In this post, I will show you how to split layers in After Effects with a simple keyboard shortcut. So let’s go ahead and open After Effects and dive right in!
Splitting One Layer
Step 1
Select UKRAMEDIA.COM layer
Step 2
Place your time indicator where you want the split to occur in the timeline.
Step 3
Press CTRL+SHIFT+D on a PC or CMD+SHIFT+D on a Mac.
Splitting Multiple Layers
Step 1
Hold down CTRL and select as many layers as you like like so:
Step 2
Move the time indicator to the desired stop in the timeline and press CTRL+SHIFT+D on a PC or CMD+SHIFT+D on a Mac.
Splitting All Layers In After Effects
Do not select any layer and press CTRL+SHIFT+D on a PC or CMD+SHIFT+D on a Mac
One thing I want to point out is that when we split a layer in After Effects, you will notice that it automatically duplicates the layer and it places it on top of the original layer like so:
If you want to reverse this process, simply go to Preferences. You can use a keyboard shortcut CTRL+ALT+; on a PC or CMD+OPT+; on a Mac. Make sure the Create Split Layers Above Original Layer is unchecked.
Now if we try split a layer, you should see something like this instead:
I hope you found this quick tip useful. Make sure to subscribe to our email list for latest After Effects tips.
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