Dive into Adobe After Effects 1: Learn the Basics from Udemy

You want to start using After Effects, right?

If you've never opened (or opened and immediately closed) After Effects, you're in the right place.

This is the first part in my 3-part Dive Into After Effects series. I created this series to make learning how to use After Effects as easy as possible.

You learn by doing.

In the Dive Into After Effects series, you'll follow along and work on your own project while learning.

What makes me qualified to teach you?

My name is Phil. I am a professional motion graphics artist and video creator. Plus, I'm the creator of some of the world's most popular After Effects courses - with over 150,000 students and thousands of 5-star reviews like these ones from this course:

I am new to after Effects and this course is so easy to follow. Good Job. - Sequin Frederick

Excellent course for a beginner like me. A step by step guide. - Fairuz Nabilah

I enjoyed this course and found it very helpful to explain the basics. Phil went through things clearly and through the videos I was able to catch some of the skills that i have been struggling with. I would recommend this for anyone starting After Effects - June Beveridge

My Promise to You

I'll be here for you every step of the way. If you have any questions about the course content or anything related to this topic, you can always post a question in the course or send me a direct message.

I want to make this the best course on learning After Effects for beginners. So if there is any way I can improve this course, just tell me and I'll make it happen.

What's this course all about?

After Effects is an amazing program that can help you create motion graphics, visual effects, and titles that make your videos better, but it can be intimidating to try out. In this 45-minute course, you'll learn the basics of using After Effects: understand the program layout, learn how to use the tools, get comfortable with using the timeline. We'll cover everything from opening up After Effects for the first time, importing assets, and creating your very first composition.

This class is perfect for video creators, designers, and everyone who wants to learn After Effects in an un-intimidating way. No prior knowledge or experience is required. By the end of the class, you'll have the basic knowledge to start creating projects and dive even further into the world of After Effects.

Course Assignment

Create a title card within After Effects. This assignment will teach you how to create a new composition, use the basic After Effects tools, arrange layers in your sequence, and use layer properties to change the scale, position, transparency, and rotation of your objects.

With our 30-day 100% money back guarantee, there is nothing holding you back from jumping in right now and trying the course out.

Go ahead and click the enroll button, and I'll see you in lesson 1.

Cheers,

Phil

What's inside

Learning objectives

Navigate through the after effects program
Open new compositions with the right settings

Add and edit text, shape, photos, and other elements to a composition

Navigate through the after effects program
Open new compositions with the right settings
Add and edit text, shape, photos, and other elements to a composition

Syllabus

In this video, I'll talk about what this course is all about & why you should continue with it.

Learn what this course is all about & how to take the course.

In this lecture, we'll be opening up the After Effects application for the first time. I'll navigate around the program to show you all the things you need to know for this course including: the tool bar, the main menu, windows, and timeline.

Tips to Improve Your Course Taking Experience

Follow me and learn how to create your own title card right within After Effects.

In this lesson, follow me as I create a new composition & choose the right settings.

Here's a quick message from Phil about leaving a review for this course.

In this lesson, you'll learn how to import files (photos, graphics, video, music, audio, etc) into After Effects.

In this lesson, you'll learn the basic tools that are important for getting started in After Effects including: shape, pen, and text tool.

In this lesson, you'll learn how to add & edit text in Adobe After Effects.

In this lesson, you'll learn how to add shape layers to After Effects. This includes rectangles, squares, circles, and other shapes.

Adjusting Layers with Scale, Rotation, Opacity

Find out the next steps to expand your After Effects education.

This video shows you how to export a video from After Effects, if you just want to export the movie.

Thank you for taking this course! I really appreciate it! Please enroll in the Dive into After Effects: Keyframes course to continue learning about After Effects.

