How Do I Copy Animation Properties in After Effects?

To copy animation properties in After Effects, there are several methods, each suited for different scenarios:

Methods for Copying Animation Properties

1. Copying Entire Layers

This is the simplest method if you want to duplicate all the animation and other properties of a layer.

1. Select the Layer: In the Timeline panel, select the layer containing the animation properties you want to copy.
2. Copy the Layer: Press Ctrl + C (Windows) or Cmd + C (Mac) to copy the entire layer to your clipboard.
3. Paste the Layer: Select the layer below where you'd like the copied layer to appear. Press Ctrl + V (Windows) or Cmd + V (Mac) to paste the layer. This creates a duplicate of the original layer, including all animation and other properties.

2. Copying Keyframes

This method allows you to copy specific animated properties from one layer to another.

1. Reveal Animated Properties: In the Timeline panel, select the layer containing the animated properties. Press the shortcut key for the property you want to copy (e.g., P for Position, R for Rotation, T for Opacity, S for Scale). You can also expand the layer to see all its properties.
2. Select Keyframes: Select the keyframes you want to copy by clicking and dragging a box around them, or by holding Ctrl (Windows) or Cmd (Mac) and clicking each keyframe individually.
3. Copy Keyframes: Press Ctrl + C (Windows) or Cmd + C (Mac) to copy the selected keyframes.
4. Select Destination Layer and Property: Select the layer you want to apply the animation to. Reveal the same property (e.g., Position, Rotation) in the Timeline panel. Click on the name of the property (e.g., "Position") to select the entire property.
5. Paste Keyframes: Press Ctrl + V (Windows) or Cmd + V (Mac) to paste the keyframes. The pasted keyframes will start at the current time indicator position.

Important Considerations for Keyframes:

• Ensure the source and destination properties are compatible. You can't directly copy Position keyframes to an Opacity property, for example.
• The timing of the pasted keyframes will depend on where the current time indicator is when you paste them.

3. Using the "Copy With Property Links" Option (Expressions)

This method creates an expression link between properties, meaning the destination property will always mirror the source property's value. Changes to the original animation will automatically update the linked property.

1. Reveal the Animated Property: In the Timeline panel, select the layer containing the animated property. Expand the layer and show the property you want to copy.
2. Copy with Property Links: Right-click on the property name itself (e.g., "Position") and choose "Copy With Property Links."
3. Select Destination Layer and Property: Select the layer you want to link to. Reveal the corresponding property in the Timeline.
4. Paste: Right-click on the property name in the destination layer and choose "Paste." This creates an expression that links the destination property to the source property.

Important Considerations for Property Links:

• This method links the properties, it doesn't just copy the values at one point in time.
• Be aware that using many expressions can slow down your project.
• You can break the link by deleting the expression in the destination property (look for the wiggle icon next to the property).

4. Using Animation Presets

This method is best for reusing animation effects on multiple layers across different projects.

1. Create or Select Animated Layer: Create the animation you want to save as a preset on a layer.
2. Save as Animation Preset: Select the layer in the Timeline. Go to Animation > Save Animation Preset.
3. Name and Save: Choose a name and location for your preset.
4. Apply to Other Layers: Select the layer(s) you want to apply the animation to. Go to Animation > Apply Animation Preset, or find your preset in the Effects & Presets panel. Double-click the preset to apply it.

Important Considerations for Animation Presets:

• Presets apply to the entire layer. You may need to adjust keyframes after applying a preset to fine-tune the animation for a specific layer.
• Animation presets are a powerful way to quickly reuse common animations.

By understanding these different methods, you can efficiently copy and reuse animation properties in After Effects, saving time and maintaining consistency across your projects.