Adobe After Effects
Overview
This course introduces new users to motion graphics and visual effects for film, video, multimedia, and the Web. This two-day course will get you started using Adobe After Effects powerful tools for creating a wide range of visual and audio effects.
Please note you will need to bring your own Creative Cloud login.
Who should attend
People who want to get started using Adobe After Effects, the industry-standard motion graphics and visual effects software.
Prerequisites
Prior experience with Photoshop and a video editing application such as Premiere Pro is recommended. A log-in will be required for Creative Cloud.
What you'll learn
Digital video basics
After Effects user interface
Media management
Layers
Importing and Using Vector Graphics
Keyframes
Text in Your Project
Using Masks
Subject Isolation and Rotoscoping
Effect basics
Colour Grading
Tracking
3D in After Effects
Rendering and Exporting
Course content
Lesson 1: Digital video basics
- System Requirements
- Frame rate and resolution
- Understanding storage space
- Motion graphics
Lesson 2: After Effects user interface
- Creating a project
- Using the After Effects panel system
- Organising the project window
- Using the Composition window
- Using the Timeline window
- Ram Preview vs. Standard preview
Lesson 3: Media management
- Managing Media
- Importing media files
- Trimming a video clip
Lesson 4: Layers
- Getting to know layers and their options
- Types of layers
- Creating a layer solid
- Understanding the layer switches
- Using time stretch
- Frame Blending
- Using precomps
Lesson 5: Keyframes
- Animating layer properties
- Using layer parenting to ease repetition
- Understanding motion paths
- Learning the easing principles
- Trim Paths
Lesson 6: Text
- Creating text
- Using the Character and Paragraph palette
- Animating text with keyframes
- Animating text using presets
Lesson 7: Masks
- Creating and Animating Masks
- Tracking Masks
- Using Track matte
Lesson 8: Subject Isolation and Rotoscoping
- Using the new Object Selction and Rotoscope tools
Lesson 9: Effect basics
- Applying an effect
- Animating an effect
- Adjusting Timing and Intensity
- Working with Green Screen
Lesson 10: Colour Grading
- Understanding Lumetri Scopes
- Adjustment Layers
Lesson 11: Tracking
- Motion Tracking
- 3D Camera Tracking
- Content Aware Fill
Lesson 12: 3D in After Effects
- 3D capabilities and limitations
- Creating 3D layers
- Using multiple viewports
- Animating 3D layers
- Creating and using lights
Lesson 13: Rendering and exporting
- Adobe Media Encoder
- The Render Queue
- Adjusting render settings
- Exporting a project file
- Rendering an individual frame
Common questions
When does Adobe After Effects next run?
The next date is Tue, 1 Sept 2026, and there are 5 further dates scheduled. Delivered ACE Training Hamilton, ACE Training Christchurch, ACE Training Wellington, live online. Every date and its format is listed on this page.
How much does Adobe After Effects cost?
From $925 + GST per person. Pricing can differ by date and location, so check the option you want before booking.
Do I need any prior experience?
Prior experience with Photoshop and a video editing application such as Premiere Pro is recommended. A log-in will be required for Creative Cloud.
Can I attend online, or does it have to be in a classroom?
Both. Some dates run live online and others in-class — each date on this page shows its format, so pick whichever suits.
Can you run this course for my team?
Yes. Any ACE course can be delivered in-house at your workplace and tailored to your team's tools and goals — quote course code Adobe-After-Effects when you enquire.