Inquiry regarding Arithmetic Operators (+/-) in Composition Settings Duration Field

Report · Dec 24, 2025

I am an After Effects user currently developing a streamlined workflow for my projects. I am writing to inquire about the correct usage of arithmetic operators within the Composition Settings (Cmd+K) dialog, as they are not functioning as I expected.

1. Procedure followed:

Open the Composition Settings dialog (Cmd+K) and place the cursor at the end of the current timecode in the Duration field.
To add a specific amount of time to the current value, I enter +3. (to add 3 seconds) or +300 (to add 300 frames) and click OK.

2. Current Issue:

After clicking OK, the value does not update and simply reverts to the original number.
I have attempted this using both keyboard and mouse inputs, but the result remains the same.

3. Specific Questions:

Is the method I am using (+3.) the incorrect way to input these values?
Are there specific Preferences that might disable this feature, or are there different input rules depending on the timecode base or frame rate?

4. Context:

I am in the process of automating several workflow steps, so understanding how to utilize this feature correctly is vital to my project.

I would greatly appreciate any guidance or documentation on the correct input rules for this field.

Thank you for your assistance.

Report · Dec 27, 2025

You have to first select everything in the Duration box and replace it with the amount of time or frames you wish to add.

Also, if subtracting you have to use '+' followed by a negative number. So, subtracting 15 would be 'x + -15', not simply 'x - 15'.

I'll note that I just figured this all out now so there may be more to it but that should be good for what you need.

Report · Dec 28, 2025

This is an annoying new workflow. Select all, delete or start typing with a plus sign, then add or subtract seconds or frames.