Adobe After Effects CS4 - Manual (Page 165)

159 USING AFTER EFFECTS CS4
Layers and properties
Last updated 12/21/2009
When you apply an effect to a continuously rasterized layer, the results may differ from the results of applying the effect
to a layer without continuous rasterization. This difference in results is because the default rendering order for the
layer changes. The default rendering order for a layer without continuous rasterization is masks, followed by effects,
and then transformations; whereas the default rendering order for a continuously rasterized layer is masks, followed
by transformations, and then effects.
Whether or not you continuously rasterize, if you view and render a composition using Best Quality, After Effects anti-
aliases (smooths) the vector graphics.
You cannot open or interact with a continuously rasterized layer in a Layer panel. A result of this limitation is that you
can’t paint directly on a continuously rasterized layer. However, you can apply the Paint effect, and you can copy and
paste paint strokes from other layers.
Image from imported Illustrator file
A. Original B. Enlarged with Continuously Rasterize switch turned off C. Enlarged with Continuously Rasterize switch turned on
❖ In the Timeline panel, click the layer’s Continuously Rasterize switch , which is the same as the Collapse
Transformations switch for precomposition layers.
More Help topics
“ About vector graphics and raster images ” on page 306
“ Layer switches and columns in the Timeline panel ” on page 154
“ Render order and collapsing transformations ” on page 64
Layer properties
Layer properties in the Timeline panel
Each layer has properties, many of which you can modify and animate. The basic group of properties that every layer
has is the Transform group, which includes Position and Opacity properties. When you add certain features to a
layer—for example, by adding masks or effects, or by converting the layer to a 3D layer—the layer gains additional
properties, collected in property groups.
A
B C