After Effects On the Spot[c] Time-Saving Tips and Shortcuts from the Pros

Part of the reason beginners pass on blending modes is that they are hard to use if you don't know which one you want. Find an obscure list; scroll down (forever) only to discover you need to pick a different one. There's a much better way to experiment.

1. Highlight the layer or layers you want to blend.

2. Press Shift+= (Shift Plus Equal) to scroll through the list.

3. To move backward, press Shift+ “ (Shift Plus Minus) to return to a passed blending mode.