Collapsing transformation properties

The Collapse Transformations/Continuously Rasterize layer switch  in the Timeline window affects nested compositions and Adobe Illustrator files. However, it affects these layers differently.

When the layer source is a composition, this switch acts as the Collapse Transformations switch. Selecting it may improve image quality and decrease viewing and rendering time.

When the layer source is an Adobe Illustrator file, this switch acts as the Continuously Rasterize switch. Selecting this switch causes After Effects to rerasterize the Adobe Illustrator file for each frame, which improves image quality, but also increases the time required for previewing and rendering.

When masks or effects are applied to a nested composition that has the Collapsed Transformations switch set, the layers in that nested composition are first rendered on their own, then masks and effects are applied, and then the result is composited into the main composition. This rendering order means that the blending modes of the nested layers are not applied to any underlying layers in the main composition, and that 3D layers above and below the collapsed layer cannot intersect or cast shadows on one another. (See "Rendering compositions containing both 2D and 3D layers" on page 626.)

To collapse transformations or change the rasterization method for a layer:

Do one of the following:

• In the Timeline window, click the Collapse Transformations/Continuously Rasterize switch.
• Select a layer, choose Layer > Switches, and make sure that the Collapse command is selected (to turn it on), or deselected (to turn it off).