The new feature of the visual editor for keyboard shortcuts in After Effects CC 2018 is a real game changer for your creative work. You now have the option to customize your keyboard shortcuts not only through a text file but directly within the program visually. The editor is one of the features that can significantly increase efficiency in your workflow. In this guide, you will learn step by step how to use the new editor for your needs and what settings are available to you.
Key Insights
- The visual editor for keyboard shortcuts is now also available in After Effects.
- You can visually customize and individualize keyboard shortcuts.
- The old text editor is still available if you prefer to work with it.
- The editor allows you to easily copy, delete, and modify keyboard shortcuts.
Step-by-Step Guide
Start by opening the visual editor. To do this, navigate to "Edit" in the main menu and select "Keyboard Shortcuts." This step takes you directly to the new editor, which makes it easy to customize your keyboard shortcuts.

Once in the editor, you have the option to view and modify different keyboard shortcuts. You will notice that there are various key colors: purple, gray, and mint. Purple keys are independent of focus, while gray keys only work in active windows. Mint-colored keys indicate combined functions that are more versatile.

If you want to make changes to the mappings, you have two options. You can either work directly in the visual editor or use the old editor to edit the text file. If you are tech-savvy, you can select the "afteres Standard Text" file, which should be familiar to you, to modify your keyboard mappings as you used to.
An advantage of the new visual editor is the ability to easily change the usual keys without having to restart the program. You can immediately see if the changes work and make adjustments as necessary. Additionally, you can always revert to a previous version of your keyboard mapping.
For illustration, you can change specific keys by clicking on the desired keys in the editor and either renaming them or assigning a new function. This makes customization more intuitive and easier.

Additionally, there are different categories within the editor, such as the project window and the editing window. This makes it easier for you to recognize which functions you want to customize for different areas of work.
When you return to the keyboard mapping, you can confirm whether all changes were successful and continue working. It is important to also use modifier keys like CTRL or ALT to access deeper functionalities.
At the end of your customizations, you should test the new mappings to ensure that everything works as intended. You can do this by creating a new composition and ensuring that your changes also function as you wish in practical use.

The ability to customize keyboard shortcuts opens up new ways for you to make your workflow efficient and implement your creative ideas even faster. You have remarkable options to optimize your working method and get even more out of After Effects.
Summary – The New Visual Editor for Keyboard Shortcuts in After Effects CC 2018
The new visual editor in After Effects CC 2018 offers you powerful options for customizing keyboard shortcuts. With a user-friendly interface, you can design the key mappings to perfectly fit your individual workflow. Use these new features to significantly enhance your efficiency while working in After Effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I open the visual editor for keyboard shortcuts?Navigate to "Edit" and select "Keyboard Shortcuts."
Can I still use the old editor?Yes, you can also use the old editor to directly edit the text files.
Are my changes immediately visible?Yes, the adjustments are immediately visible without needing to restart the program.
What if I want to undo a change?You can reset or delete the function at any time in the editor.
Can I save the settings?Yes, all changes are automatically saved in the appropriate file.