Bonus Lecture: Learn More from Phil + Video School

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches learners how to navigate After Effects, a popular program used by professionals

Designed for beginners with no prior knowledge or experience in After Effects

Provides a step-by-step guide to creating a title card within After Effects

Conducted by Phil Ebiner, a renowned motion graphics artist and video creator

Course is part of a 3-part series on diving into After Effects

Requires learners to have access to After Effects software

Reviews summary

Basics of adobe after effects

According to students, this course provides a solid introduction to the basics of Adobe After Effects. While students say the instructor presents the course material well, they also say that some concepts could be condensed to save time.

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Dive into Adobe After Effects 1: Learn the Basics with these activities:

Review basic video and motion graphics tools

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Refresh your knowledge and familiarity with the basic tools used in video editing.

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List out popular video editing software
Identify and describe each tool's purpose
Review tutorials on getting started with video editing software

Complete practice exercises on shape layers and animations

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Reinforce your understanding of shape layers and animations through practice exercises.

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Find practice exercises online or in textbooks
Complete the exercises
Review your work and identify areas for improvement

Create a title card for a short video

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Apply the skills learned in the course by creating a title card for a short video.

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Choose a video to create a title card for
Plan the design of the title card
Create the title card in After Effects
Export the title card

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Attend a workshop on After Effects

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Enhance your skills by attending a workshop led by experienced After Effects professionals.

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Research and find relevant workshops
Register for the workshop
Attend the workshop
Apply what you learned in your own projects

Write a blog post on the basics of After Effects

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Solidify your understanding of After Effects by writing a blog post explaining the basics.

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Outline the key concepts to cover
Write the blog post
Proofread and edit the blog post
Publish the blog post

Follow tutorials on advanced After Effects techniques

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Expand your skills by following tutorials on advanced After Effects techniques.

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Identify areas where you want to improve your skills
Search for tutorials on these topics
Follow the tutorials and practice the techniques

Create a short animated video using After Effects

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Demonstrate your proficiency in After Effects by creating a short animated video.

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Develop a concept for the video
Create a storyboard
Animate the video in After Effects
Export the video

Career center

Learners who complete Dive into Adobe After Effects 1: Learn the Basics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Motion Graphics Designer

A Motion Graphics Designer creates visual effects, animations, and other digital content for videos, films, and other media. As an integral player in the visual and conceptual development of these productions, this role requires familiarity with programs such as Adobe After Effects to execute creative briefs. This course, in particular, provides a solid foundation in After Effects, covering essential concepts like creating compositions, adding and editing text and shapes, and adjusting layer properties. By completing this course, you'll gain proficiency in After Effects, a key tool for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Motion Graphics Designer

Visual Effects Artist

A Visual Effects Artist creates visual effects for films, television shows, and other media. This role requires a strong understanding of visual effects software, such as Adobe After Effects, to create realistic and visually stunning effects. This course, in particular, provides a solid foundation in After Effects, covering essential concepts like creating compositions, adding and editing text and shapes, and adjusting layer properties. By completing this course, you'll gain proficiency in After Effects, a key tool for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Visual Effects Artist

Motion Graphics Artist

A Motion Graphics Artist creates visual effects, animations, and other digital content for videos, films, and other media. This role requires proficiency in motion graphics software, such as Adobe After Effects, to execute creative briefs and produce visually stunning content. This course, in particular, provides a solid foundation in After Effects, covering essential concepts like creating compositions, adding and editing text and shapes, and adjusting layer properties. By completing this course, you'll gain proficiency in After Effects, a key tool for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Motion Graphics Artist

Video Editor

A Video Editor combines video clips, images, sound effects, and music to create engaging and coherent video content. Proficiency in editing software, such as Adobe After Effects, is essential for this role to execute creative visions and produce high-quality videos. This course, in particular, provides a solid foundation in After Effects, covering essential concepts like creating compositions, adding and editing text and shapes, and adjusting layer properties. By completing this course, you'll gain the skills needed to use After Effects effectively in video editing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Video Editor

Animator

An Animator creates animated content for films, television shows, and other media. This role requires proficiency in animation software, such as Adobe After Effects, to bring characters and objects to life. This course, in particular, provides a solid foundation in After Effects, covering essential concepts like creating compositions, adding and editing text and shapes, and adjusting layer properties. By completing this course, you'll gain proficiency in After Effects, a key tool for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Animator

