Apply filters and motion effects to video layers

Last updated on Oct 9, 2026

Learn how to use Smart Objects and motion presets to add adjustable effects and automated animations to video content in Adobe Photoshop.

Converting video layers to Smart Objects lets you apply filters non-destructively, preserving your original footage while keeping settings adjustable. Motion presets automate Pan, Zoom, and Rotate animations using Transform keyframes.
Before you begin

Ensure the Timeline panel (Window > Timeline) and Layers panel (Window > Layers) are open and visible.

Apply Smart Filters to video layers

Select the video layer in the Timeline panel or Layers panel.

Select Layer > Smart Objects > Convert to Smart Object.

Select Filter from the menu bar and then select any filter from the available categories.

Adjust the filter settings in the dialog box and select OK to apply.

The filter appears as a Smart Filter in the Layers panel below the video layer and affects all frames uniformly.

Smart Filters are part of a nondestructive editing workflow. To readjust Smart Filter settings, double-click the filter name in the Smart Filters list beneath your video layer.

Apply motion presets to clips

Motion presets automatically create Transform keyframes that define the animation path.

Right-click a text layer, still image, or Smart Object clip in the Timeline panel.

Select a motion preset from the context menu: Pan & Zoom, Pan, Zoom, Rotate, or Rotate & Zoom.

Drag the Transform keyframes in the Timeline panel to adjust timing and refine the motion effect.

For more complex motion effects, convert your clip to a Smart Object and manually create Transform keyframes using the Free Transform tool. You can edit video clips and audio in the Timeline to perform basic Timeline editing tasks.