Layer Deselect when keyframing

[Calai]

https://youtu.be/vE3cGbd5AsE


While I'm keyframing, the layer will deselect I use the the Selection Tool. It ruins my workflow because I have to manually reselect it again before continue keyframing, other wise it won't do

[Rick Gerard]

Selecting the property you want to move in the timeline will change the selection in the Comp Panel from the layer (in your screenshot) to the Path. You can then use the selection tool (v) to select any or all Path vertices and move them around the comp panel to set more Path keyframes.

When you select the layer and move it, you do not move the vertices; you move the layer. That's why you don't get new Contents/Shape One/Path 1 keyframes. 

Selecting the layer in the timeline instead of selecting the property you want to keyframe will never add keyframes to the unselected property because you are only moving the layer, not changing the keyframed property value.

[Calai]

Sorry, I can tell this is a good explanation but I really don't follow. In the video I was not using hotkeys for demonstration purpuses but it actually goes like this:

1 - Click the layer

2 - Press G for Pen

3 - Mess around with the path

4 - Press V for Selection Tool
5 - Move the object around (when I do this the layers gets deselected)

6 - Use my hotkeys to advance 4 frames

7 - Press G for Pen

8 - Mess around with the path

9 - Press V for Selection Tool

10 - Selection Tool not working because layer is Deselected

11 - I have to freaking move the cursor all the way over there to reselect the layer 

How do I fix this using hotkeys?

[Calai]

I now realize I wasn't clear on my original post. I'm really engaged on learning AE. I'll make it clearer next time I need help. Thank you.

[Calai · Accepted solution]

Found it.

With the Selection Tool, click and drag (any shape or size) inside the obejct. This will select it whole and then you can move it normally.