Synchronising to Music After Effects Ep37/48 [Adobe After Effects for Beginners]

Summary

This tutorial from a beginner's guide to Adobe After Effects demonstrates how to synchronize a video presentation with music. The instructor shares a step-by-step technique for aligning video edits with an audio track, starting with listening and visualizing sections of the music, identifying structural cues, and marking the track. The process includes downloading a free audio file from the YouTube library, placing markers on the timeline, and adjusting them to match music changes, ultimately structuring the video presentation to flow seamlessly with the background track.

Takeaways

• 🎥 The tutorial focuses on teaching how to synchronize a video presentation to music using Adobe After Effects.
• 🔊 The instructor emphasizes the importance of establishing a connection between the visual elements and the audio track in a video.
• 🎼 The process involves listening to the music track, identifying sections, and marking them to structure the video presentation accordingly.
• 📑 The script mentions a project plan and timeline that outline the different sections of the video presentation.
• 🎵 A music file from the YouTube audio library called 'Roll and Drop' is used as the background track for the tutorial.
• 📝 The instructor suggests using a paper and pen to mark timecodes and listen for structural cues in the music track.
• 📍 Markers are placed on the After Effects timeline to match the audio markers and help in editing the video to the music.
• 🖥️ The tutorial includes a step-by-step guide on how to import the audio file and place it in the After Effects composition.
• ✂️ The process of editing the video along the audio track can be complicated, and the instructor shares a technique to make it easier.
• 📹 The tutorial covers topics such as working with audio in After Effects, listening for audio cues, planning structure around music, and synchronizing a presentation to music.
• 💻 The audience is encouraged to download the project folder for a full learning experience, which includes exercise documents and resources.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the 37th video in the Beginner's guide to Adobe After Effects?

The main topic of the 37th video is demonstrating how to synchronize a video presentation to music in Adobe After Effects.

What is the common approach to using audio in videos according to the video script?

The common approach to using audio in videos is to simply play it in the background without a real connection between the visual and the audio.

What technique does the tutorial suggest for editing a clip along an audio track?

The tutorial suggests a technique that includes listening to the track, visualizing parts to section on the track, listening for structural cues, and marking the track, followed by placing sections on the timeline.

What was the outcome of the previous episode in the tutorial series?

In the previous episode, the introduction section of the video presentation was completed by animating the last frame, which was the British flag.

What is the importance of structuring a video presentation to a background track?

Structuring a video presentation to a background track helps to synchronize the visual elements with the audio, creating a more engaging and cohesive viewing experience.

What are the steps involved in the process of synchronizing audio around a music track as described in the script?

The steps are: 1) Listen to the track, 2) Visualize the parts needed to section on the track, 3) Listen for structural cues and mark the track, and 4) Place sections on the timeline.

What is the name of the audio file used in the tutorial from the YouTube audio library?

The audio file used in the tutorial is called 'Roll and Drop'.

How many sections were initially planned for the presentation according to the project plan?

The presentation was initially planned to have seven sections.

What is the method used in the tutorial to identify potential markers on the music track?

The method involves listening to the track repeatedly and placing markers at points where the music changes or has significant structural cues.

How does the tutorial suggest placing markers on the After Effects timeline to match audio markers?

Markers are placed on the After Effects timeline by typing in the specific timecode and dragging the marker to the desired position while holding shift to snap it to the time indicator.

What is the next step in the tutorial after establishing the timeline structure?

The next step is to build up the layer in After Effects for the next section, Hyde Park, create a video sequence, and then animate the type to appear on top.

Outlines

00:00

🎥 Introduction to Synchronizing Video with Music

The script begins with an introduction to the 37th tutorial in a series on Adobe After Effects, focusing on how to synchronize a video presentation with music. The narrator explains that while audio is often played in the background without connection to the visuals, this tutorial will cover editing a video to match the rhythm and beats of a music track. A technique the narrator often uses is shared, aiming to simplify the process. The previous episode concluded with an animation of a British flag, and the current episode will consider structuring the presentation to align with a background track. The topics for this video include working with audio, listening for audio cues, planning the structure around music, and synchronizing the presentation to music. The tutorial encourages downloading the project folder for a comprehensive learning experience, which includes exercise documents, videos, graphics, and images for creating a video presentation from scratch.

