Create a null object
To
assign a parent layer, but keep that layer from being a visible
element in your project, use a null object. A null
object is an invisible layer that has all the properties of a visible
layer so that it can be a parent to any layer in the composition.
Adjust and animate a null object as you would any other layer. You
use the same commands to modify settings for a null object that
you use for a solid-color layer (Layer > Solid Settings).
You can apply Expression Controls effects to null
objects and then use the null object as a control layer for effects
and animations in other layers. For example, when working with a
camera or light layer, create a null object and use an expression
to link the camera or light's Point Of Interest property to the
null layer's Position property. Then, you can animate the Point
Of Interest property by moving the null object. It is often easier
to select and see a null object than it is to select and see the point
of interest.
You can apply Expression Controls effects to null
objects and then use the null object as a control layer for effects
and animations in other layers. For example, when working with a
camera or light layer, create a null object and use an expression
to link the camera or light's Point Of Interest property to the
null layer's Position property. Then, you can animate the Point
Of Interest property by moving the null object. It is often easier
to select and see a null object than it is to select and see the point
of interest.A composition can contain any number of null objects. A null object is visible only in the Composition and Layer panels and appears in the Composition panel as a rectangular outline with layer handles. Effects are not visible on null objects.
Select the Timeline or Composition panel and choose
Layer > New > Null Object.Note: The anchor point of a new null object layer appears
in the upper-left corner of the layer, and the layer is anchored
in the center of the composition at its anchor point. Change the
anchor point as you would for any other layer.
If
a null object is visually distracting in your composition frame,
consider dragging it out of the frame, onto the pasteboard.Guy Chen provides a simple project that demonstrates the animation of several 3D layers arranged as a cube, controlled by a parent null layer: www.adobe.com/go/learn_ae_guy3dcube.
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