How to compress sequenced layers to fit a set composition length?

[KnnNike]

I don't know if I'm using the right language for this...which is probably why I can't find anyone on the forum with similar problems. Let's say I have a series of video files of equal length that I want to sequence/render into a single composition. I want the final composition to be 1 minute in length. Is there a way for me to automatically scale and sequence the individual video files to achieve this?

I know I can manually calculate the necessary length of each video file/layer, and scale them individually using the time stretch tool. But then I end up with a bunch of dead space in between each file/layer, and have to manually drag the files to the correct place (I at least know I can snap them to each other using shift).

It just seems like there should be a way to automate/expedite this process. Any ideas?

[Rick Gerard · Accepted solution]

If you have a bunch of layers in a composition, and you need to change the length of the entire composition the easiest thing to do is to Pre-compose all of those layers and then apply Time Remapping to the nested comp (pre-comp). All you have to do is drag the last keyframe to the time you need all of the layers to end at, one minute in your example, move the CTI (time indicator) to the same spot. then press the B key to set the work area to one minute, then use the Composition menu to trim the comp to the work area.

[John V Knowles]

Not sure if this is what you mean, but here's a thought: there's a command to arrange layers sequentially so that there's no gaps between them.

Animation > Keyframe Assistant > Sequence Layers.

This will lay all the clips out end to end, no gaps. Then per Rick's suggestion above, pre-comp all the layers and then you can re-time the pre-comp to make it 1 min. long.

Does that work for what you're trying to do?

JVK

[KnnNike]

Both of these answers were very helpful, thanks!