Moving layers in After Effects on a Mac can refer to changing their stacking order within the Timeline panel or altering their spatial position within the composition. This guide covers both methods, focusing primarily on adjusting the layer stacking order using keyboard shortcuts.
Adjusting Layer Stacking Order
The stacking order of layers in the Timeline panel determines which layers appear in front of or behind others in the composition. Layers higher up in the list are rendered on top.
Using Keyboard Shortcuts
The most efficient way to change a layer's stacking order is by using keyboard shortcuts.
- To move selected layers up one level in the layer stacking order, press Command+Option+Up Arrow (macOS).
- To move selected layers down one level in the layer stacking order, press Command+Option+Down Arrow (macOS).
(Reference Information: To move the selected layers up one level in the layer stacking order, press Ctrl+Alt+Up Arrow (Windows) or Command+Option+Up Arrow (macOS); to move the selected layers down one level, press Ctrl+Alt+Down Arrow (Windows) or Command+Option+Down Arrow (macOS).)
These shortcuts allow for quick adjustments to your layer hierarchy. You can select multiple layers and move them together while maintaining their relative order.
Keyboard Shortcut Summary for Mac:
| Action | Keyboard Shortcut (macOS) |
|---|---|
| Move Selected Layers Up One Level | Command+Option+Up Arrow |
| Move Selected Layers Down One Level | Command+Option+Down Arrow |
| Move Selected Layers to Top of Stack | Command+Shift+Option+Up Arrow* |
| Move Selected Layers to Bottom of Stack | Command+Shift+Option+Down Arrow* |
*Note: The shortcuts to move layers to the very top or bottom are common After Effects shortcuts and are useful additions to the single-step movement.
Using the Timeline Panel
Alternatively, you can manually change the stacking order by clicking and dragging layers up or down within the Timeline panel.
- Click on the layer you want to move in the Timeline panel.
- Hold down the mouse button and drag the layer either up or down the layer list.
- Release the mouse button when the layer is positioned where you want it.
This method is useful for rearranging multiple layers at once or placing a layer precisely at a specific point in the stack.
Moving Layers Spatially (Changing Position)
Moving a layer spatially means changing its location within the composition frame, altering where it appears visually on the screen.
Using the Selection Tool
The simplest way to move a layer's position is with the Selection Tool (V).
- Select the layer(s) you want to move in either the Timeline or Composition panel.
- With the Selection Tool active, click directly on the layer in the Composition panel.
- Drag the layer to its new position.
Using the Position Property
For precise control over a layer's position, you can use the Position property within its Transform controls.
- Expand the layer in the Timeline panel by clicking the arrow next to its name.
- Expand the Transform properties.
- Adjust the X (horizontal) and Y (vertical) values for the Position property. You can click and drag the values, scrub them, or type in specific numbers.
Adjusting the Position property is essential for animation, keyframing movement, or placing elements with exact coordinates.
Understanding these methods allows you to effectively arrange and position elements within your After Effects compositions on a Mac.
