Managing Layers - Adobe AFTER EFFECTS CS3 PROFESSIONAL User Manual

After you split a layer, the duration of the original layer ends at the point of the split, and the new layer starts at that
point in time.
If no layer is selected when you choose Edit > Split Layer, all layers are split at the current time.
See also
"Change the stacking order for selected layers" on page 142
"Select layers" on page 141
"Shortcuts for working with layers" on page 638
Auto-Orientation options
Each layer's auto-orientation options (Layer > Transform > Auto-Orient) specify how its orientation depends on
motion paths, points of interest, and cameras.
The layer rotates freely, independent of the motion path, point of interest, or other layers.
Off
The layer faces in the direction of the motion path. For example, use this option for a camera to
Orient Along Path
depict a driver's perspective while looking at the road ahead while driving.
The layer is always oriented so that it faces the active camera. This option is available for 3D
Orient Towards Camera
layers; this option is not available for 2D layers, cameras, or lights.
Orient Towards Point Of Interest
for layers other than cameras and lights.
Note: If you specify an auto-orientation option, and then change the layer's Orientation or X, Y, or Z Rotation properties,
the layer orientation is offset by the new values. For example, you can set a camera with Orient Along Path, and then
rotate the camera 90 degrees to the right to depict the perspective of a passenger looking out the side window of a car as
it moves.
See also
"Working with 3D layers" on page 174
"Cameras, lights, and points of interest" on page 179
"Work with motion paths" on page 199

Managing layers

View and change layer information
• To rename a layer or property group, select it in the Timeline panel and press Enter on the main keyboard
(Windows) or Return (Mac OS).
• To alternate between viewing the name of a selected layer's source footage item and the name of the layer in the
Timeline panel, click the Layer Name/Source Name column heading in the Timeline panel.
• To show the name of a selected layer's source footage file in the Info panel, press Ctrl+Alt+E (Windows) or
Command+Option+E (Mac OS).
The camera or light always points at its point of interest. This option is not available
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