How to copy and paste a layer without linking to the assets used in the original layer?

[Saya S.]

I'm a newbie at After Effects and I downloaded a template to use for a restaurant food slideshow.

The template only came with 7 slides that were set up so that I could insert images into a folder and Image 1 and 2 would show up in Slide 1, Image 2 and 3 would show up in Slide 2, etc.

I am trying to figure out how to make Slide 8 so that image 14 and 15 would be connected. For Slide 8, I want to use the same set up as Slide 1 so I copy-pasted it but I'm not sure how to add new images since it just completely copies the slide and I cannot edit it without it changing the images in Slide 1.

I apologize if this explanation doesn't make sense. I understand that each slide is linked to Null 1 but I'm not sure what that means. If anyone could point me to a topic so that I can research it on my own, that would be great. Thank you!

[Mylenium]

You need to duplicate the compositions in the project window and replace the content inside them.

Mylenium

[Melanie Stirner]

Hi 🙂

There are more layers inside your comp than you actually see. "Null 1" is very likely hidden. There's that little icon on the top of your timeline highlighted in blue. This means that there are some layers hidden, which may include "Null 1". Press it and you will see appear more layers in your comp including "Null 1".

[Melanie Stirner]

For the replacing of the content/image layers per slide, this quick tip may help you:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LafykhDi4M