To hide layer controls (like handles and paths) in After Effects, you typically want to disable layer visibility. Here's how you do it:
Methods for Hiding Layers:
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Using the Video Switch: The most common way to hide a layer is by toggling its video switch (the eye icon) in the Timeline panel. Clicking this icon will hide the layer in the Composition panel. Click it again to make the layer visible.
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Hiding Other Layers (Except Selected): To quickly hide all layers except the ones you've selected, go to
Layer > Switches > Hide Other Video. This is useful for focusing on specific layers. -
Showing All Video: To ensure all layers are visible, go to
Layer > Switches > Show All Video. This will turn on the video switch for all layers, making them visible (unless they are intentionally made invisible through other means, like opacity set to 0).
Example Scenario:
Imagine you have several layers in your composition, but you only want to see the effects you're applying to one specific layer. Select that layer in the Timeline panel. Then, navigate to Layer > Switches > Hide Other Video. This will hide all the other layers, allowing you to focus solely on the selected layer. When you're ready to work with the other layers again, use Layer > Switches > Show All Video to make them visible.
