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Nicholas36861615tgx2
Participant
Apr 19, 2024 11:36 PM UTC
Question

Guide layers not showing in preview

I've got some guide layers in my comp, and on playback within After Effects, they aren't showing. I can see them when paused.

 

My understanding of guide layers is that they show within After Effects, including on preivew, but won't render upon export. At least…that's how they've worked in all my years of experience!

 

Anyway, I'm sure I've got some box checked that I don't know about that's responsible for this. Let me know what you guys know. Thanks!

2 replies

TheFosterHouse
TheFosterHouse
Known Participant
Sep 19, 2025 6:09 PM UTC

I found that Guide layers won't show up in the ram preview if they're soloed or if the are no visible layers active in the comp. I usually have a reference video from a client, and I'll solo it to just get a quick preview and it won't ram preview, but if I activate the original plate in my comp, the Guide layer will appear in the ram preview. strange little quirk that didn't use be like this. 

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Community Expert
Rick GerardCommunity Expert
Community Expert
Apr 22, 2024 11:15 AM UTC

Try creating a new comp, adding a single shape, solid, footage, or text layer, making it a guide layer, and then running a preview. If the layer shows up, then the problem is probably in your composition. Guide layers in nested comps (pre-comps) don't show up in the main comp. 

 

I suggest that you look for the problem by selecting the guide layers, pressing the 'u' key twice, and then looking for modified properties or effects. 

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