Duplicating Layers in After Effects

[MpowerGroup]

I am still learning so I have a question (I am a photoshop guy but am now learning this). When I duplicate a layer (in this case it is 5 pictures coming in and out with captions), and then I have the new duplicate layer show. The issue I am trying to figure out is why when I make a change to one layer (change a pic and caption) both layers make the change. Maybe I am doing something wrong? Or do I need to copy a diffrent way? (I dupicate with Ctrl+D). Thanks in advance.

[Mohammad.Harb]

any imported file into After effects is always linked, ( photoshop files, Ai, video footage, audio, ..) that means if you make any change to any imported file outside AE it will affect the layer directly in AE, even if you make multiple duplicates of the layer,

just create a nother layer with the caption in PS and imported to AE

[MpowerGroup]

Sorry, what I meant to say is that I am duplicating within Adobe After effects. I made a layer and want to use it a couple times.

[Mohammad.Harb]

Is it a solid layer, shape, or text layers?

[Mohammad.Harb]

For solid layer, when duplicating the layer. In the solid settings, Uncheck :

Affect all layers that use this solid

[Towerguy]

Hi. I presume you mean you have a Composition with the 5 pictures in it - layers are the individual items which you put into the composition. Select the Composition in the Project Panel (usually in the upper left corner of your screen). and duplicate it - CTRL+D. You can then open the duplicate and change things in it without affecting the original composition.

[MpowerGroup]

Yes I do mean that. I have tried that. When I go and edit say #2 it changes the orginal too. I will try it again. 

[Rick Gerard]

Your screenshot shows a comp. That comp will also be in the Project Panel. Duplicating a nested comp in the timeline does not create a unique copy of the comp so changing any nested comp changes all. If you want a unique copy of a nested comp (pre-comp) you have to go to the Project Panel and duplicate it there.