Split Layer Duration to equal parts

[k·]

Hi all!

I am trying to split a layer (either solid colour or video/comp) to 2 or more equal parts.

Examples:

— A 300 frames layer to 3 equal parts thus 100 frames each

— A 12 seconds layer to 4 equal parts thus 3 seconds each

Ideally the process shouldn't be frames/seconds dependent but just create x copies of the layer and trim them accordingly.

Any ideas?

Please note, this is not to split a shape but the duration of a layer.

Thanks!

[Dave_LaRonde]

What's wrong with using arithmetic? 

Of course, you'll be limited to integer results no matter what you do -- there's no such thing as a fraction of a frame.

[k·]

Hi, thanks for your answer.

Nothing wrong with arithmetic. I'm just looking for an automatic way to do it. Might be a script or just a function of AE that I'm not aware of e.g right click -> split layer into 3 same duration layers.

A fraction of a frame was never the case.

Thanks again!

[Dave_LaRonde]

Well, you most certainly have to have an idea of how to deal with fractions of frames if you want an automated solution.  Please divide 400 frames by 7.  Then figure out how to proceed next.

[Rick Gerard · Accepted solution]

You can set markers using math. If you have a bunch of stills or shape layers that you need to evenly distribute then you can just trim them all to the same length, say 300 frames, then use the Keyframe Assistant to sequence the layers with no overlap. I did the initial setup on an explainer video with about 80 layers the other day by setting them all to about 2 seconds, sequencing the layers, then select the last layer and press the 0 key to move the CTI to the out point of the last layer, check it against the composition duration, make the necessary adjustments and then start fine tuning each layer to the script. In about 5 minutes I was ready to start animating the 80 layers. That went so quickly because I had added markers to the audio track when it was recorded and edited in Audition. The J and K key got me to the right markers, keyboard shortcuts set the right in and out points and then a fist full of animation presets that I have created completed the project in under an hour.

Maybe those suggestions will help you speed up your work.