"Motion graphics" is the animating of digital images to create new looks, sophisticated special effects, and network logos. "Adobe After Effects" is the leading software application for creating motion graphics. From animating background images to creating film-style title sequences, "After Effects" does it all. This color-packed book reveals expert techniques for creating compelling motion graphics. Step-by-step tutorials demonstrate the concepts, processes and technical details of the latest version of "After Effects". A new lesson has been added to serve as an introduction and tour of the program for new users. The companion CD includes all materials needed to complete the tutorial assignments and projects, as well as a trial version of the "After Effects" application. Novice "After Effects" users and a reference for advanced users seeking to learn about new features of the latest application version. From the contents: Part 1: Getting Started: Animation Ch 1 A Guided Tour Ch 2 How After Effects Thinks Ch 3 Creating a Composition Ch 4 A Matter of Time and Space Ch 5 A Trio of Transformations Ch 6 The Anchor Point Part 2: Managing Layers Ch 7 The Layer Essentials Ch 8 Trimming the Fat Ch 9 Stretch, Reverse, Blend, Blur, and Posterize Time Part 3: Working in 3D Ch 10 An Introduction to 3D Space Ch 11 Cameras Ch 12 LightsPart 4: Modes, Masks, and Mattes Ch 13 Transfer Modes Ch 14 All About Masking Ch 15 All About Track Mattes Ch 16 Stencils and the "T" Part 5: Building Hierarchies Ch 17 Nesting Compositions Ch 18 Precomposing Ch 19 Collapsing Transformations Ch 20 Basic Parenting Skills Part 6: Effects: The Basics Ch 21 Applying Effects Ch 22 Managing Effects Ch 23 Adjustment Layers Part 7: Illustrator and Photoshop Basics Ch 24 Inside Illustrator Ch 25 Working with Illustrator Files Ch 26 Working with Photoshop Files Part 8: Express Yourself Ch 27 Expressions Made Easy Part 9: Ins, Outs, and Preferences Ch 28 State Your Preference Ch 29 Customs and Immigration Ch 30 Interpret Footage Ch 31 Join the Queue