05:10

🎼 Planning and Structuring Video Sections with Music

This paragraph delves into the process of planning how to break up the music track to fit various sequences of the video presentation. The narrator guides the audience through familiarizing themselves with the track, 'Roll and Drop' from the YouTube audio library, and suggests listening to it multiple times. The tutorial then moves on to visualize the parts of the track that will correspond to different sections of the presentation, initially planned to have seven sections according to a project plan. The script describes a four-step process for synchronizing audio with a music track: listening to the track, visualizing necessary sections, listening for structural cues, and marking the track. The audience is instructed to listen for changes in the music that can act as cues for placing sections, and the tutorial provides a practical demonstration of how to identify and place these markers within the audio track.

10:12

📍 Marking the Timeline to Align with Music Cues

The script continues with the practical application of placing markers on the timeline to correspond with the music cues identified in the previous paragraph. The narrator demonstrates how to import the audio file into After Effects and organize it within the project. The process of adding markers to the timeline is detailed, with instructions on how to place them accurately at specific timecodes to match the changes in the music track. The tutorial emphasizes the importance of adjusting these markers to ensure they align perfectly with the music changes, using the preview function to check the synchronization. The goal is to establish a clear timeline structure that will guide the editing and production of the video presentation in harmony with the music.

15:14

🎬 Finalizing Marker Placement and Preparing to Edit

In the final paragraph, the script describes the process of fine-tuning the placement of the timeline markers to ensure they are perfectly synchronized with the music. The narrator reviews each marker, adjusting their positions based on the music's changes and using the preview function to confirm their accuracy. Once satisfied with the marker placement, the tutorial concludes with a summary of the process used to synchronize video presentations with background music tracks. The markers now serve as a guide for editing the video presentation. The script ends with a teaser for the next video, which will focus on building up a layer in After Effects, creating a video sequence, and animating text to appear on top, starting with the Hyde Park section.

Keywords

💡Synchronize

Synchronize refers to the process of aligning or coordinating elements so that they occur at the same time or in sequence. In the context of the video, it is about matching the visual elements of a video presentation with the timing of a music track. The script mentions synchronizing a video presentation to music as a key technique, which is crucial for creating a cohesive audio-visual experience.

💡Adobe After Effects

Adobe After Effects is a digital visual effects, motion graphics, and compositing application used in the post-production process of film making, video games, and television production. The script introduces the tutorial as part of a 'Beginner's guide to Adobe After Effects,' indicating that the content is aimed at teaching beginners how to use this software for video editing and synchronization with music.

💡Audio cues

Audio cues are specific sounds or changes in music that can be used as markers for timing actions or events in a video. The script discusses 'listening for audio cues in music,' which is an essential step in the synchronization process. It helps the editor to identify points in the music track where they can structure and align the video content.

💡Project plan

A project plan is a document that outlines the steps and resources needed to complete a project. In the script, the project plan is mentioned as a reference for the initial structure of the video presentation, which includes seven sections that need to be synchronized with the music track. It serves as a roadmap for the video's content and organization.

💡Timeline

In video editing, a timeline is a graphical representation of the sequence of events in a video or audio production. The script describes placing markers on the timeline to match the audio markers, which helps in structuring the video presentation according to the music track. It is a fundamental tool for editing and ensuring the synchronization of audio and visual elements.

💡Markers

Markers in video editing are used to label specific points in the timeline, making it easier to navigate and edit the project. The script details the process of placing markers on the timeline at key points in the music track, which are then used to align the different sections of the video presentation with the music.

💡Background track

A background track refers to the music that plays behind a video, providing an auditory backdrop to the visual content. The script emphasizes the importance of editing the video presentation alongside a background track, ensuring that the visuals are in time with the music to enhance the overall impact.

💡Visual presentation

A visual presentation in this context refers to the collection of visual elements in a video, such as images, animations, and text. The script discusses structuring and editing a visual presentation to be in sync with a music track, which is a technique to create a more engaging and dynamic viewing experience.

💡Structural cues

Structural cues are elements in music that indicate a change in the structure or mood of the track, such as a shift in rhythm, melody, or harmony. The script mentions listening for structural cues to mark the track, which helps in dividing the music into sections that can be matched with corresponding parts of the video.

