Jump to Frame or Timecode in After Effects

Navigating directly to a specific point on the timeline in Adobe After Effects is essential for precise editing, keyframing, and animation syncing. This guide explains how to quickly jump to exact frame numbers or timecode values using keyboard shortcuts, the Go to Time dialog, and direct timeline inputs.

1. Using the "Go to Time" Shortcut

The fastest way to jump to an exact location is using the dedicated keyboard shortcut:

  1. Press Ctrl + G (Windows) or Cmd + G (macOS) while the Timeline or Composition panel is active.
  2. In the Go to Time dialog box that appears, enter your desired frame number or timecode.
  3. Press Enter or click OK to instantly move the Current Time Indicator (playhead) to that position.

2. Clicking the Current Time Display

You can enter values directly into the timeline interface without using a dialog box:

  1. Locate the Current Time Display in the upper-left corner of the Timeline panel (or the bottom-left corner of the Composition panel).
  2. Click directly on the numerical timecode or frame counter.
  3. Type the target frame number or timecode.
  4. Press Enter to jump to the location.

3. Entering Relative Time Adjustments

Both the "Go to Time" dialog and the Current Time Display support relative navigation using math operators:

  • Move Forward: Type a plus sign followed by a value (e.g., +30 to jump 30 frames forward).
  • Move Backward: Type a minus sign followed by a value (e.g., -15 to jump 15 frames backward).
  • Quick Minutes/Seconds Input: Entering digits separated by periods will translate into timecode segments (e.g., typing 1. jumps to 1 second, typing 1.. jumps to 1 minute).

4. Toggling Between Frames and Timecode

If your timeline is displaying timecode (0:00:00:00) and you prefer frame numbers (or vice versa):

  • Hold Ctrl (Windows) or Cmd (macOS) and click the Current Time Display in the Timeline panel to switch instantly between timecode and absolute frame counts.
  • You can also change this globally under File > Project Settings > Time Display Style.

5. Stepping Frame-by-Frame

For micro-adjustments around a specific point:

  • One frame forward: Press Page Down or Ctrl + Right Arrow (Windows) / Cmd + Right Arrow (macOS).
  • One frame backward: Press Page Up or Ctrl + Left Arrow (Windows) / Cmd + Left Arrow (macOS).
  • Ten frames forward/backward: Add Shift to any of the frame-stepping shortcuts (e.g., Shift + Page Down).