Multimedia Artist

A Multimedia Artist creates and combines various forms of media, such as text, images, sound, and animation, to create interactive and engaging multimedia experiences. Proficiency in multimedia software, such as Adobe After Effects, is essential for this role to execute creative visions and produce high-quality multimedia content. This course, in particular, provides a solid foundation in After Effects, covering essential concepts like creating compositions, adding and editing text and shapes, and adjusting layer properties. By completing this course, you'll gain the skills needed to use After Effects effectively in multimedia production.

See salaries and explore the career path for Multimedia Artist

Art Director

An Art Director oversees the visual aspects of a production, such as a film, television show, or other media. This role requires a strong understanding of visual design principles and proficiency in design software, such as Adobe After Effects, to create visually stunning and effective visuals. This course, in particular, provides a solid foundation in After Effects, covering essential concepts like creating compositions, adding and editing text and shapes, and adjusting layer properties. By completing this course, you'll gain the skills needed to use After Effects effectively in art direction.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art Director

Creative Director

A Creative Director oversees the creative vision and execution of a project, such as a film, television show, or other media. This role requires a strong understanding of visual design principles and proficiency in design software, such as Adobe After Effects, to create visually stunning and effective visuals. This course, in particular, provides a solid foundation in After Effects, covering essential concepts like creating compositions, adding and editing text and shapes, and adjusting layer properties. By completing this course, you'll gain the skills needed to use After Effects effectively in creative direction.

See salaries and explore the career path for Creative Director

Graphic designer

A Graphic Designer creates visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. This role requires proficiency in design software, such as Adobe After Effects, to create visually stunning and effective designs. This course, in particular, provides a solid foundation in After Effects, covering essential concepts like creating compositions, adding and editing text and shapes, and adjusting layer properties. By completing this course, you'll gain the skills needed to use After Effects effectively in graphic design.

See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic designer

User Experience (UX) Designer

A User Experience (UX) Designer designs and evaluates the user experience of products and services, ensuring that they are easy to use and enjoyable to interact with. Proficiency in design software, such as Adobe After Effects, is beneficial for this role to create prototypes and mockups of user interfaces. This course, in particular, provides a solid foundation in After Effects, covering essential concepts like creating compositions, adding and editing text and shapes, and adjusting layer properties. By completing this course, you'll gain the skills needed to use After Effects effectively in UX design.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience (UX) Designer

Web Designer

A Web Designer creates and maintains websites, ensuring that they are visually appealing and easy to use. Proficiency in design software, such as Adobe After Effects, is beneficial for this role to create visually stunning and effective websites. This course, in particular, provides a solid foundation in After Effects, covering essential concepts like creating compositions, adding and editing text and shapes, and adjusting layer properties. By completing this course, you'll gain the skills needed to use After Effects effectively in web design.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Designer

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software applications. Proficiency in programming languages and software development tools is essential for this role. While not directly related to After Effects, this course may be useful for Software Engineers who wish to explore the creative side of software development and create visually appealing user interfaces.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets data to provide insights and inform decision-making. Proficiency in data analysis tools and techniques is essential for this role. While not directly related to After Effects, this course may be useful for Data Analysts who wish to explore the creative side of data visualization and create visually appealing data visualizations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Project Manager

A Project Manager plans, organizes, and executes projects, ensuring that they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. Proficiency in project management tools and techniques is essential for this role. While not directly related to After Effects, this course may be useful for Project Managers who wish to explore the creative side of project management and create visually appealing project plans and presentations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Marketing Manager

A Marketing Manager develops and executes marketing campaigns to promote products and services. Proficiency in marketing principles and techniques is essential for this role. While not directly related to After Effects, this course may be useful for Marketing Managers who wish to explore the creative side of marketing and create visually appealing marketing materials.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager