After Effects - Tutorial for Beginners in 12 MINUTES! [ 2023 UPDATED ]

Introduction

This tutorial is designed to introduce beginners to Adobe After Effects in just 12 minutes. By following these step-by-step instructions, you'll learn the essential features and tools that will help you start creating stunning videos with cinematic effects and animations.

Step 1: Explore the Home Screen and Interface

• Launch Adobe After Effects to access the home screen.
• Familiarize yourself with the layout, including:
  • Menu bar
  • Project panel
  • Composition panel
  • Timeline panel
• Understanding these components will help you navigate the software more effectively.

Step 2: Create a New Composition

• Click on Composition in the menu bar.
• Select New Composition.
• Set the composition settings:
  • Choose resolution (e.g., 1920x1080 for HD).
  • Set the frame rate (30 fps is standard).
  • Determine the duration of your composition.
• Click OK to create your new workspace.

Step 3: Import Media and Use the Timeline

• To import media:
  • Go to File > Import > File.
  • Select the media files (videos, images, audio) you want to use.
• Media will appear in the Project panel.
• Drag your media files onto the timeline to begin working with them.

Step 4: Understand the Composition Window

• The Composition window displays your current project.
• You can view the media layers and make adjustments here.
• Use the zoom tools to focus on specific areas of your composition for detailed editing.

Step 5: Edit Clips

• Select a clip in the timeline.
• Trim clips by moving the edges or using the Alt key (Option key on Mac) while dragging.
• Adjust clip properties such as position, scale, and rotation in the Transform options.

Step 6: Edit Clips from Tracks

• Click on the audio or video track you wish to edit.
• Use the same trimming and adjusting techniques as in Step 5.
• Make sure to keep track of your audio levels for a balanced sound.

Step 7: Edit Clips from Composition

• Right-click on a clip in the timeline.
• Choose Reveal Layer Source to make detailed edits within the composition.
• This is helpful for accessing original media settings.

Step 8: Add Effects

• Go to the Effects & Presets panel.
• Drag and drop effects onto your clip in the timeline.
• Adjust effect parameters in the Effect Controls panel for customized results.

Step 9: Add Keyframes

• Select the property you want to animate (e.g., position, opacity).
• Click the stopwatch icon next to the property to enable keyframes.
• Move the playhead in the timeline and adjust the property to create animations.
• After setting keyframes, After Effects will interpolate the values between them.

Step 10: Apply Animations

• Explore pre-built animations in the Animation Presets panel.
• Drag a preset onto your clip for quick effects.
• Customize the animation by adjusting the keyframes or effect settings.

Step 11: Add Transitions

• To add transitions, navigate to the Effects & Presets panel.
• Search for transitions like Cross Dissolve or Fade In.
• Apply these to clips by dragging them onto the beginning or end of a clip.

Step 12: Work with Vector Drawings and Text

• Use the Pen Tool to create vector shapes.
• For text, select the Text Tool from the toolbar:
  • Click on the composition to add text.
  • Customize font, size, color, and animation properties using the Character and Paragraph panels.

Step 13: Apply Masks

• Select a layer in the timeline.
• Use the Pen Tool to draw a mask on your layer.
• Adjust the mask properties in the Mask settings to control visibility and effects.

Step 14: Save and Export

• Save your project by going to File > Save As.
• To export your composition:
  • Go to File > Export > Add to Render Queue.
  • Adjust settings in the Render Queue panel, including output format and location.
  • Click Render to create your final video.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've learned the foundational skills needed to begin using Adobe After Effects. By mastering the interface, importing media, editing clips, and applying effects and animations, you're on your way to creating impressive video projects. Consider exploring more advanced tutorials to further enhance your skills. Happy editing!