The Rotation tool in After Effects isn't used to rotate the workspace (the entire interface). Instead, you rotate layers, objects, or the camera within the composition. Here's how:
Rotating Layers or Objects:
- Select the Layer: Choose the layer you want to rotate in the Timeline panel.
- Access the Rotation Property: In the Timeline panel, twirl down the layer to reveal its properties:
Transform > Rotation. - Adjust the Rotation Value: You can rotate the layer by:
- Entering a Value: Type a degree value directly into the Rotation property field. Positive values rotate clockwise; negative values rotate counter-clockwise.
- Using the Rotation Tool: Select the Rotation tool from the toolbar (shortcut: W). A circular icon with a crosshair will appear on your selected layer in the Composition panel. Click and drag on the icon to rotate the layer.
- Adjust the Anchor Point (if needed): The layer rotates around its anchor point. If you want it to rotate around a different point, use the Pan Behind (Anchor Point) tool (shortcut: Y) to reposition the anchor point before rotating.
Rotating the Camera:
If you have a camera layer in your composition, you can rotate the camera to change the viewpoint:
- Ensure You Have a Camera: Create a camera layer (
Layer > New > Camera). Make sure your layers are 3D layers (toggle the 3D layer switch). - Access Camera Transform Properties: In the Timeline panel, select the camera layer, then open the properties:
Transform. - Modify Orientation or Rotation:
- Orientation: Rotates the camera relative to its current position. Often, this is the property you will want to use.
- Rotation: Rotates the camera in absolute world space.
Important Considerations:
- Workspace vs. Composition: Remember, After Effects doesn't let you directly rotate the entire workspace/interface. You're adjusting the elements within your composition.
- Animating Rotation: You can animate the Rotation property to create rotating effects over time. Set keyframes at different points in the timeline with different rotation values.
- 3D Layers: For more complex rotations and perspective changes, make sure your layers are 3D layers by enabling the 3D layer switch (a small cube icon) in the Timeline panel.
- Pre-Composing: If you need to rotate a group of layers together, pre-compose them first (
Layer > Pre-compose). Then, you can rotate the pre-comp layer.
In summary, use the Rotation tool or the Rotation property in the Timeline to rotate layers, objects, or cameras within your After Effects composition, not the workspace itself.
