Skip to main content
R
rforgaard
Participating Frequently
March 4, 2020
질문

Is there an easy and fast way to stretch a layer to fit the length of the composition?

  • March 4, 2020
  • 1 답변
  • 4941 조회

I'm looking for an easy and fast way to stretch an After Effects layer to match the length of the composition.  Here are the specifics:

 

I frequently use the Timewarp effect to make a video clip be slow-motion.  I import the video clip into AE and I place the clip into a composition that is the same length as the clip.  Suppose I want the resulting slow-motion clip to be twice as long.  In which case, I change the duration of the composition to be twice as long as the clip.  I apply the Timewarp effect to the clip, setting the Speed of Timewarp to "50" (to make it one-half speed).  I enable Time Remapping for the clip.  Then - and this is the slightly awkward part - I use the mouse to drag the right-side end of the clip to exactly the new (longer) length of the composition.  I'll make a first attempt, then I'll use the zoom slider for the composition to look close at the very end of the composition, and use my mouse again to adjust the end of the clip so it is exactly the same length as the composition.

 

That last bit is the part I'm trying to streamline, the part where I drag the end of the clip to approximately match the length of the composition, then zoom in so I can use the mouse again to make the end of the clip be precisely the end of the composition.

 

Is there a shortcut key I don't know about, or a menu command, or some easy technique to make a layer be the same length as the composition?  For example,  this same situation might come up if the layer is an image, rather than a video clip.  Suppose you want to make that image layer be the same length as the composition.  Is there some easy way to do that?  If so, I'm guessing I might be able to use that same technique to easily and quickly make a video clip be the same length as the composition.

 

I'm not stuck here.  I can just keep doing the awkward drag-zoom-drag process.  But I just wanted to check whether anyone knows of a quicker, more elegant way to make a layer be the same length as the composition.

 

Any help appreciated.  Many thanks!

이 주제는 답변이 닫혔습니다.

1 답변

R
Community Expert
Rick GerardCommunity Expert
Community Expert
March 4, 2020

When you apply Time Remapping try using the keyboard shortcut (Alt/Option + Ctrl/Cmnd + t). That should automatically extend the out point to the end of the comp. It should also work if you use the Layer>Time>Enable Time Remapping. That has been a feature for the last several versions of AE. 

 

If that does not work, with the layer selected press "k" then "k" again to move to the end of the timeline, then Alt/Option + ] to set a new out-point for the layer. The "j" key moves to the previous significant event showing in the layer's timeline like a keyframe, marker or in/out point, the "k" key moves to the next.

R
rforgaard작성자
Participating Frequently
March 4, 2020

Thanks, Rick.  Very helpful.

 

It turns out that Alt/Option + Ctrl/Cmd + t does enable time remapping, and appears to be a useful shortcut that has the same effect as applying Layer > Time > Enable Time Remapping.  However, I found that neither of these methods also extends the out point to the end of the comp.  I just now tested both of these again, just to be sure.

 

However, the "secret sauce" turned out to be your second tip.  First of all, selecting the layer then pressing "k" and "k" again does indeed move the playhead to the end of the comp, which I didn't know.  Useful info.  I am on Windows and I normally use the keyboard "End" key for this (or Fn + Right Arrow on Mac), but your "k" and "k" tip is faster.  Also, indeed, Alt/Option + ] sets the out point of the selected layer to the playhead.  So, the key sequence "k", "k", Alt/Option + ] does exactly what I need - it extends the out point of the current layer to the end of the comp.

 

I am all set.  I knew there had to be a way.  Thank you again!

R
Community Expert
Rick GerardCommunity Expert
Community Expert
March 4, 2020

What version of AE are you using? If it is one of the last 3 releases you might want to try and reset your preferences.

약관 및 조건Accessibility statement
Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices