Distribute Layers Evenly in After Effects

Distributing layers evenly across time in Adobe After Effects—commonly referred to as sequencing layers—allows you to create smooth transitions, staggered text animations, or slideshows without manually dragging each layer along the timeline. By setting a uniform duration and utilizing the built-in Sequence Layers assistant, you can space your layers consecutively or with an exact overlap in just a few clicks.

Step 1: Set Layer Duration

To space layers evenly, they must first share the desired display duration:

  1. Select all the layers on your timeline that you want to distribute by holding Shift and clicking the first and last layer.
  2. Move the Current Time Indicator (CTI) to the point where you want the first layer to end (for example, at 2 seconds).
  3. Press Alt + ] (Windows) or Option + ] (Mac) to trim the out-point of all selected layers simultaneously to that specific duration.

Step 2: Select Layers in Sequential Order

After Effects determines sequence order based on the order in which layers are selected, not their vertical stacking order:

  • To sequence layers from top to bottom, click the top layer first, hold Shift, and click the bottom layer.
  • To sequence layers from bottom to top, click the bottom layer first, hold Shift, and click the top layer.
  • For a custom sequence, hold Ctrl (Windows) or Command (Mac) and click each layer in the exact order you want them to appear.

Step 3: Apply the Sequence Layers Command

With the layers selected in your preferred order:

  1. Right-click on any of the selected layers in the timeline.
  2. Hover over Keyframe Assistant and select Sequence Layers.

Step 4: Choose Overlap Settings

A dialogue box will appear with options for how the layers should be positioned:

  • No Overlap (Consecutive): Leave the Overlap checkbox unchecked and click OK. The in-point of each layer will automatically snap to the out-point of the preceding layer, placing them end-to-end.
  • With Overlap (Staggered or Crossfaded): Check the Overlap box. Enter the exact duration (in seconds and frames) that each layer should overlap with the next. Choose a transition style from the dropdown menu, such as Off (simple stagger) or Crossfade Front Layer (automatic opacity fade), and click OK.

Your layers are now evenly distributed across time.