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Participant
July 31, 2008
Question

paint tool not working

  • July 31, 2008
  • 6 replies
  • 36387 views
Hey everryone!

I was wondering whether anyone could help me in this matter, I am quite puzzled to why the paint brush isn't working in after effects, whether I don't have the right setting or i'm pressing the wrong thing I don't know, sorry if this sounds like an easy question to some, anyone know where Im going wrong?

tb Helen

6 replies

August 1, 2008
I don't know about "dragging" - I suppose you could do that. Usually the easiest way to get to the layer window is to double click the layer in the timeline.

Double-clicking the layer in the timeline (or using ENTER (not "Return")) will open the layer window for you automatically if you don't already have it open.
Participant
August 1, 2008
Hi everyone,

Thanks for your input. I managed to master the paint tool,I think where I was going wrong was selecting the wrong panel. I have learned that for the paint brush to work, I must drag a solid layer into the layers panel, make sure the layers panel is selected then select the paint brush then double click on the composition panel to make it active for painting. Painting can be made into an animation using the timeline which is what I did. Using the arrow tool after this can alter the brush properties.

Thanks again

Helen
Participant
August 1, 2008
Hi

thanks for replying. I don't know how to select the layer in the bottom window. I have selected the composition in the project menu and the main window in the middle. after I select the paint brush and press on the screen the colour doesn't appear. Sorry if I sound daft, I don't have much confidence with this program.

thanks

Helen
July 31, 2008
ctrl+b = beware.

it also changes to other brush options...maybe the clone tool or eraser is invoked?

my guess = layer window.
David_Wigforss-Hv1BNN
Participating Frequently
July 31, 2008
Paint works as follows. Select layer, Apply Effect/Paint, double click layer (go in layer view), ctrl-b (change to paintbrush), paint away.

If you want to see the entire comp to paint on, you need to precomp the layers, and paint on the precomp. Doesn't work in comp view.
Participant
February 19, 2025

Go to the Window menu and near the bottom check Layer.  In my case, it was there already, but was a very thin vertical strip to the right of the Comp layer. Stretch it from right side if this is the issue to view full area. 

Participant
February 19, 2025

correction above: Stretch from left side

Todd_Kopriva
Inspiring
July 31, 2008
Are you painting in on a layer in the Layer panel as described in the "Work with paint tools and paint strokes" section of After Effects Help?

In general, you'll get better answers to questions about what you might be doing wrong if you tell us what you're doing.
jorzheemah30746690
Participant
March 28, 2018

It is still not working. Apparently, when I double click it, it is not a "LAYER" it is a "FOOTAGE PANEL" and I think that can be the problem. Do you guys have any idea how can I change the footage panel into layer panel? Note: even if the file is only jpeg, or even if I add new solid layer, when I double click, IT IS STILL  a "FOOTAGE" layer. Really need your help.

billingo29051443
Participant
June 18, 2018

Solved. Drag the layer from the project panel down to your timeline then double click it.