To rotate layers in After Effects, you'll use the Rotation property or the Rotation tool on a 3D layer. Here's how:
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Select the Layer: In the Timeline panel, click on the layer you want to rotate.
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Access the Rotation Property:
- Expand the layer properties by clicking the arrow next to the layer name.
- Expand the "Transform" properties.
- You'll find the "Rotation" property (or "X Rotation," "Y Rotation," and "Z Rotation" for 3D layers).
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Adjust the Rotation:
- Using Values: Click and drag on the numerical value next to "Rotation" (or the individual X, Y, Z Rotation properties). You can also manually enter a specific degree value. Positive values rotate clockwise, negative values counter-clockwise.
- Using the Rotation Tool (for 3D layers):
- Select the layer you want to rotate in the composition panel.
- Click the Rotation tool (it looks like a circular arrow) in the toolbar.
- In the composition panel, you'll see a 3D axis gizmo on your layer.
- Click and drag on the colored handles (red for X, green for Y, blue for Z) to rotate the layer around that axis.
- Before rotating, ensure the tool affects Orientation or Rotation properties from the Set menu next to the rotation tool.
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Keyframing Rotation: To create animated rotations, set keyframes for the Rotation property at different points in time. Adjust the rotation value at each keyframe to define the rotation animation.
Key Considerations:
- 2D vs. 3D Layers: The Rotation property works directly for 2D layers. For 3D layers, you can independently control X, Y, and Z rotations, offering more complex movements. You need to toggle the 3D layer switch (the small cube icon) on in the timeline for the layer to become 3D.
- Anchor Point: The anchor point of the layer acts as the center of rotation. Adjusting the anchor point will change the origin around which the layer rotates.
By manipulating the Rotation property and understanding anchor points, you can create a wide range of rotational animations in After Effects.
