To quickly add a time remap keyframe in After Effects using a keyboard shortcut, select the layer and press Ctrl/Cmd + Alt/Option + T.
Understanding Time Remapping in After Effects
Time remapping is a powerful feature in After Effects that allows you to control the playback speed and direction of a layer over time. By adding keyframes to the Time Remap property, you can create effects like slow motion, speed ramps, freezing frames, or reversing playback.
Adding Time Remap Keyframes
The most efficient way to add a time remap keyframe to a selected layer at the current time indicator (CTI) position is using a specific keyboard shortcut.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Select the Layer: In your timeline, click on the layer you want to apply time remapping to.
- Move the CTI: Drag the current time indicator (the blue vertical line) to the exact frame or time where you want to add the keyframe.
- Add the Keyframe: With the layer selected and the CTI positioned, press the keyboard shortcut:
- Windows:
Ctrl + Alt + T - macOS:
Cmd + Option + T
- Windows:
This action automatically enables the Time Remap property for the selected layer and adds a keyframe at the CTI's current position. You will see the Time Remap property appear under the layer's properties in the timeline, with a diamond-shaped keyframe marker.
- Note: As mentioned in the reference, pressing this shortcut again at a different time will add a second keyframe to the Time Remap property, allowing you to create changes in playback speed between the two keyframes.
Why Use the Shortcut?
While you can manually enable Time Remapping by right-clicking a layer > Time > Enable Time Remapping and then clicking the stopwatch icon, the Ctrl/Cmd + Alt/Option + T shortcut is much faster as it enables the property and adds the first keyframe in one step.
Using time remap keyframes is fundamental for manipulating the duration and speed of video footage, audio, or even pre-composed animations within After Effects.
