Learn to adjust custom views and camera settings using the View menu, whether through a camera layer, active camera, or custom view.
In 3D compositions or when using 3D-enabled layers, you can view the scene through camera layers, which can be customized and animated with keyframes. Without a camera layer, you can still navigate the 3D space using the Orbit, Pan, and Dolly tools in the Composition panel, utilizing the hidden Default Camera view.
When camera layers are present, After Effects uses the Active Camera view to show what the topmost enabled camera sees. If no camera layers are present, the composition automatically uses the Default Camera view, or other currently selected camera view (such as the Custom Views).
In the latest version, you can now adjust the Default Camera settings or any other camera view currently selected in the Composition panel view menu. The default camera can be explicitly selected even when other cameras are present in the composition.
You can now adjust the Default Camera settings using the following methods, in addition to the options available in the 3D View menu:
- Layer > Camera > Default Camera Settings
- View > Default Camera Settings
- Right-click the layer in the Timeline panel > Camera > Default Camera Settings
- 3D View menu in the Composition panel > Default Camera Settings.
Not all camera views are editable. You can only modify the default camera and custom views. Standard views like Top, Left, Right, and Bottom are orthogonal camera views and cannot have their camera settings modified.
If you're using multiple camera layers, After Effects helps you keep track of which camera you’re working with. When accessing camera settings using the View or Layer menus, the menu displays the camera layer’s name, making it clear which one is being edited or affected.
After Effects also avoids repeating the word “Camera” if it's already part of the layer name. This naming style makes menus easier to read and use, especially in complex projects with lots of layers and compositions.
For example:
- A camera named Shotcam will show as Shotcam Camera Settings.
- A camera named Shotcamera will display as Shotcamera Settings.
The same naming rule applies to Light, Solid, and Model layers as well.
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