Control Multiple Layers with Null Objects and Parenting

Null objects are invisible control layers. They're the backbone of organized, efficient animation in After Effects — every professional project uses them.

Basic Parenting

1. Create a Null Object: Layer > New > Null Object
2. Select the layers you want to control
3. Use the Pick Whip (spiral icon in Parent column) to drag from each layer to the Null
4. Now the Null controls all parented layers as a group

Why Nulls Instead of Precomps

Nulls let you control groups without losing access to individual layer properties. You can still animate each layer independently while the Null handles global transforms. Precomps hide layers inside a nested comp, making adjustments slower.

Common Null Uses

Camera control: Parent a camera to a Null for smooth orbital moves. Animate the Null's position and rotation instead of the camera directly.

Group movement: Parent all elements of a title card to a single Null. Animate the Null to move, scale, or rotate the entire card as a unit.

Anchor point override: Parent a layer to a Null, then move the Null to where you want the rotation center to be. The layer now rotates around the Null's position.