You can copy layer settings in After Effects by using the copy and paste functionality, either for individual properties or entire layers. Here's how:
Copying Individual Layer Properties
This method is useful when you only want to transfer specific settings like position, scale, rotation, effects, etc.
- Select the Layer: In the Timeline panel, select the layer containing the property you want to copy.
- Reveal the Property: Twirl down the layer's properties to reveal the specific property you want to copy (e.g., Position, Rotation, Opacity, or the settings of an Effect).
- Select the Property: Click on the name of the property you want to copy. Selecting the property name selects the entire property (including expressions if there are any).
- Copy the Property: Go to Edit > Copy (or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+C on Windows or Cmd+C on Mac).
- Select the Destination Layer: Select the layer in the Timeline panel where you want to paste the property.
- Paste the Property: Go to Edit > Paste (or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+V on Windows or Cmd+V on Mac). The property and its values will be pasted onto the destination layer. If the destination layer already has that property (e.g., it already has a Position property), the pasted values will replace the existing values. If the destination layer doesn't have that property (for example, if you're pasting an effect), it will be added to the layer.
Copying Entire Layers
This method duplicates the entire layer with all its properties, effects, and keyframes.
- Select the Layer: In the Timeline panel, select the layer you want to copy.
- Copy the Layer: Go to Edit > Copy (or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+C on Windows or Cmd+C on Mac).
- Select the Destination Composition: Click in the Timeline panel of the composition where you want to paste the layer. Important: Don't select a specific layer. Just make sure the Timeline panel itself is active.
- Paste the Layer: Go to Edit > Paste (or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+V on Windows or Cmd+V on Mac). A duplicate of the layer will be created in the active composition.
Pasting Attributes
After Effects also has a "Paste Attributes" command that allows for a specific set of attributes to be pasted. You must have copied a layer before using Paste Attributes.
- Copy the Layer: (Same as in "Copying Entire Layers" steps 1 & 2)
- Select the Destination Layer(s): In the Timeline panel, select the layer(s) where you want to paste the attributes. You can select multiple layers.
- Paste Attributes: Go to Edit > Paste Attributes. This will paste certain core attributes like Effects, Masks, Layer Styles, and blending options, but won't copy things like source material or in/out points.
