How do I add an effect to multiple layers in After Effects?

You can add an effect to multiple layers in After Effects by copying and pasting the effect (or effects). Here's a breakdown of the methods:

Method 1: Copying and Pasting a Single Effect

1. Apply the effect: Apply the desired effect to one layer in your composition.
2. Select the effect: In the Effect Controls panel, select the effect you want to copy.
3. Copy the effect: Go to Edit > Copy (or press Ctrl+C / Cmd+C).
4. Select target layers: Select the other layers you want to apply the effect to. You can select multiple layers by holding down Shift while clicking.
5. Paste the effect: Go to Edit > Paste (or press Ctrl+V / Cmd+V). The effect will now be applied to all selected layers.

Method 2: Copying and Pasting Multiple Effects Simultaneously

This method is useful if you have a set of effects you want to apply to multiple layers.

1. Apply the effects: Apply all the desired effects to one layer in your composition.
2. Select the effects: In the Effect Controls panel, select all the effects you want to copy. You can select multiple effects by holding down Shift and clicking on each one.
3. Copy the effects: Go to Edit > Copy.
4. Select target layers: Select the other layers you want to apply the effects to, holding down Shift while clicking on each layer.
5. Paste the effects: Go to Edit > Paste. All the copied effects will now be applied to the selected layers.

Method 3: Using an Adjustment Layer (Recommended for Efficiency)

This is generally the best method for applying the same effect(s) to multiple layers as it's non-destructive and easier to manage.

1. Create an adjustment layer: Go to Layer > New > Adjustment Layer. Place this layer above the layers you want to affect in the Timeline panel.
2. Apply the effect(s): Apply your desired effect(s) to the adjustment layer.
3. Adjust: All layers below the adjustment layer will be affected by the effect(s) on the adjustment layer. You can now easily modify the effect(s) on the adjustment layer to change them globally for all layers underneath.

Why use an Adjustment Layer?

• Non-destructive editing: Changes to the effects on the adjustment layer affect the underlying layers without directly modifying them. This gives you flexibility to remove or change the effect without affecting the original layers.
• Centralized control: All effects are managed in a single location (the adjustment layer), making it easy to adjust or disable them.
• Performance: Using one instance of an effect on an adjustment layer is typically more efficient than applying the same effect to multiple individual layers.