Only one layer in my composition is visible and playing

Hi Lauren30195907gccp,

Thanks for reaching out. What are your system specifications (CPU, GPU, RAM, OS version)? Are you editing a template? Does the part of the animation disappear for a few frames or throughout the preview?

Let us know, we are here to help.

Several factors could be causing this issue. First, check if the Solo switch is enabled for the visible layer (marked with an "S" in the Timeline Panel), as this will hide all other layers. Next, ensure that no layers are set as Guide Layers, which are visible during editing but do not render during playback. Also, verify that the Visibility (eye icon) is turned on for all layers and that their In and Out points in the Timeline cover the intended duration.

Another possible issue is Track Matte settings, which can hide layers if incorrectly applied. Additionally, certain Effects or Expressions might be controlling layer opacity, so temporarily disabling them can help identify the problem. In some cases, Preview settings might limit playback visibility, so ensure the range is set to Work Area and that the Skip setting is at zero.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, consider resetting After Effects preferences by holding Ctrl+Alt+Shift (Windows) or Cmd+Opt+Shift (Mac) while launching the program. This resets corrupted settings that might be affecting visibility.