Trimming layer footage

You can trim by changing the In and Out points in the Layer window or the Timeline window, depending on what you want to change.

In the Layer window, In and Out points relate to time positions within source files, not the time at which the layer appears in the composition. For example, if you want to show only specific frames of a movie, trim the movie footage in the Layer window. However, if you want to begin the movie at the first frame in the source file and then cut it at some point in the play time, trim the Out point in either the Layer window or the Timeline window.

The numbers below the layer image indicate the In point  and Out point  relative to running the source file, and the duration  (the difference between the In point and the Out point).

In the Timeline window, the In and Out columns tell you at what points in the composition the footage appears. For example, if you want a still image to appear at a specific point in the composition and then disappear again, trim the image In and Out points in the Timeline window.

Note: If the In and Out columns do not appear in the Timeline window, click the Expand/Collapse icon  at the bottom of the Timeline window.

To trim or restore layer footage:

Use one of the following techniques:

• Drag either end of the layer duration bar in the Timeline window.
• Move the current-time indicator in the Layer window to the time at which you want the footage to begin or end, and then click the In  or Out  button to set the In or Out point.

Dragging the Out point of a layer duration bar.

A pale rectangle behind the layer duration bar represents the footage you trimmed.

Move the current-time indicator precisely in either the Layer or Timeline window by choosing View > Go to Time.

Note: If the entire layer duration bar moves when you drag, you've accidentally grabbed the layer itself; choose Edit > Undo Layer Time Change and try again.