There are several ways to cut a clip in After Effects.
A video editing software that doesn’t have a traditional “cut” tool like you would see in Premiere Pro. Here are three methods you can use:
- Split Layer: To cut a clip using this method, first select your layer and position the timeline indicator at the desired cut point. Then, go to Edit > Split Layer (Ctrl + Shift + D on PC or CMD + Shift + D on Mac). This will duplicate the layer and cut it into two separate layers, allowing the clip to play uninterrupted but with independent layers. This is the most straightforward method for cutting clips in After Effects, but it requires an extra step since you can’t cut a clip in the middle of the same layer.
- Duplicate Layers: To cut a clip using this method, duplicate your layer (Ctrl + D on PC or CMD + D on Mac). Then, grab one end of your layer and trim the clip to the exact frame you want it. You can hold down Shift while dragging the ends of the clip to snap it to the playhead’s position, taking out the tedious work of trying to line it up frame by frame. This method is a bit faster than the Split Layer method, but it still requires you to duplicate the layer before trimming it.
- Shortcuts: To cut a clip using this method, position the playhead at the exact frame you want to cut and use the shortcuts Alt + [ on PC or Option + [ on Mac to trim the clip from the beginning, or Alt + ] on PC or Option + ] on Mac to trim the clip from the end. These shortcuts can be used with any type of layer: video, shape, solid, adjustment layer, etc.
By learning and mastering these techniques, you can streamline your workflow and efficiently cut clips in After Effects, allowing you to edit your videos with ease and precision. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced video editor, knowing how to cut in After Effects will help you to quickly and effectively cut clips, saving you time and improving the overall quality of your videos. So, it is always useful to know how to cut a clip in After Effects in order to improve your video editing skills and capabilities.
