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Last updated on
Apr 15, 2026
Learn how to use Quick Apply to search for and instantly apply any effect, animation preset, or menu command in After Effects.
Quick Apply overview
Quick Apply in the latest version of After Effects is a simple search box that helps you quickly find any effect, animation preset, or menu command. Everything you need is in one place. Instead of clicking through multiple panels and menus, just type a few letters to see matching results right away. When you find what you’re looking for, select it and apply or run it instantly—whether you’re adding an effect to a layer, applying an animation preset, or choosing a menu command.
Effects
Search by name or category to apply it to the selected layer, or create a new Solid or Adjustment Layer with the effect already applied.
Animation Presets
Search for text presets and other animation presets to apply them to a selected layer, or add them to a new layer or Adjustment layer.
Menu Commands
Search for and run any top-level menu command, including blending modes, installed scripts, and Preferences.
Search and apply using Quick Apply
Select one or more layers to apply the effect, preset, or run a command on specific layers.
You can also create a new layer when applying an effect or animation preset using the Quick Apply dialog box.
Use one of the following ways to open the Quick Apply dialog box:
- In the menu bar, select Edit and then Quick Apply.
- Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Enter (Windows) or Cmd+Return (macOS). You can customize this shortcut in the Keyboard Shortcuts settings.
- Use the Quick Apply icon in the Timeline panel.
When the dialog opens, the search box is automatically active, so you can start typing your search right away.
Use the search bar to find items by name, menu, or category. Results update as you type.
If you want to choose which result categories appear in your search, use the Settings icon and select from the following:
- Effects
- Menu Commands
- Animation Presets
You can also refine your search by typing one of the following at the beginning:
- e: Show only effects
- p: Show only presets
- m: Show only menu commands
Tip
You can enable the Show dialog at cursor location option if you want the Quick Apply dialog to appear next to your cursor. If this is not enabled, the dialog box opens in its last used location.
Select an item from the list, then press Enter, select Apply/Run next to the selected result, or double-click it to apply or run it.
When you apply effects or presets, or run menu commands, you can apply them to the selected layer(s), create a new layer, or add them as an adjustment layer.
You can also use modifiers when applying effects or presets from the Quick Apply dialog. When an effect or preset is selected, the available modifier options appear as hints at the bottom of the dialog.
- Hold Ctrl (Windows) / Cmd (macOS) and press Enter to create a new solid or layer with the effect or preset applied.
- Hold Ctrl+Alt (Windows) / Cmd+Option (macOS) and press Enter to create a new adjustment layer.
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Animate characters and illustrations, add motion to text, and more.
