Understanding Null Objects

In this tutorial, we learn about Null Objects: invisible objects that can have keyframe data applied to them. Null Objects are powerful "blanks" that allow us to parent layers and cameras in a way that allows the Null to become a controller of sorts. Let's dive in!
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[@aatox]

Thanks a lot! As someone who has been playing around in After Effects for years, but stuck in certain once-learned-ages-ago-routines, this simple demonstration just made a big difference!

[@itsalantime]

I'm stoked to hear that! Never easy to break those 'once-learned-ages-ago' routines. Glad you found it helpful!

[@aatox]

@@itsalantime I can tell you, haha! I still do some things in Photoshop that I learned like in 1994... I DO know there are much easier ways, clever shortcuts, newer methods, but you know... :D

[@vemprite5698]

SUPER HELPFUL keep up the good work

[@dhirajrajput2634]

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[@lvrq]

amazingly created video, Using this 3 years later and it really went over what i needed to know very effectively step by step as a complete beginner. Thanks a ton.

[@Hartz_Art]

I just got excited like a villain who discovered a full proof plan!!!!! Manically!!!! THIS IS THE BEST TUTORIAL EVER!!!!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Hartz_Art]

Fool*

[@mylonad]

You are soooo crystal clear! I love the way you explain, with no rush and so easy to understand. Thank so much again and again!

[@itsalantime]

Yay! You’re welcome. Hope it helps you create some great things!

[@mcking44]

best after effects tutorials on yt!

[@therealmotormouth]

How your videos don't have more views is beyond me. Literally one of the best instructors I have ever heard on a video and it helps you aren't annoying to listen to either. lol Thanks for making these!!

[@itsalantime]

Hah! I do try very hard not to be annoying 😂 Glad you enjoyed them and I appreciate the kind feedback!

[@tjrgns01]

The pace and method of explanation for each feature is so great. Easy to follow along and as a beginner, so helpful. Thank you!

[@itsalantime]

Thanks for the comment! Stoked it was helpful for you - happy creating!

[@EdHohlbein]

Another GREAT one! Exactly what I needed.

[@dsanti984]

Very informative and to the point, thank you!

[@andy0245]

Thank you! Your explanation was excellent - such a great tutorial

[@xiaobingsong8346]

Thanks a lot! Nice tutorial!

[@obv_design9310]

Excitement helpful tutorial, thank you!

[@filmfoxwell]

Great video to follow man!

[@frafilipoart4082]

Just what I was looking for. Instant subscribe 😊

[@esthervandijk8016]

Thank you! I love your tutorials, because you explain so well WHY things work like they do. So I can really understand the logic of it and apply things in my own projects. Great teacher!

[@itsalantime]

Thank you! The ‘why’ is SO important when trying to problem solve a creative project. It’s something a lot of tutorials leave out. Glad it helped!

[@WatermanSurin]

you explained this really well. Thank you

[@kevin_m]

Thank you! Great tutorial!

[@fienpham]

Very helpful. Thank you very much.

[@jeffmayer2892]

great video, thanks!

[@vemprite5698]

Earned a new sub keep it up alot of tutorials dont ACTUALLY explain it like you did. clean, clear easy to understand

[@itsalantime]

Thank you! Glad you found it helpful. Happy creating!

[@omuricedabest]

This is so helpful! A really good tutorial for a newbie like me!

[@gianniroden8155]

Thanks for these clear and simple tutorials. They are a great help.

[@itsalantime]

Thrilled to hear it! Thanks for the comment and for watching 🙏🏻

[@garyquintrell4878]

You explain things very well thankyou....

[@mohdtaufiq3316]

Thanks for the awesome tutorial. I find all your videos really informative compared to others that I listen to. Keep up the good work!! You deserve more subscription 👍

[@itsalantime]

I appreciate that 🙏🏻 Thanks for watching!

[@RealWatchThis]

THX FOR THE INFO!!! FIXED THE PROBLEM I WAS HAVING!!!

[@richardbarclay9095]

This is fantastic, easy to follow, clear, and informative.

[@itsalantime]

Thank you! Hope it helped you create something rad!

[@Trayce323]

Such a great tutorial. You are a fantastic teacher, thank you so much!

[@itsalantime]

Thanks for the comment! Glad it helped!

[@laythtbailehtoro295]

LEGEND! Thank you so much!

[@eclairodelune]

omg this is literal gold. i kept on thinking why null is needed when we have precompose, and u answered my question. u got a new subscriber, thank u so much!

[@itsalantime]

Yay! Nulls are awesome so I’m glad it helped clarify some things. Happy creating!

[@fatherlitmas9245]

Thank you so much for this! Been struggling with camera control for days trying to figure it out, other tutorials I found didn't explain it in the way you did that really cleared it all up for me! I've subbed and will continue to watch your tutorials.. keep up the good work bud!

[@itsalantime]

I’m stoked you found this helpful! Nothing better than having it finally make sense. Thanks for the sub. More content to come!

