While After Effects isn’t the primary tool for audio editing—that’s usually Adobe Audition or Premiere Pro—it still offers straightforward ways to trim your audio clips. Whether you’re matching sound to animation or removing unwanted silent sections, this guide walks you through the process quickly and clearly.
Follow these steps to trim audio directly in After Effects.
Step 1: Import Your Audio Clip
Start by bringing your audio file into your project.
1.Navigate to File > Import > File and choose your audio file.
2.Drag it from the Project panel directly into your timeline.
Your audio will appear as a new layer, ready to edit.
Step 2: Trim Using Handles, Work Area, or Shortcuts
Once your audio is in the timeline, you have a few trimming options:
🅐 Trim with Layer Handles
Click and drag the start or end point of the audio layer inward. This is the easiest way to quickly shorten your clip.
🅑 Use the Work Area
Adjust the light gray Work Area bar above the timeline to mark the section you want to keep.
Go to Composition > Trim Comp to Work Area to remove everything outside that range.
🅒 Keyboard Shortcuts
For more precision, use these handy shortcuts:
●Split Layer:
Ctrl + Shift + D (Win) or Cmd + Shift + D (Mac) – splits the layer at the playhead.
●Trim to Playhead:
Alt + ] (Win) or Option + ] (Mac) – trims everything after the playhead.Shortcuts help you make fast edits without clicking and dragging.
Step 3: Preview and Fine-Tune
Always preview your edits to ensure everything sounds right:
●Press 0 on the numpad for a RAM Preview (includes audio).
●Press the period (.) key for audio-only preview.
●Drag the whole layer left or right to adjust sync.
Use markers (press * on the numpad) to mark key moments in the audio as you play.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change the length of an audio clip in After Effects?
You can drag the ends of the layer on the timeline or use the Work Area method. Go to Composition > Trim Comp to Work Area to permanently cut unwanted parts.
Is there a trim tool in After Effects?
Not exactly—you won’t find a dedicated tool like in Premiere Pro. Instead, use layer handles or the Work Area bar to trim your audio and video layers.
Can I edit audio in After Effects?
You can perform basic edits like trimming, adjusting levels, and adding keyframes for fade-ins or fade-outs. For advanced mixing or effects, consider using Adobe Audition.
How do I trim an imported audio recording?
Drag your recording into the timeline, select the layer, and shorten it by dragging the endpoints. Your original file remains unchanged—edits only apply inside this project.
