After Effects: Move Position Animation Layers

by | Jun 6, 2023 | Adobe After Effects, Tutorials

Adobe After Effects CC 2023: How To Move Position Animation Layers

Description:
This tutorial will show you how to move the position of animation layers in Adobe After Effects CC 2023 so the keyframes and animations are not altered.

Problem:
Moving layers with position property animations changes the motion path, adds keyframes and changes the animation.

Solution:
Move layers with position property animations using null objects and other methods so the motion path or animation is not changed and you can move the layer to any position on the Composition.

Keyboard Shortcuts Used:
P: Position Property
UU: Reveal All Keyframes
J: Move To Previous Keyframe
K: Move to Next Keyframe

Chapters:
00:00  Intro: About This Tutorial
00:18  Goal: Move Animation Position
00:39  Method 1: How To Move Animation Layer Position
01:22  Method 2: Select End Vertices
01:52  Method 3: Null Objects
02:05  Add A Null Object
02:16  Parent & Link (Pick-Whip)
02:40  Move Null Object + Layer Animation
03:07  Null Object: Move Multiple Layers

Software Used:
Adobe After Effects CC 2023 (Click To Try or Buy)

How To Move Animations with Position Animations (Method 1):

  1. Tap P for Position Property
  2. Tap UU to reveal all keyframes
  3. Drag a selection over Position Keyframes
  4. Tap J or K to move CTI directly over a keyframe
  5. Click on object and move animation to new position

How To Move Animations with Position Animations (Method 2):

  1. Tap P for Position Property
  2. Tap UU to reveal all keyframes
  3. Drag a selection over Position Keyframes
  4. Click on the Square vertex on either side of the motion path
  5. Move animation to a new position

How To Move Animations with Position Animations (Method 3):

  1. Right-click in the Layers Panel
  2. Select New…Null Object
  3. Go to Parent & Link Column in Layers Panel (right-click and tick Parent & Link if not visible)
  4. Drag the pick-whip of the layer to be moved to the Null Object
  5. Select the Null Object Layer
  6. Tap V for the Selection Tool
  7. Move Null Layer and the layer will move with it
  8. Move animation to new position
  9. Delete Null Object

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