Position Tool
Move layers in 2D or 3D space. The most fundamental transform property for animation.
Transform
Shortcut: PBeginner4 min readQuick Reference
Position Tool
Adobe After EffectsKeyboard Shortcut
Pkey
Where to Find
Select a layer in the Timeline and press P to reveal Position properties. You can also find it under Transform > Positio
Best Used For
- ▸Moving layers across the screen for animations
- ▸Creating entrance and exit motion paths
- ▸Positioning 3D layers in Z-space for depth
- ▸Animating objects along custom motion paths
Beginner-Friendly⏱ 15-30 minutes to master
Key Settings
Separate Dimensions: X / Y / Z independentUnits: Pixels / PercentSnap: Shift to constrain
Position is the most fundamental animation property in After Effects. Whether you're sliding text across the screen, moving a logo into place, or flying a camera through 3D space, Position controls where your layers go and how they get there. Mastering Position keyframes is the first step to becoming a motion graphics artist.
Where to Find
Select a layer in the Timeline and press P to reveal Position properties. You can also find it under Transform > Position in the layer properties.
How to Use
- Reveal: Press P to show Position keyframes for selected layers
- Adjust: Click and drag the X/Y values to move the layer in 2D space
- 3D: Enable the 3D layer switch to add Z-axis positioning
- Keyframes: Click the stopwatch to animate position changes over time
Pro Tips
- Hold Shift while dragging in the Composition Panel to constrain movement to horizontal or vertical
- Right-click the Position value to add expressions or convert to different units
- Use the "Separate Dimensions" option to animate X and Y independently
- Press Alt+Shift+P to quickly add a position keyframe without revealing the property