💡YouTube audio library

The YouTube audio library is a resource that provides free music and audio tracks that can be used in video projects. The script mentions downloading an audio file from the YouTube audio library for use in the video presentation, highlighting it as a valuable tool for creators who need royalty-free music for their projects.

💡Animation

Animation in video editing refers to the process of creating the illusion of motion and change in a sequence of images. The script mentions animating the last frame of the introduction section and planning to animate type in the next part of the video. It is a technique used to bring static elements to life and add dynamic visual interest.

Highlights

Introduction to the 37th video in the Beginner's guide to Adobe After Effects.

Demonstration of synchronizing a video presentation to music in After Effects.

Common use of audio in videos as a background element without visual connection.

Editing video presentations to be in time with an audio track for enhanced synchronization.

Sharing a personal technique for syncing video clips along an audio track.

Completion of the introduction section with animation of the British flag.

Importance of structuring a presentation to align with a background track.

Overview of topics covered, including working with audio, listening for cues, planning structure, and synchronization.

Access to exercise documents and resources for building a video presentation from scratch.

Instructions on downloading and using the project folder for a full learning experience.

Process of selecting and familiarizing with a music track for synchronization.

Methodology for synchronizing audio with a music track involving listening, visualizing, marking, and placing sections.

Initial planning and design process for structuring a presentation into sections.

Identification of seven sections for the presentation based on the music track.

Technique of listening for structural cues in the music to place markers.

Using a paper timeline to mark and identify potential editing points in the music track.

Importing and placing the audio file into the After Effects project and composition.

Adding markers to the timeline in After Effects to match audio markers for reference.

Adjusting marker positions to align perfectly with changes in the music track.

Confirmation of correct marker placement for editing the video presentation to the music.

Transition to the next section of the video presentation, Hyde Park, and plans for creating and animating the sequence.

Transcripts

(upbeat music)

- Hello, and welcome to the 37th video

in this Beginner's guide to Adobe After Effects.

In this tutorial, I'm going to demonstrate

how you can synchronize a video presentation to music

in After Effects.

Now, most of the time, when people use audio

for their videos,

it's commonly simply played in the background,

where it just plays.

And there is no real connection between the visual

and the audio.

Now, sometimes, you will see a video presentation

that is edited to an audio clip,

and the edit is in time with the background track.

For the video presentation we are creating,

we are going to edit it alongside an audio track.

Now, editing a clip along a audio track

can be a little complicated and tricky to do.

In this video, I'm going to share a technique

I often use, which works quite well for me,

which I hope will help you.

In the previous episode, we finished

the introduction section to our video presentation

by animating the last frame, the British flag.

Now, before we move on and look at how we are going

to animate the next part,

we are going to think about how we are going

to structure the presentation to a background track.

So, looking back at the project plan,

one of the big things we need to

do with this video presentation,

is structure it in time with music.

In this video, I'm going to bring in a music file,

and we're going to look at how we can prepare to sync

the entire video presentation to music.

So, in this video, we are going to be covering

the following topics.

Working with audio in After Effects.

Listening for audio cues in music.

Planning structure around music.

And synchronizing a presentation to music.

So, let's get into it.

So, here I am, where we left off in the previous episode,

where we completed the introduction section

to our video presentation.

Now, if you're watching for the first time,

and wish to follow along,

you can find this document in the project folder,

which you can download.

Link is in the description.

The download folder comes with lots of exercise documents

we will be using on this course,

that have been carefully developed

to aid your learning experience.

The folder also comes with document resources,

such as videos, graphics, and images,

you can use to build your first video presentation

from scratch, later on in this course.

To get the full learning experience,

I recommend you get the project folder.

Download link with instructions is in the description.

With the project folder open, click into folder three,

create a project,

then click into folder 37, synchronizing to music,

and open the synchronizing to music document.

Now, if you're continuing on from the last episode,

make sure you have your document up and ready.

So, with our document open, let's proceed.

So, what we are going to do now,

is think about the background track we are going to use

for this presentation,

and how we are going to structure

our video presentation around it.

A process I use to synchronize my audio

around a music track is, one, listen to the track,

two, visualizing the parts I need to section on the track,

three, listen for structural cues and mark the track,

and four, place my sections on the timeline.

