Topics:

Overview of the interface

• Understanding compositions and layers
• Importing assets into  After Effects
  
  

Basic Animation Techniques:

• Creating keyframes to animate properties
• Adjusting motion paths and easing
• Understanding the Graph Editor for fine-tuning animations
  
  

Working with Text:

• Creating and formatting text layers
• Animating text using presets and keyframes
• Applying text animations for dynamic titles and lower thirds
  
  

Adding Visual Effects:

• Applying effects to layers
• Exploring the Effects & Presets panel
• Using adjustment layers for non-destructive effects
  
  

Working with Masks:

• Creating and editing masks
• Using masks for selective adjustments and effects
• Animating masks for revealing or concealing portions of a layer
  
  

Introduction to 3D Space:

• Working with 3D layers and cameras
• Understanding depth and perspective in After Effects
• Creating simple 3D animations and effects
  
  

Understanding Parenting and Expressions:

• Using parenting to link and control layers
• Introduction to basic expressions for automation
• Applying wiggle expressions for organic motion
  
  

Rendering and Exporting:

• Setting up render settings and output modules
• Exporting compositions to various formats and codecs
• Optimizing settings for different platforms and delivery methods
  
  

Animation Fundamentals:

• Understanding keyframes and easing
• Timing and spacing principles
• Basic animation exercises (e.g., bouncing ball, character walk cycle)
  
  

Text Animation:

• Creating dynamic text animations using presets
• Animating text properties (position, scale, rotation, opacity)
• Adding text effects and transitions to enhance storytelling
  
  

Visual Effects Techniques:

• Exploring common visual effects (e.g., blurs, glows, color correction)
• Creating particle effects and simulations
• Integrating effects seamlessly into compositions
  
  

Motion Graphics Design:

• Design principles for motion graphics
• Creating animated logos, lower thirds, and title sequences
• Incorporating shape layers and graphic elements into animations
  
  

Compositing Skills:

• Working with green screen footage and keying
• Integrating 3D elements into 2D compositions
• Enhancing composites with blending modes and effects
  
  

Motion Tracking and Stabilization:

• Tracking motion in footage
• Stabilizing shaky footage
• Applying tracked data to elements in the scene