How to Learn After Effects

If you are a video editors or graphic professional, you likely know that you will benefit from learning After Effects as it is widely used in the creation of many commercials, broadcast promotions, and online videos but may want to know how to learn After Effects. The most common methods for learning After Effects include classes which are available online or in-person, private training, online training and books. After Effects is used to create visual effects, motion graphics, animation, and for compositing videos. After Effects is used by professional video editors during the post-production process of commercial films and television series. It can also perform some basic functions of an audio editor, media transcoder and non-linear editor, although most editing generally occurs using Adobe Premiere Pro or similar tools that are dedicated to video editing applications.

Public Classes to learn After Effects

Public After Effects classes are available in many major cities and are beneficial for participants who prefer to learn in a traditional classroom environment with greater structure. These classes are generally small-group workshops led by a live instructor in the same classroom. Participants lean After Effects through a series of lectures and practical exercises working on 3D effects, keyframing and output controls. The instructors of the most useful After Effects classes are experienced professionals in the motion graphics industry with backgrounds in film and online media production.

Private After Effects Training

Private After Effects classes are taught for the benefit of either a single individual or a group of people who all work for the same organization. The primary advantage of a private course is that it can be customized to meet the needs of a particular student or organization. This can include working on live projects that are needed for a business. After Effects classes can be taught at locations throughout the country, often the students’ place of business or at an off-site classroom. Private training may also be scheduled based upon the participant’s availability, allowing for greater flexibility with scheduling.

Online After Effects Classes

Online After Effects classes are convenient for those looking to learn After Effects without leaving their home or office. The students for these classes use their computer and an Internet connection to connect to an online classroom with between two and five other students. These small-group classes allow students to follow explanations from the instructor, where they can see their screen, and participate in assigned projects. Online After Effects class participants can also share their own computer screen with the instructor if they have questions or need guidance. Online courses allow students to hear and speak to their instructors in real time to answer questions, or they can communicate with instructors via on-screen chat.

Learning After Effects with Books and Videos

Students who prefer to learn independently can take advantage of the many After Effects books and videos tutorials designed for self-paced learning. These provide opportunities for individuals to learn After Effects on their own through exercises combined with lesson files and either written instructions or on-screen examples.