FilmActions

After Effects

Pre-Compose Layers Shortcut in After Effects

Ctrl
Shift
C
What It Does

Groups selected layers into a new nested composition, cleaning up your timeline and allowing global effects.

Pro Workflow Insight

Pre-composing is the foundational architecture of After Effects. It keeps complex VFX projects organized and is strictly required for applying track mattes or complex effects to multiple layers simultaneously.

Step-by-Step

Select multiple layers in your timeline and press Ctrl + Shift + C (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + C (Mac). A prompt will ask you to name your new composition and choose whether to move all attributes.

Time Saved

30s per

Estimated time saved with each use of this shortcut.


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