Adding an outline, or stroke, to an image layer in After Effects is a quick way to visually separate it from the background or highlight its edges. You can achieve this using the built-in Layer Styles.
To add an outline to an image layer in After Effects, you can use the Stroke layer style.
Step-by-Step Guide: Adding a Stroke Outline
Based on the provided reference, the primary method involves utilizing Layer Styles. Here's how you do it:
- Select Your Layer: In your After Effects composition, locate the image layer (or any layer you want to outline) in the Timeline panel.
- Access Layer Styles: Right-click directly on the selected layer in the Timeline.
- Apply Stroke: From the context menu that appears, hover over "Layer Styles" and then click on "Stroke".
Once you select "Stroke", After Effects will automatically apply a default outline around the content of your layer.
As mentioned in the reference: "And if we do the same thing if we right click on the layer go into layer Styles. And select stroke. Now we have an outline around the person."
Customizing the Stroke
After applying the Stroke layer style, you'll want to customize its appearance. Expand the layer in the Timeline by clicking the arrow next to its name, then expand "Layer Styles", and finally expand "Stroke".
Here are some key properties you can adjust:
- Size: Controls the thickness of the outline.
- Color: Sets the color of the outline. Click the color swatch to open the color picker.
- Position: Determines where the stroke is placed relative to the layer's edges (Outside, Inside, or Center).
- Opacity: Adjusts the transparency of the outline.
- Blend Mode: Changes how the stroke interacts with the layers below it.
Adjusting these parameters allows you to create the exact outline style you need for your project.
Using Layer Styles is a non-destructive method, meaning you can easily modify or remove the stroke at any time by simply toggling or deleting the "Stroke" property under Layer Styles in the Timeline.
