Motion
	Creating an animated seamless backdrop	page: 1 2 3

		In Adobe® After Effects®, you can create a layer that repeats seamlessly as it animates across other layers. In this example we'll make layers of clouds move at different speeds across a full moon.

Create a layered Photoshop image. Put each element you want to animate on its own layer. Design each layer so that its left and right edges meet seamlessly when the image is offset (repeated horizontally). Make the image the same size as the After Effects composition. In After Effects, you'll be using the Offset effect to repeat and animate each image horizontally. In the diagram below, the area outlined in pink represents the After Effects composition frame, and the arrow shows how After Effects animates the repeating Photoshop layer behind the composition frame.

Import the Photoshop file into After Effects. Choose File > Import > File, select the Photoshop file, choose Composition from the Import As menu, and click Import. After Effects imports the layered Photoshop file as a layered composition in the Project window, along with a folder of the individual footage items that make up the composition's layers. Double-click the composition in the Project window to open the Timeline and Composition windows containing the Photoshop layers.

Adjust the duration of your composition. Choose Composition > Composition Settings. Change the Duration to the desired amount, and then click OK. This example project is 30 seconds. This is a good time to check the composition's frame rate. This project has a frame rate of 30 frames per second.

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