The canvas

Frames

A frame is an artboard — a composition with its own size, duration and layers. Place as many as you like on the canvas; nest one frame inside another to build reusable components and pre-comps.

Tools

• V Move — select, drag, and transform. Hold ⌘ to scale instead of resize.
• T Text — click for auto-width, or drag a fixed-width box.
• R / O Shapes — rectangles and ellipses with per-corner radius, stars and polygons.
• P Pen — draw Bézier paths; double-click a path to edit its nodes and handles.

Vectors that behave

Shapes and paths carry fills and strokes with solid or gradient paints, dashes, caps and joins. Convert a shape to an editable path, trim a stroke along its length, or morph one path into another over time.

Layers & groups

The layers panel mirrors the canvas: frames contain groups contain layers. One drag reparents or reorders anything. Group layers into unions, masks and composites. Lock or hide any layer to keep a busy comp workable.

Precision & snapping

Smart guides, rulers and draggable guides keep everything aligned. Hold ⇧ while drawing for a perfect square or circle; alignment and distribution tools handle the rest.