Discover the new preview feature in After Effects CC 2015

The latest version of After Effects is packed with features that can revolutionize the way you work. In particular, the preview function has undergone a fundamental overhaul, significantly easing your ability to play clips. In this guide, I will show you how to effectively use the new preview function to edit your projects faster and more efficiently.

Key Insights

• The frame preview has been replaced by a direct playback option.
• Adjustments to keyboard shortcuts allow for quick navigation within the clip.
• Loop and playback options are now more user-friendly.
• Audio issues can be avoided with new features.
• The ability to view the preview in different qualities and resolutions.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the New Preview Function

Step 1: Import Clip and Drag to Composition

To get started, you must first import a clip. Drag it into your composition. This will automatically set the composition dimensions.

Step 2: Activate Preview Window

You can open the preview window from the menu. Here you can position the preview according to your needs – whether you want to dock it or keep it floating.

Step 3: Explore Playback Options

In the preview window, you will find various controls. You can now jump between the first and last frames, step forward or backward frame by frame, or hold down the Shift key while previewing to navigate in larger increments.

Step 4: Activate Loop Function

In addition to playback options, you also have the option to set a loop for your preview. Press the "N" key to set the area for the render preview, and the numeric keypad zero to activate the loop.

Step 5: Reset Settings

If you are unhappy with the settings, you have the option to reset all preview options to factory settings. This is especially useful if you get mixed up by mixing settings.

Step 6: Use the Spacebar

The spacebar works differently in the new version. It always starts the preview from the beginning of the currently selected area rather than from the start of the entire clip.

Step 7: Adjust Frame Rate and Playback Quality

If your PC is powerful enough, you can adjust the frame rate to receive real-time preview. If your system's performance is limited, you might also adjust the duration to ensure smooth playback.

Step 8: Set Up Workspace

You can also choose whether to play the preview across the entire workspace or only within the currently selected duration. This gives you flexibility while working on different parts of your project.

Step 9: Masks and Visibility

If you are using masks in your project, you can use the numeric keypad to make these masks visible in the preview. This can greatly help you during editing.

Step 10: Setup for Playback on External Monitors

If you are working with two monitors, you can activate the Mercury Transmit function to display the preview on an external monitor. This helps you maintain an overview while editing on your main monitor.

Step 11: Audio Monitoring

To ensure that the audio does not suffer from the stuttering of the preview, you should enable the function that mutes the audio when a preview does not occur in real-time.

Step 12: Finalizing Preview Adjustments

Once everything is set to your liking, you can now activate the preview in full screen at any time to get the best possible view of your project.

Summary – Successor to Frame Preview: The New Preview Function in After Effects CC 2015

The revamped preview function in After Effects CC 2015 offers you a variety of new possibilities to efficiently edit and present your videos. With direct playback options and optimized keyboard shortcuts, you can now work even faster.