Skip to main content
JuanCGF
JuanCGF
Participant
February 8, 2019
Answered

Can't move frame by frame with arrow keys in After Effects. Help!!!

  • February 8, 2019
  • 4 replies
  • 79109 views

I just installed After Effects on my computer and I can't seem to be able to move frame by frame with the arrow keys like in Premiere. Is there a setting that makes me enable that? I don't really know how to fix this problem.

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Andrew Yoole

    There's a good reason for that - it's never been a shortcut in After Effects.  The arrow keys are used to reposition selected layers.

    Hold down Command (Mac) or Control (Win) to move forward and backward.  Or try the Page Up and Page Down keys. 

    4 replies

    LilBassA1
    LilBassA1
    Participant
    February 14, 2023

    But you CAN customize keyboard shortcuts. I've been using the left and right arrow keys for years (I don't currently have a use for the move 1 frame function). I did just discover--after upgrading to AE 2023 and a lot of frustrating trial and error--that I had to delete it as an option (it IS there as an option) and add it back to make it the default use of the arrow keys. 

      B
      balths
      Participating Frequently
      February 27, 2023

      That is indeed listed as a keyboard shortcut in several sources. Perhaps it was at one time and Adobe changed it. It has nothing to do with the experience of the OP. I'm relearning the program for the 4th time and the changes over the years "for the better" are most frustrating. 

      R
      Community Expert
      Rick GerardCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      November 20, 2020

      If you are new to AE and you want to start working efficiently start by opening the Learn workspace or the Learn Section of the Home Screen and start with the UI basics and first comp. It will take you about 20 minutes. Then look for the User Guide. You'll find it on the After Effects product page, available on this forum, and you can find things with the Search Help field in the top right corner of AE. Two or three hours on the basics using those tutorials and learning how to properly set up renders will save you days of fiddling with YouTube tutorials presented by enthusiasts that don't really know what they are doing or how to explain things and days waiting for help on the forums. AE is a lot more complicated than any NLE you have ever used, the UI is completely different, and unless you have some good training you are going to spend a lot of time in trouble. 

        stephaniea63886159
        stephaniea63886159
        Participating Frequently
        November 19, 2020

        And if you are on a laptop, hold your Fn key down and use the  Page Up and Page Down keys! At first this wasn't working for me.

        J
        joannb23646899
        Inspiring
        December 10, 2022

        Thank you, Stephanie! I've been going crazy. Page Up and Down was not working (I'm on a MacBook). Holding down the Fn key then using Page Up and  Down worked like a charm.

          Andrew Yoole
          Andrew YooleCorrect answer
          Inspiring
          February 8, 2019

          There's a good reason for that - it's never been a shortcut in After Effects.  The arrow keys are used to reposition selected layers.

          Hold down Command (Mac) or Control (Win) to move forward and backward.  Or try the Page Up and Page Down keys. 

            JuanCGF
            JuanCGFAuthor
            Participant
            February 8, 2019

            Thank you!!

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