Guide Layers

Guide Layers

Like adjustment layers, guide layers are normal layers with
special status. A guide layer appears in the current composition
but not in any subsequent compositions or the fi nal
render (unless you specifi cally override this functionality in
Render Settings, which kind of defeats the purpose). Common
uses include
. Foreground reference clips
. Temporary backgrounds to check edge transparency
. Text reminders (Specifi c render instructions? Add a
text layer with a bullet-pointed list in the render comp
and set it as a guide layer.)
. Adjustment layers that are used only to check images
(described further in the next chapter); a layer can be
both an adjustment and a guide layer
Any image layer can be made a guide layer either by
context-clicking it or by choosing Guide Layer from the
Layer menu. Within the current comp, you’ll notice no

difference . You can still apply effects to this
layer or have other layers refer to it, and it is fully visible.
Nest this composition in another composition, however,
and the guide layer disappears.