Master Time Control in After Effects 2025
Are your layers resisting duration adjustments in AE 2025? Discover professional solutions for common time extension issues, keyframe handling, and composition settings.
"In motion graphics, controlling time is as crucial as mastering layers" — Senior motion graphics artist
1. Quick Diagnosis of Issues
Common Causes:
| Symptom | Probable Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Layer won't extend | Composition limit | Extend global duration |
| Keyframes won't move | Layer locked | Unlock (lock icon) |
| Footage cut off | Source duration limited | Reinterpret footage |
2. Step-by-Step Solutions
Method 1: Adjust Composition
- Go to Composition > Composition Settings
- Modify Duration (Format: 00:00:00:00)
- Verify that Advance 1 frame works at the end
Method 2: Free Keyframes
- Select problematic layer
- Press U to reveal keyframes
- Drag final keyframes or use:
- Alt+] to trim to playhead
- Ctrl+Alt+click to remove limits
3. Advanced Techniques 2025
New Features for Time Management:
Smart Remapping
- Right-click on layer
- Time > Time Remapping
- Extend speed curve
Interpreted Footage
- Select source in Project
- Interpret Footage > Main
- Adjust loop duration
Workflow Checklist
- ✅ Precompositions: Check nested duration
- ✅ 3D Layers: Adjust camera/light times
- ✅ Expressions: Review time-dependent ones
- ✅ Render/Replace: For problematic files
On foro3d you'll find templates with preconfigured times. Because we've all had that keyframe hiding in frame 10,000. ⏱️
Advanced Troubleshooting
- Rebellious Precompositions: Apply "Collapse Transformations"
- Parent/Child Layers: Check temporal inheritance
- RAM Issues: Purge cache before adjustments
- Clock Errors: Sync framerate settings
As editors say: "Perfect time doesn't exist... until you hit Ctrl+Z for the twentieth time". Now go and master the timeline like a pro. 🎬