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BillyNo
Participating Frequently
November 4, 2014
Question

How can I duplicate a layer and modify it without modifying the original layer that I copied?

  • November 4, 2014
  • 1 reply
  • 36348 views

As you can see, I have duplicated a bubble several times.  But I can't seem to figure out how to modify each bubble without affecting the rest.  Since I duplicated the bubbles several times, any changes that are made to one, will visible clone for the rest.

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    1 reply

    R
    Community Expert
    Rick GerardCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    November 4, 2014

    If the bubble is a pre-comp you have to duplicate the pre-comp in the project panel.

    That is probably what is going on because a shape later when duplicated is unique. Only assets that show up in the Project Panel stay unchanged when you duplicate them in the timeline.

      B
      BillyNoAuthor
      Participating Frequently
      November 4, 2014

      Hey Rick,

      Thank you for your post.  So, are you suggesting that I import an illustrator file that is unique for every bubble that I would like to place in that scene.  Then add that new vector in the duplicated layer? Here's a screen picture of a duplicated layer I just made.

      Best,

      Billy

      Szalam
      Community Expert
      SzalamCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      November 4, 2014

      As you can see, when I add the text POS to one of the bubbles I have duplicated, it will show up on the copied version.


      It looks like you've added the text in a precomp. As Rick says, you have to duplicate the precomp in the project panel and then bring the new precomp into your main composition. If you duplicate it in the timeline panel, it's just adding another reference to the composition.

      You really need to understand the basics of how to work in AE. What precomps are and how to use them is essential knowledge. I'd suggest starting here: Getting started with After Effects

      You don't even need to do precomps like that. You could just put text layers in your main comp and parent them to bubbles (or, and here's a fun idea) tie the position of the text to the bubbles with expressions, but not the rotation. That way, the bubbles can fly around as much as you like, but the text stays upright.

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