Introduction to Adobe After Effects

After Effects CS6 software lets you deliver cinematic visual effects and motion graphics faster than ever before with new Global Performance Cache. Extend your creativity with built-in text and shape extrusion, new mask feathering options, and the fast, easy-to-use 3D Camera Tracker. Get into motion graphics – come learn what After Effects CS6 can do!

 

Who should attend?

Video, animation and graphics professionals who need a working knowledge of Adobe After Effects CS6.

Prerequisites:

 

Course Outline

Note: The curricula below comprise activities typically covered in a class at this skill level. The instructor may, at his/her discretion, adjust the lesson plan to meet the needs of the class.

Lesson 1: Fundamentals of Motion Graphics

  • RGB Color Model
  • Frame Size
  • Resolution
  • Pixel Aspect Ratio
  • Alpha Channels
  • Frame Rate
  • Time Code
  • Interpreting Footage

 

Lesson 2: Getting to Know the Workflow

  • How After Effects Works
  • The Project Panel
  • The Timeline Panel
  • The Monitor Panel
  • The Info Panel
  • Other Panels
  • Customizing the Workspace

 

Lesson 3: Importing Files and Creating Compositions

  • Importing Video Clips
  • Importing Stills
  • Importing a Sequence of Stills (Interpreting)
  • Importing Multilayered Photoshop and Illustrator Files
  • Creating a Composition and Arranging Layers
  • Changing Parameters Globally
  • Previewing Your Work

 

Lesson 4: Creating a Basic Animation

  • Using Animation Presets
  • Position and Anchor Point
  • Animating Position
  • Using the Keyframe Navigators (J and K)
  • Animating Scale, Rotation, and Opacity
  • Keyframe Interpolation
  • Temporal and Spatial Interpolation
  • Auto, Continuous, and Bezier Interpolation
  • Roving in Time

 

Lesson 5: Working with Masks

  • About Masks
  • Creating a Mask with the Pen tool
  • Editing a Mask
  • Feathering the Edges of a Mask
  • Replacing the Content of the Mask
  • Mask Interpolation
  • Mask for Position Keyframes
  • Using Masks from Illustrator and Photoshop

 

Lesson 6: Using Masks for Animation

  • Masks for Position Keyframes
  • Animating a Stroke
  • Using Paths from Illustrator
  • Animating a Signature

 

Lesson 7: Text Basics

  • About Text Layers
  • Point Text vs. a Text Box
  • Creating and Formatting Text
  • Using a Text Animation Preset

 

Lesson 8: Animating Text Manually

  • Text on a Path
  • Adding Animators
  • Using the Range Selector
  • Adding a Property
  • Adding a Range Selector
  • Using the Wiggly Selector
  • Animating Imported Photoshop Text

 

Lesson 9: Working with Shape Layers

  • Creating Custom Shapes
  • Creating Stars
  • Properties of Shape Layers
  • Adding Effects

 

Lesson 10: Puppet Pin Tool

  • Using the Puppet Pin Tool
  • Animating the Pins
  • Puppet Starch Tool
  • Puppet Overlap Tool

 

Lesson 11: Other Effects

  • Time Remapping
  • Motion Sketch
  • The Smoother
  • The Wiggler
  • Auto Orient
  • Splitting a Layer
  • Adjustment Layers
  • The Effects and Presets Panel

 

Lesson 12: Rendering and Outputting

  • The Render Queue
  • Creating Templates for the Rendering Process
  • Creating Templates for Output Modules
  • Exporting to Different Output Media