How to switch between views in After Effects

After Effects gives you different views for your comp — super useful when you’re working with 3D layers and need to see things from multiple angles at once.

Steps to switch between views

Make sure you have at least one 3D layer in your comp first.

Below your composition window, find the dropdown that says “1 View.” Change it to 2 or 4 views to see multiple perspectives at the same time.

After Effects View menu with switch options for 1 View, 2 views and 4 Views

You can assign each view to show Front, Left, Top, Active Camera, and more.

After Effects interface with a views dropdown

One more thing

Press C to activate the Camera tool, then click and drag in your 3D view to orbit around your objects and see them from any angle.

Related how-tos

How to use multiple workspaces in After Effects
How to change project settings in After Effects
How to change the background color of a composition in After Effects

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