So, let's start with step one, listening to the track.

So, with the project folder open,

click into folder two, project assets,

and then into the audio folder.

Here, I have an audio file I have downloaded free

from the YouTube audio library.

If you have already downloaded it, great.

However, if you have not,

simply click on the instructions document,

contained in this folder,

and this has a download link,

which you can access the audio file for free

from the YouTube library.

So, once you have downloaded the audio file,

be sure to place it in this audio folder.

So, let's take a look at this audio file, and listen to it.

So, this is an audio file from the YouTube audio library,

called Roll and Drop.

Now, I suggest you listen to it yourself a few times,

to familiarize yourself with the track.

But, for now, let's listen to this together.

(upbeat electronic music)

So, this is what we are going to work with.

Next, we are going to need to think

about how we can break this up to place in our sequences.

So, once you have familiarized yourself with the track,

let's move on to step two,

visualizing the parts I need to section on the track.

So, what we are going to have to do here,

is break the track up into various sections,

which we will structure our presentation around.

Now, earlier on in this course, right at the beginning,

before I even started in After Effects,

I undertook a planning and design process.

So, let's now, quickly, look back at the plan document.

So, looking back at the project sheet

and the timeline plan I did earlier,

I initially planned for this presentation

to have seven sections.

One, introduction.

Two, Hyde Park.

Three, the aquarium.

Four, Shoreditch.

Five, Camden Town.

Six, tower bridge.

And seven, the outro sequence.

So, what we are dealing with in this presentation

is seven parts.

Now, whenever you think about synchronizing music

to a track,

it helps to have an initial idea of your sections

so you can visualize them.

So, for this presentation,

I have to work with seven sections.

Once I now the sections I am working with,

I can move on to step three,

listen for structural cues and mark the track.

So, now I'm going to come back to my audio track,

and listen again, for cues

where I can possibly place my sections.

To do this, I'm going to listen to the track

and place markers to get an initial idea

of how we can possibly edit the track.

So, I'll begin by placing a marker at the start.

And now, let's listen to the track together.

(upbeat electronic music)

Okay, so, there, between zero and eight seconds,

there is, what feels like an introduction buildup.

So, here I can place a marker on the music timeline

at eight seconds.

There is my second marker.

So, let's continue on from eight seconds.

(upbeat electronic music)

Okay, so there was a change there.

Let's look at that again.

(upbeat electronic music)

Now, the music seems to change there, at 23 seconds.

So, here I can place a marker there, at 23 seconds,

and there is my third marker.

So, let's continue on from 23 seconds.

(upbeat electronic music)

Okay, another change there.

Let's look at this again.

(upbeat electronic music)

So, the music changes there, at 39 seconds.

So, here, I can place a marker at 39 seconds.

And there is my fourth marker.

So, let's continue on from 39 seconds.

(upbeat electronic music)

Okay, another change there.

Let's look at that again.

(upbeat electronic music)

So, the music changes there, at 46 seconds.

So, I'll place a marker there, at 46 seconds.

And there is my fifth marker.

So, let's continue on from 46 seconds.

(upbeat electronic music)

Okay, and that's the end of the track.

So, right now, I have five markers on my timeline,

with four obvious changes in the music.

These changes will work really easy to cue the sections.

So, right now, we have five markers,

but seven sections to place on the timeline.

So, we need to find another two markers.

So, what I'm going to do next,

is look back at how we can place additional markers

on the track to give me more to work with.

So, looking at my timeline,

I can see that there is a gap, here,

between eight and 23 seconds.

So, I'll come back to eight seconds

and listen up to 23 seconds.

(upbeat electronic music)

Okay, so this section is quite repetitive.

There seems like there could be a marker

in the middle, here.

So, let's listen to that again.

(upbeat electronic music)

Okay, so at 15 seconds, the music section plays again.

So, let's put a marker down here, at 15 seconds.

And that seems to fit nicely

in between marker two and three.

Okay, so that's working well for now.

Let's look at trying to find the last marker.

Now, the last marker is currently at 46 seconds.

And I have to keep in mind, there is going to be

an end sequence to this video presentation.

So, I now want to come and find a marker

I can place towards the end,

to give me a cut where I can place the end sequence.

