How do I know what the effect I have used is called?

[markw60549560]

Hi

I have used an effect in a compostion from the effects and presets panel, but I have forgotten which one is used.

I'm trying to find out what the effect is called, so I can use it again, but can't find a name?

I have the after effects document open and know that this layer uses an effect, but I don't how to find out what effect I have used?

Sorry for this question, but I've love to know hwat I have done!

Thanks
Mark

[Mylenium]

There is no such thing. Once a preset has been applied it loses its relation to the actual preset file and the effects, keyframes, masks and so on become normal properties. Therefore the only way to find out what preset might have been used after the fact is to have a screenshot or video clip of the preset in action, but even that is not always possible if stuff has been combined or modified.

Mylenium

[RobShultz]

If you have Bridge installed you could try going to the top of the interface Animation/Browse Presets and look through the different folders for a preview that matches what you've done to your layer.

(Hope that this helps.)

[Kyle Hamrick · Accepted solution]

Effects and presets are different things. Presets can contain effects, but don't have to. 
Both can be chosen from the Effects and Presets panel - presets are at the top, under a top-level folder named "Animation Presets."

If you're just trying to apply an effect that's already present on one of your layers, choose the layer with the effect and do one of the following:
- Twirl the layer open, and look under Effects.
- Press E to reveal effects.
- Select the layer, then look in the Effect Controls panel.
You can then copy/paste this effect from this layer to any other(s).

Once you apply a preset, there's really no way to see the name of that preset any more, because it can be made of up multiple effects, properties, keyframes, etc. on a single layer. You can use the techniques above to copy/paste the applied results of that preset from one layer to another, or:
If you go to your top menu bar -> Animation -> Recent Animation Presets, you'll be able to see what you've used recently. Unless you've used a ton of other presets, it'll still be in this list.