Skip to main content
MahaB82A
April 21, 2025
Answered

Shape Layer Naming

  • April 21, 2025
  • 1 reply
  • 983 views

I am doing a tutorial. In that "Shape Layer" was created and named it "Rectangle". I do not think it is correct because a Shape Layer can contain any number of different shapes, giving a specific name is not acceptable. What do you think?

 

 

    

Correct answer Rick Gerard

Giving custom names to layers is part of a good workflow. If the layer is basically a rectangle, it would be a good idea to name it "Rectangle" so you can find it when you open the project in the future. 

 

I often create composites and motion graphics that have dozens of layers and many of them contain pre-comps that also have dozens of layers. Without properly naming the layers it quickly becomes impossible to go back to a project layer or even remember where you were when you quit work for the night.

This is a typical flow chat for a complex composite. Imagine navigating that wighout custom layer names.

1 reply

nishu_kush
Legend
April 21, 2025

Does After Effects name the layer as "Rectangle" or is it changed by the user? By default, After Effects should keep the layer name as "Shape Layer".

Let me know.


Thanks,
Nishu

MahaB82A
MahaB82AAuthor
April 21, 2025

It changed by the user.

Rick GerardCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
April 22, 2025

Giving custom names to layers is part of a good workflow. If the layer is basically a rectangle, it would be a good idea to name it "Rectangle" so you can find it when you open the project in the future. 

 

I often create composites and motion graphics that have dozens of layers and many of them contain pre-comps that also have dozens of layers. Without properly naming the layers it quickly becomes impossible to go back to a project layer or even remember where you were when you quit work for the night.

This is a typical flow chat for a complex composite. Imagine navigating that wighout custom layer names.