Deleting clips in Adobe After Effects can be done in a few different ways, depending on where the clip is located (Project panel, Timeline panel) and what you're trying to achieve. Here's a breakdown:
1. Deleting from the Project Panel
The Project Panel houses all your imported footage, compositions, and other assets. If you want to remove a clip entirely from your project:
- Locate the Clip: In the Project panel, find the clip you want to remove.
- Select and Delete: Click on the clip to select it. Then, press the Delete key (or Backspace key on some keyboards) or right-click and choose Delete.
Important Note: Deleting a clip from the Project panel removes it from your project. Any composition that uses this clip will be affected.
2. Deleting from the Timeline Panel
The Timeline Panel is where you assemble your compositions by layering and arranging clips. To remove a clip from a specific composition:
- Locate the Layer: In the Timeline panel, find the layer that contains the clip you want to delete.
- Select and Delete: Click on the layer name to select it. Then, press the Delete key (or Backspace key) or right-click the layer name and choose Delete.
Important Note: Deleting a layer from the Timeline only removes it from the current composition. The original clip remains in the Project panel.
3. Trimming or Cutting Clips in the Timeline
Sometimes, you don't want to delete the entire clip, but rather a section of it. In this case, you would trim or cut the clip.
- Trim a Clip: Drag the edge of a layer in the timeline to shorten or lengthen its duration.
- Cut a Clip:
- Position the Current-Time Indicator (the blue line) where you want to cut the clip.
- Select the layer you want to cut.
- Press Ctrl+Shift+D (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+D (macOS) to split the layer at the current time. This creates two separate layers.
- Now, select the section you want to remove and press the Delete key.
4. Undoing Accidental Deletions
If you accidentally delete a clip, you can undo the action by pressing Ctrl+Z (Windows) or Cmd+Z (macOS).
Summary
In summary, deleting clips in After Effects depends on whether you want to remove the clip entirely from the project (Project Panel) or only from a specific composition (Timeline Panel). You can also trim or cut clips directly in the Timeline if you only want to remove a portion of them. Remember to use the undo function if you make a mistake!
