Adobe After Effects: How to Create a New Composition
A composition in After Effects is like a canvas where you create animations, add effects, and edit videos. It acts as a container that holds all your layers, graphics, and effects. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a new composition in Adobe After Effects.
1. Open After Effects
- Launch Adobe After Effects on your computer.
- You will see the Start Screen with options to create a new project or open an existing one.
If you don’t have a project yet:
- Click "New Project" to start fresh.
2. Create a New Composition
There are two ways to create a new composition:
A. Using the Menu Bar
- Click on File > New > New Composition
- A Composition Settings window will open.
B. Using the Shortcut
- Press Ctrl + N (Windows) or Cmd + N (Mac) to create a new composition instantly.
3. Adjust Composition Settings
After opening the Composition Settings window, you need to configure:
Basic Settings:
- Name: Enter a name for your composition (e.g., "Intro Animation").
- Preset: Select a resolution and frame rate.
- Common choice: HDTV 1080p 29.97 fps (1920x1080 pixels).
- Duration: Set the length of your composition (e.g., 10 seconds = 00:00:10:00).
- Background Color: Choose a color, but it won’t be visible in the final export (unless you add transparency).
Advanced Settings (Optional):
- You can adjust settings like motion blur and pixel aspect ratio if needed.
Click OK to create your composition.
4. Start Adding Elements
Your new composition will appear in the Timeline Panel. You can now:
✔️ Import media files (drag & drop videos, images, or audio).
✔️ Create text, shapes, and animations.
✔️ Apply effects and transitions.
Conclusion
Creating a new composition in After Effects is the first step in any animation or video editing project. By adjusting the settings correctly, you can ensure your project is ready for high-quality editing. Now, you’re all set to start your motion graphics journey in After Effects!
