Copy Paste Keyframes Between Layers in After Effects

Copying and pasting keyframes between different layers in Adobe After Effects is a fundamental workflow technique that saves time and ensures consistent animation. This guide provides a straightforward walkthrough on transferring keyframe data between identical properties, pasting values across different layer types, and ensuring your animations align correctly on the timeline.

Basic Copy and Paste (Identical Properties)

To copy keyframes from one layer and apply them to the same property on another layer:

  1. Select the Source Keyframes: In the Timeline panel, expand the source layer to reveal the animated property (e.g., Position, Opacity, or Rotation). Click and drag a marquee selection box over the keyframes you want to copy, or click the property name to select all of its keyframes.
  2. Copy the Data: Press Ctrl + C (Windows) or Cmd + C (macOS).
  3. Set the Playhead: Move the Current Time Indicator (CTI) to the exact frame where you want the first pasted keyframe to begin.
  4. Select the Target Layer: Click the destination layer in the timeline. If the target property already exists, select that specific property line.
  5. Paste the Data: Press Ctrl + V (Windows) or Cmd + V (macOS).

Pasting Between Different Properties

After Effects allows you to paste keyframe data between different properties, provided they share the same dimensional values (one-dimensional to one-dimensional, or two-dimensional to two-dimensional).

  • One-Dimensional to One-Dimensional: You can copy keyframes from Opacity (a single percentage value) and paste them directly into Rotation or a single slider control. Select the source keyframes, copy them, highlight the target property name on the second layer, position your CTI, and paste.
  • Mask/Shape Paths to Position: You can convert a vector path into motion data. Select the Path property keyframe, copy it, select the Position property of another layer, and paste. The layer will now follow the path as a motion trajectory.
  • Multi-Dimensional Limitations: You cannot directly paste a multi-dimensional property (like a 2D or 3D Position array with X, Y, and Z values) into a single-dimension property (like Opacity) without separating the dimensions first.

Important Rules for Accurate Pasting

  • The CTI Dictates Placement: Pasted keyframes will always position the first keyframe at the exact location of the Current Time Indicator. Always position your playhead before pasting.
  • Target Selection Determines the Result: If you select the layer name instead of the specific property name before pasting, After Effects will automatically generate the corresponding property if it matches the source. If pasting across different property types, you must explicitly highlight the target property name before pressing paste.
  • Preserving Easing: All temporal easing, spatial interpolation (Bezier curves), and velocity settings applied via the Graph Editor are retained when keyframes are copied and pasted.