MOGRTs in Premiere Pro

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Module 9: Expressions & Automation

Basic Expressions

• Wiggle expression (wiggle(5,10))

• Loop expressions (loopOut("pingpong"))

• Time-based animations (time * 100)

Advanced Scripting

• Linking properties with pick whip

• Creating dynamic animations

• Using JavaScript for complex automation

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Module 10: Rendering & Optimization

Export Settings

• Render Queue vs. Adobe Media Encoder

• Best formats for YouTube, Instagram, TV

• Alpha channel (transparent background)

• Multi-machine rendering

Performance Tips

• Pre-rendering heavy compositions

• Proxy workflow for 4K/8K projects

• Cache management for smooth playback

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Module 11: Real-World Projects

Hands-On Exercises

1. Logo Animation (Bouncing, Revealing)

2. Infographic Explainer (Data visualization)

3. VFX Shot (Fire, Lightning, Compositing)

4. Social Media Ad (Kinetic typography + motion graphics)

Final Project

• Portfolio-Reel (Combining all learned techniques)

• Includes VFX, motion graphics, and 3D elements