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How to change layers order in the stack in After Effects

Layer order matters — what’s on top shows on top. Rearranging your layer stack is simple once you know how.

Steps to move layers up and down in the order

Select the layer in your timeline.

After Effects Layer menu with a selected layer

Press Ctrl+Alt+Up/Down (Windows) / Command+Option+Up/Down (Mac) to nudge the layer up or down in the stack order.

Using the keyboard shortcut to move a layer up or down in the After Effects layer stack

Or just click and drag the layer to a new position in the stack. Either way works — pick whatever feels faster.

One more thing

To jump a layer straight to the very top or very bottom, use Ctrl+Shift+] / Ctrl+Shift+[ (Windows) or Command+Shift+] / Command+Shift+[ (Mac). Way faster than dragging when you need to move something all the way.

Related how-tos

How to duplicate layers in After Effects
How to hide and show layers quickly in After Effects
How to rename layers in After Effects

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