To change the layer style in After Effects, go to Layer > Layer Styles and select the style you want to add or modify. Layer styles can be applied to any type of layer, not just text layers.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- Select the Layer: In the Composition panel or Timeline panel, click on the layer to which you want to apply or modify a layer style.
- Access Layer Styles: Go to the top menu bar and choose Layer > Layer Styles.
- Choose a Style: A submenu will appear, listing the available layer styles:
- Bevel and Emboss: Creates a 3D effect.
- Contour: Applies a contour to the bevel effect.
- Drop Shadow: Adds a shadow behind the layer.
- Inner Shadow: Adds a shadow inside the layer.
- Outer Glow: Creates a glow around the outside of the layer.
- Inner Glow: Creates a glow from the inside of the layer.
- Bevel Alpha: Creates Bevels based on the layer Alpha.
- Satin: Creates a satiny sheen.
- Color Overlay: Fills the layer with a solid color.
- Gradient Overlay: Fills the layer with a gradient.
- Stroke: Adds a border around the layer.
- Modify the Style: Once you've applied a style, you can adjust its properties in the Effect Controls panel (Window > Effect Controls). Each layer style has its own set of controls to customize its appearance, such as:
- Color: Change the color of the shadow, glow, or overlay.
- Opacity: Adjust the transparency of the style.
- Distance: Set the distance of a shadow or glow.
- Size: Control the size or spread of effects like shadows and glows.
- Angle: Determine the angle of the light source for bevels and shadows.
- Enable/Disable Styles: You can toggle individual layer styles on or off by clicking the eye icon next to the style name in the Layer panel. You can disable all styles by clicking on the "fx" button next to the layer name in the Timeline.
- Copy/Paste Styles: You can copy layer styles from one layer to another. Right-click on a layer with the styles you want to copy, choose "Copy," then right-click on the target layer and choose "Paste."
Layer styles are non-destructive effects, meaning they don't permanently alter the original layer. You can always adjust or remove them later.
