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How to add and edit cameras in After Effects

Cameras let you view 3D layers from different angles — it’s what gives 3D scenes realistic perspective and movement.

Steps to add and edit cameras

Go to Layer → New → Camera. Choose settings like Focal Length and Depth of Field to control how the camera sees your scene.

Creating a new camera from the Layer menu in After Effects
Choosing camera settings in After Effects

Use the C key to cycle through Camera tools — Orbit, Pan, Zoom — and navigate your 3D space.

Cycling through Orbit Pan and Zoom camera tools using the C key in After Effects

Animate the camera’s Position and Point of Interest to move through your scene over time.

Animating camera position and point of interest to move through a 3D scene in After Effects

One more thing

Skip the menu and create a new camera instantly with Ctrl+Alt+Shift+C (Windows) / Command+Option+Shift+C (Mac).

Related how-tos

How to use parenting to link layers together in After Effects
How to use the 3D layer switch in After Effects
How to switch between views in After Effects

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