After Effects Trim Layers Fast | Timeline & Keyboard Shortcuts
In this After Effects beginner tutorial, you’ll learn how to trim, cut, and split layers in the timeline using both manual methods and keyboard shortcuts — an essential skill for editing, animation, and working efficiently in Adobe After Effects.
This video walks through three simple, beginner-friendly methods so you understand when to trim visually, when to use shortcuts, and when splitting a layer is the best option.
In this tutorial, you’ll learn:
How to trim layers by dragging in the timeline
When manual trimming is the best choice
How to trim the start of a layer using Alt + [
How to trim the end of a layer using Alt + ]
How to make precise cuts using keyboard shortcuts
How to split layers using Ctrl + Shift + D
When splitting layers is useful for effects and animations
📂 Footage used in this tutorial (free to use):
👉 https://pixabay.com/videos/cat-pet-gr...
This footage is free for personal and commercial use, including YouTube and social media projects.
🎯 New to After Effects? Start here first:
After Effects Basics Tutorial for Beginners
👉 • Video
This basics video explains layers, compositions, keyframes, and common beginner mistakes, and will make this tutorial much easier to follow.
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