Issue - When I select a layer in a comp, then copy it, then select a new comp and the layer I want the new one pasted above, then paste it, the selected layer will move/scale to the position of the copied layer, instead of the new layer being copied into the comp.Adobe After Effects version number - 23.0.0Operating system - Window 10 64-bitSteps to reproduce - Be aware that this doesn't happen consistently. In Comp A, I select Layer 1, then CTRL+C, then move to Comp B, select a layer (Layer 2) that I want to paste above, CTRL+V. Expected result - After copying Layer 1 from Comp A, when I paste Layer 1 into Comp B after selecting Layer 2 (for it to be copied above), the copy of Layer 1 will appear above Layer 2.Actual result - Layer 2 moves to the position of Layer 1, as if the position property were copied from Layer 1 and pasted to Layer 2.. Sometimes I don't have a layer selected in Comp B, so Layer 1 will not paste into Comp B at the top of the stack, as expected. So far I haven't been able to repeat the problem, which I know puts a damper on fixing it. If I can figure out how to reproduce it, I will follow up. Thanks

Known Participant

Question

Copy/paste layer copies position instead

Forum|Forum|3 years ago
December 12, 2022
4 replies
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Issue - When I select a layer in a comp, then copy it, then select a new comp and the layer I want the new one pasted above, then paste it, the selected layer will move/scale to the position of the copied layer, instead of the new layer being copied into the comp.
Adobe After Effects version number - 23.0.0
Operating system - Window 10 64-bit
Steps to reproduce - Be aware that this doesn't happen consistently. In Comp A, I select Layer 1, then CTRL+C, then move to Comp B, select a layer (Layer 2) that I want to paste above, CTRL+V.
Expected result - After copying Layer 1 from Comp A, when I paste Layer 1 into Comp B after selecting Layer 2 (for it to be copied above), the copy of Layer 1 will appear above Layer 2.
Actual result - Layer 2 moves to the position of Layer 1, as if the position property were copied from Layer 1 and pasted to Layer 2.. Sometimes I don't have a layer selected in Comp B, so Layer 1 will not paste into Comp B at the top of the stack, as expected.

So far I haven't been able to repeat the problem, which I know puts a damper on fixing it. If I can figure out how to reproduce it, I will follow up. Thanks

Workflow

This topic has been closed for replies.

Mylenium

Legend

A hollow selection means that a property is indeed selected, which reinforces Thaumar's point. Likely it is this way because you used the interactive transform widget beforehand, which will automatically activate the relevant properties and keyframes.

Mylenium

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LeeJ12Author

Known Participant

That is making more sense, since I likely selected the layer in the comp window and adjusted the position. That helps a lot. I really don't think I've come across this exact behavior before, so it was surprising, if not a bit frustrating. I get it now. Thanks for the help.

L

LeeJ12Author

Known Participant

In this case, the position property was not selected. In fact, it was not visible in the timeline, so that is not the issue.

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LeeJ12Author

Known Participant

I'm noticing this. When I the position gets pasted, instead of the copy of the layer, when I go back to the comp I selected & copied the layer from, I notice the selection looks like this. What does it mean for the layer to be outlined like that? I've seen this for as long as I can remember using AE, but never paid much attention. If this is expected behavior, I'm just trying to understand what the behavior is. Thanks

Jose Panadero

Community Expert

When outlined it means that you have something selected inside the layer. Probably this is what is causing your copy-paste problem. It is a common issue. My recommendation is to deselect all before copying (use F2 to deselect all), then select what you want to copy and paste it.

Mylenium

Legend

Agree with Thaumar. This is a workflow problem, not a bug. AE tries to auto-match properties, so it matters what is selected and what is visible in the timeline.

Mylenium

Thaumar

Inspiring

Yes, this happens when during copying the selected layer the position property is also selected. It will copy the position value instead of the whole layer. Usually before copying a layer I first deselect the layer, than select it again to make sure no specific properties (like transforms, effects, masks) are also selected.

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