Entering values in palettes and dialog boxes

Palettes and dialog boxes let you enter numeric values in a variety of ways.

The following rules apply when entering numeric value in the Paragraph and Character palettes:

• If you enter a unit other than the preset unit in a text box, After Effects converts the value to the set unit. For example, entering "1 inch" in a text box set to pixels converts the value to 72 pixels.
• You can add, subtract, multiply, divide, and define percentages in any text box that accepts numeric values. For example, when specifying the size of a rectangle, you can type 72 pt + 2cm for the height. After Effects performs the calculation and applies the result.
• You can use the following units and abbreviations in text boxes that use pixel units: inch, inches, in, millimeters, millimetres, mm, Qs (one Q equals 0.25 millimeter), centimeters, centimetres, cm, points, p, pt, picas, pc, pixel, pixels, and px.
• When mixing picas and points, you can enter values as XpY, where X and Y are the number of picas and points (for example, 12p6 for 12 picas, 6 points).
• You can use percentages in combination with units. For example, typing 3cm * 50% would equal 3 centimeters multiplied by 50%, or 1.50 cm. Typing 50pt + 25% would equal 50 points plus 25% of 50 points, or 62.5 points.

To enter a value:

Do one of the following:

• Select the current value, and then type a value in the text box. To apply the entry from a palette, press Tab, or the Enter or Return key on your keyboard, or click elsewhere in the palette.
• Click the arrow buttons in the palette to increase or decrease the value.
• (Windows) Select the current value, and then press the Up Arrow key and Down Arrow key on the keyboard to increase or decrease the value.
• Choose a value from the pop-up menu associated with the text box.
• Click the pop-up menu to open it, press the Up Arrow key and Down Arrow key on the keyboard to choose an option; then press Enter.

You can use the Tab key to move between text boxes.