[@lastyhopper2792]

haha, for real... They didn't explain how camera work. I've never used a camera my whole life

[@xtothebeatyallx]

these are great tutorials, thank you for your time!

[@itsalantime]

Thank you for saying so! Hope they help you create come great content.

[@kamlaw141]

Sir, you are amazing! It’s like a fog has come off and I now understand null objects. Thank you!!

[@Mujtabahassan1]

made simple, easy and clear. thanks

[@unlocvisual292]

Really clear explanation 👍

[@jesuismt17]

Very helpful!

[@pacosilva2868]

Bravo and thank you so much! I love the way you explain things. You got a new subscriber!

[@itsalantime]

Welcome! Glad it was helpful 🙏🏻

[@berka6539]

this was so dagonn helpful!! Subbed. Thx.

[@itsalantime]

🔥🔥🔥🙏🏻 You’re welcome!

[@melissal7984]

Thank-you for making this easy to understand!

[@itsalantime]

You’re welcome! Thank you for the comment ☺️

[@pallaviekbote]

Thanks for simple explanation 😊

[@thomaswindfeld728]

Awesome!

[@amitai97]

Great tutorial, thank you very much!

[@itsalantime]

Thank you! I'm glad it helped!

[@habohuang2131]

请继续, you are a great teacher ！！！

[@ksdd9464]

Ummm this was the most helpful video EVER!! Thank you for sharing!!!

[@itsalantime]

Thanks for the comment - glad it helped! Happy creating!

[@johnalmighty]

Thank you for these tutorials man

[@itsalantime]

Absolutely! Thanks for watching them 🙏🏻

[@wolfreicherter748]

that was really good introduction and explanation of why how and what is possible. Cheers mate

[@itsalantime]

Thank you Wolf! Hope it helps you create some great content.

[@Nadunnu]

Keep doing this man, you are a great teacher ! you deserve more subs (Y)

[@itsalantime]

Thanks Nadun!

[@healthyfood661]

most useful AE tutorial, thanks for saving my work!

[@itsalantime]

Glad it helped!

[@lakhanmishra8480]

Wow! Thanks a lot.. You helped me save a lot time using the camera tool. Thanks again

[@itsalantime]

Glad it helped! Happy animating!

[@coloredelloceano]

thanks very clear

[@richochet]

You are a brilliant teacher subbed! Thanks

[@itsalantime]

🎉🙏🏻

[@juliahe8613]

非常受用，感谢!

[@itsalantime]

Glad it was useful!

[@alanproduction910]

Thank You!

[@emerlander]

The camera thing was very new for me. Thanks a lot!

[@itsalantime]

You’re welcome! Hope you have some fun working with cameras - they’re rad 🤙🏻

[@skydmnq]

very clear! thank you very much for this sir!

[@itsalantime]

Thanks for watching!

[@tommyowen529]

Damn you’re good at explaining things. Now I’m gonna see if you have any paid tutorials. If yes, I’m buying. Gracious. 👍🏼

[@linayesmin]

That is so helpful. Thank you so much.

[@itsalantime]

I’m so glad! Null objects can be intimidating but they are so useful!

[@armando.visuals]

THANK YOU SOOO MUCH!!!! Seriously

[@ausdoug974]

Brilliant explanation. Thank you.

[@itsalantime]

Thank you so much!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻 I hope it helps you create some cool content @ausdoug974

[@iHELPERforPC]

U need more views man, so much good information!!!!

[@itsalantime]

Thank you! I appreciate that!

[@lucaspraxi3361]

THANKS A LOT!!!

[@Oktane28]

Thanks maaan, this totally improves my parcial projet for tomorrow jujuuu. Just got subscribed to show the respect you deserve!! Greetings from Perú

[@itsalantime]

🙏🏻 much thanks! Glad it came in handy for your project! Happy creating!

[@coolthonix]

thank u!

[@akashthombare2448]

Great explanation..!!!

[@itsalantime]

Glad it helped!

[@omw9965]

The way you explain things is just clear, can't say the same for other teachers. Thanks.

[@itsalantime]

I appreciate that! Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@Asmith3]

very good tutorial

[@dixieechann]

Fantastic tutorial

[@itsalantime]

Much thanks! 🙏🏻

[@bobbystarks4180]

Underrated channel for sure. Keep up with these

[@itsalantime]

Much appreciated! 🙏🏻

[@hurtcloud1693]

even if this is 2 years later i really think this tutorial was helpfull yo earned you self a sub

[@itsalantime]

Much thanks! Only a year old - you scared me for a second 😅

[@clydehearst708]

Sehr gutes tutorial...

[@salaheddine2930]

you are a top tier teacher. thank you

[@itsalantime]

Thank YOU! 🙏🏻

[@aaronrodrigues9194]

Thank you sir

[@SaturdayAdventures]

I am a total beginner just getting into this program, and I was still able to understand everything. Excellent work.

[@itsalantime]

I’m glad! Happy creating!

[@davidxiaopingxu]

Thank you very much!

[@itsalantime]

You’re welcome!

[@WujekCameyz]

damn, best tut ever!!

