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How to apply an effect in After Effects

Apply an effect and transform what your layer looks like — effects are the core of After Effects.

Steps to apply an effect

Select your layer and go to Effect → [Category] → [Effect].

Choosing an effect from the Effect menu in After Effects

The Effect Controls panel opens where you can adjust all the settings for that effect.

Effect Controls panel open in After Effects showing adjustable settings

Preview your comp and tweak the effect settings until you’re happy with how it looks.

Previewing a layer with an applied effect in the After Effects composition viewer

One more thing

If you’re applying the same effect to multiple layers, select them all first and then add the effect — After Effects applies it to every selected layer at once. Saves time instead of adding it one by one.

Related how-tos

How to add a shadow in After Effects
How to search for effects quickly in After Effects
How to add glow effect in After Effects

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