Using Essential Graphics IN After Effects

[mattb2461688]

I'd like to create a master composition inside AE, that I can re-use within AE. I want to use this master repeatedly with different text on each instance. Is this possible?

[Warren Heaton · Accepted solution]

Yes, you can use a Comp as source footage in another Comp with Text Layers in those other Comps.  For each use in another Comp, this nested Comp will appear the same unless you modify it in one of the containing Comps.

-Warren

[mattb2461688]

Sorry I think I'm getting things confused. I meant use a 'Pre-comp'. Is this still the case?

[Warren Heaton]

As a pre-Comp is a nested Comp, yes, you can use a pre-Comp with Text layers in another Comp or Comps.  You could use the same pre-Comp in another 100 Comps and within any of those other Comps as the source footage for as many layers as you would like. 

[mattb2461688]

Ok right but can I make copies of the 'master' pre-comp, to create unique instances of this master and edit text for each instance? So that if I want I can just edit the effects etc in the master and it will effect all instances?

[Warren Heaton]

Without making a duplicate, anything you change in the pre-Comp will show anywhere the pre-Comp is used.

Once the pre-Comp is the source footage for a layer in a containing Comp, whatever is currently happening in the pre-Comp will also happen in the containing Comp.  For example, if you change something from red to yellow in the pre-Comp then it will show as yellow in the any Comp that contains it.