[@ARCReviews]

Fantastic. As a beginner, I'd always thought that null objects were redundant. Nope: they *decrease* redundancy, and this video helped so much to explain why.

[@itsalantime]

So glad it helped! Null objects are amazing - I hope they help you create some rad stuff!

[@tariqalexanderwaheed476]

Honestly I stumbled over you Channel out of luck. I was browsing through many many different AE tutorials. I started to watch a couple of yours and what can I say….I‘M HOOKED to you channel now😃 All the stuff I need in the for me most perfectly explained way. Thank you very much

[@itsalantime]

I appreciate the support and welcome to the channel. I hope it helps you create some great content! Lemme know if you have any questions in the comments.

[@tariqalexanderwaheed476]

@@itsalantime thanks I will

[@vfxtoma7616]

Thank you so much!!

[@itsalantime]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@olegarioguedes6973]

Excellent is the less I can say. Thanks.

[@deyurus]

ty sir

[@santoshgujar5237]

Thank you, Sir

[@itsalantime]

Thank you for watching!

[@monezweminn807]

This channel deserves millions of subscribers.

[@itsalantime]

🙏

[@Vaporwave2099]

Excellent tutorial! Is there any way to automatically center the NULL object contained within a 3D object?

[@runeverland4927]

Nice one m8!

[@itsalantime]

Thanks! 🙏🏻

[@gellertmarosvari2852]

you deserve a lot more attention

[@itsalantime]

Thank you! 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@aatox]

I agree!

[@bokweej1383]

thank you bruh

[@itsalantime]

I gotchu bro

[@napynap]

I've been saved from prematurely precomping! @6:37🙂

[@itsalantime]

My job here is done 🫡

[@Key-dt1yj]

nice

[@banglord7975]

reealy cool

[@meerata1249]

great informative video mate thank you therein, null object could be replace of solid object . I think solid object good when you need work on surface because I am confused between these commands .

[@itsalantime]

I think it’s all preference and use-case. In some instances, I could see a 3D solid being helpful, especially when trying to visualize a surface. I just got comfortable using nulls!

[@meerata1249]

@@itsalantime Thank you fellows 💜💜

[@VOTECHGURU]

Subbed. Total no brainer.

[@itsalantime]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@akashthombare2448]

Your channel is very underrated..

[@itsalantime]

We will see what the future holds I guess!

[@AmritSingh-sc7fr]

Sir, how can we centre the null to 3D bunch of cubes (e.g. Rubik's Cube)?

[@Simo997]

Hii, I always used null objects but I never felt the need to use the 3D camera tool (even though I use 3D a lot, adding the null object for more layers), could you please explain me why and when I'd use the camera tool?

[@itsalantime]

HI Simona, thanks for the comment. The why and when of cameras and nulls can be pretty subjective. I tend to add cameras when doing more movement through a scene. If I am just working with motion elements (like kinetic typography or the like), nulls do the job just fine. I do have an entire tutorial dedicated to cameras in After Effects if you want to check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o16kinp4grNgiMU

[@TonyStark-ws7jm]

just wow

[@itsalantime]

🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@netflixcinephile]

when I connect my created shapes with null all of the object disappear. what should I do or there are settings to configure?

[@itsalantime]

Hm, are your layers 3D? Is your Null 3D?

[@vitorhugoandrade6965]

👏👏👏

[@deathfellow6737]

Couldnt you do the same to 7 rectangles with pre-compose option ?

[@itsalantime]

You totally could but then each time you want to keyframe the rectangles, you’d have to open the precomp and do it there, which is burdensome. Always good practice not to precomp if you don’t have to.

[@deathfellow6737]

@@itsalantime thanks mate

[@cheyennemaya5299]

So if using a null object helps with being able to control your camera around a focal point, wouldn’t that be the same thing as using a 2 node camera? What would be the difference between using a null with a 1 node camera and just using a 2 node?

[@itsalantime]

If you want to orient towards a point of interest, then a 2 node camera will do just fine. But the moment you need more that one movement and/or to move around different objects you need a 'rig' of sorts that has to involve a Null object (either one you make yourself, like I show here, or using a built-in Orbit Null).

[@passion_proh-jects]

So using a null object to which elements are parented, is similar to pre-composing all blocks into a layer? ps What are your thoughts on using Void plugin?

[@itsalantime]

It is similar but so much better than pre-composing since you don’t have to open new comp tabs or constrain the boundaries of the layers themselves (like precomping them does). Never heard of the Void plug-in! I’ll have to look into it.

[@passion_proh-jects]

@@itsalantime Void replaces nulls, solids and adjustment layers (Jake In Motion), but I've never managed to make it work in a way that is actually useful... so at least we can say: I'm consistent...but hey, if it's free, I'll take 2.

[@Ayman_youtube]

When i parent any thing to the null object it disappear can you help me please I'm stuck in my project with this problem

[@itsalantime]

Are you working with 3D layers?

[@Ayman_youtube]

I solved the problem, I was using track mate instead of parent & link , I'm still a beginner so I didn't notice it