Rotating around an object or layer in After Effects

Rotating around an object or layer in After Effects

Graham Quince April 14, 2025

0 Comments

One of the most frequently asked questions on forums is: how can I smoothly rotate around or orbit another layer?

And the answer is really simple, but that obvious if you are just starting out. In this short tutorial, I take you through the steps twice (it's that quick!)

1) Create a null object

2) Set its position to be the centre ( or center ) of rotation

3) Parent your layer, shape or 3D object to this null layer

4) Position your child where you want the distance from your center of rotation

5) Edit the rotation properties of the null.

Your parented layer, shape or object will now perfectly circle the null. And because you have set any position keyframes, you can go on to move it closer or further away, creating a spiral.

Some contents or functionalities here are not available due to your cookie preferences!

This happens because the functionality/content marked as Google Youtube uses cookies that you choosed to keep disabled. In order to view this content or use this functionality, please enable cookies: click here to open your cookie preferences.

Can't see this video? Click here! If you are in Safari, hover over Safari in your menu, click settings for creativecow.net and toggle the Auto-Play to Allow All Auto-Play .

March 4, 2025Animate 3D Materials in After EffectsSwap textures on 3D models for animated precomps, with only a tiny

February 25, 2025Animate color changes of 3D Objects in After EffectsIt is so cool these days that Adobe After Effects supports 3D

Enjoying the news? Sign up for the Creative COW Newsletter! Sign up for the Creative COW newsletter and get weekly updates on industry news, forum highlights, jobs, inspirational tutorials, tips, burning questions, and more! Receive bulletins from the largest, longest-running community dedicated to supporting professionals working in film, video, and audio.

Enter your email address, and your first and last name below!

-- Sign up: * indicates required

Email Address *

Name

--

LINK:	https://creativecow.net/rotating-around-an-object-or-layer-in-after-ef...
	See more stories from creativecow

More from Creative COW