# anchor points Anchor points are the point of all transformations made to an object. An Anchor Point is the center point of a rotation or scale. It is the point of movement when anything changes position. It appears whenever an object is selected and looks like a little cross-hair. ![[Pasted image 20221013160429.png]] The anchor point rarely appears in the actual center of your object. It can be aligned to different edges or even be floating outside the object completely. Notice anchor point in the image above is placed to the side of the selected object. Most of the time you will need to move the anchor point to a better position to achieve the transformation effect you want. ## don’t use timeline to move your anchor point In your Timeline there is an adjustable setting for Anchor Point, however it works opposite of what you would expect. Adjusting the X and Y values for Anchor Point will move the objects in relation to the Anchor Point while leaving the Anchor Point fixed in place in the Comp. If you already have animation work built, this will mess that all up. ![[Pasted image 20221013160811.png]] ## use pan behind to move the anchor point To move the Anchor Point while leaving the object untouched, you will use the Pan Behind tool. There is a button in the top bar or you can use the Y key on your keyboard. ![[Pasted image 20221013161341.png]] 1. Simply select your object so the Anchor Point is visible in the Comp 2. Press the Pan Behind button or press Y on the keyboard 3. Move the Anchor point to where you want it 4. Press the Selection Tool on the top bar or press V on your keyboard to exit the tool ## quickly center anchor point to center of content To quickly center the anchor point to the center of the content, you can use the pull-down menus for **Layer > Transform > Center Anchor Point in Layer Content** or use the quick-keys **Ctrl-Alt-Home** on the keyboard. This will automatically move the Anchor Point to the center of the selected object. ![[Pasted image 20221013161741.png]] --- Learn more… - <https://www.schoolofmotion.com/blog/anchor-point-in-after-effects> - <https://www.evercast.us/blog/after-effects-center-anchor-point> - <https://youtu.be/ROI3ZiR_cvI> --- tags: #aftereffects #resources home: [[! after effects]]