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Creating a new solid layer

    You can create solid images of any color or size (up to 30,000 x 30,000 pixels) using After Effects. After Effects treats solids as it does any other footage item: You can modify the mask, transform properties, and apply effects to the solid layer. If you change settings for a solid that is used by more than one layer, you can apply the changes to all layers that use the solid or to only the single occurrence of the solid. Use solid layers to color a background or create simple graphic images.

    Note: After Effects stores all solids in the Solids folder in the Project window. When you create a solid for the first time, After Effects creates the Solids folder.

To create a solid-color layer:

  1. Do one of the following:
    • To add the layer to the Composition and the Project window, bring the Timeline or Composition window forward, and choose Layer > New > Solid.
    • To add the layer to just the Project window, choose File > Import > Solid.
  2. In the Solid Footage Settings dialog box, type a name for the layer or accept the color-based name supplied.
  3. Under Size, do one of the following:
    • Click the Make Comp Size button to make the layer's dimensions the same as the composition. This option isn't available if you created the layer with the File > Import submenu.
    • Type width and height dimensions for the layer. If necessary, choose a new unit of measurement from the Units pop-up menu, and choose a new pixel aspect ratio from the Pixel Aspect Ratio pop-up menu.
  4. Under Color, set the color of the layer in one of two ways:
    • Use the color picker: Click the color swatch, select the color you want, and click OK.
    • Use any color visible in the After Effects interface: Click the Eyedropper eyedropper , and then click the color you want.
  5. Click OK.

    6. In the Timeline window, you can then drag the new solid layer to any position above or below, as needed.

To change settings for a solid used by more than one layer:

  1. Select a solid layer.
  2. Choose Layer > Solid Settings.
  3. Enter the new settings, and then do one of the following:
    • Select "Affect all layers that use this solid" to apply the changes to all layers that use the solid.
    • Deselect "Affect all layers that use this solid" to create a new solid without applying the change to other layers that use the solid.
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