So, now, I'll come to 48 seconds and listen.

(upbeat electronic music)

Okay, so at 58 seconds, the music seems

to build up to the end, so I'll drop a marker here.

Now, for this presentation, we only have to establish

seven sections.

If I needed more, I would have to continue this process

and try to identify more markers.

So, it really helps to listen to the track

over and over again.

And identify markers on the track,

you can potentially edit your video sequence to.

Now, for this example,

I showed you how I did this on screen,

but this is how it looks when I did this originally.

To do this, I always draw a line on a sheet of paper,

and mark the line with the timecode of the music track.

I listen repeatedly, and put down markers.

So, when I have established the amount of markers I need,

I can then move on to step four,

place my sections on the timeline.

So, now, I have identified seven markers

that work on my audio track.

I can now make sense of what I'm going to do

and how I'm going to edit

my video presentation going forward.

So, now, I'm going to come back

to my After Effects document,

and this is where we left off in the previous video.

So, first, I'm going to bring in the audio file.

So, with he project folder open,

click into folder two, project assets,

and then into the audio folder.

So, now, you should have the Roll and Drop audio file

here, ready, which we looked at earlier.

Next, simply drag it into the After Effects project panel,

like so.

So, now we have the audio file in the project panel,

ready to place in our comp.

Before that, let's toggle down our assets folder,

and drop the audio file into the audio folder.

Nice.

So, with the audio file ready,

I'll simply click and drag it into the comp,

and release, like so.

Upon release, we now have a new layer in the timeline panel.

Also notice, the layer bar only goes as far as one minute,

five seconds.

This represents how long the audio video is.

Next, I'll just select the layer

and drag it to the bottom of the layer stack.

So, what I'm going to do now,

is place down some markers to match my audio markers.

So, first I'll come right over to the far right

of the timeline panel,

and we will see this little marker icon here.

Now, we can use these to place markers on the timeline,

which we are going to use as reference points.

So, I'll click and drag this out, like so,

and place it right at the start of the timeline.

Now, we have our first marker.

So, looking back at our audio timeline,

my second marker is at eight seconds.

So, what I'll do here, is come over to my timecode

on the timeline panel,

and double click on the time.

So, I'll type in eight seconds and press enter.

This will place my time indicator right at eight seconds

on my timeline.

With my time indicator in place,

I'll come right over to my timeline panel,

I'll click and drag a marker out, while holding shift,

and snap it over my time indicator, like so.

And now, we have our second marker.

So, looking back at my audio timeline,

my next marker is at 15 seconds.

So, I'll come over to my timecode on the timeline panel

and double click on the time, and enter 15 seconds

and press enter.

And that will press my time indicator at 15 seconds.

I'll click and drag another marker out,

while holding shift,

and snap it over my time indicator, like so.

And now, we have our third marker.

So, looking back at my audio timeline,

my next marker is at 23 seconds.

I'll type in 23 seconds on the timecode and press enter.

I'll click and drag another marker out while holding shift,

and snap it over my time indicator.

And now, we have our fourth marker.

Now, notice, as we drag out the markers,

they will have markers on them.

So, now, we are starting to clearly define the sections

on our timeline.

So, looking back at our audio timeline,

my next marker is at 38 seconds.

So, I'll type in 38 seconds on my timecode, press enter,

and I'll click and drag another marker out,

while holding shift, and snap it over my time indicator,

like so.

And now, we have our fifth marker.

So, looking back at my audio timeline,

my next marker is at 46 seconds.

I'll type in 46 seconds on my timecode, press enter.

I'll click and drag another marker out, while holding shift,

and snap it over my time indicator, like so,

and now we have our sixth marker.

And lastly, back into my audio timeline,

my last marker, here, is at 58 seconds.

So, I'll type in 58 seconds on my timecode, press enter,

and I'll click and drag another marker out,

while holding shift, and snap it over my time indicator.

So, now, I have my audio file in place,

with my seven markers.

But now, we need to come in and really check,

they are in the right place.

So, I'll come in, and zoom in on marker two.

I'll place my time indicator

just a little before marker two,

and I'll press space bar to activate preview.

(upbeat electronic music)

Now, that looked like the music changes sooner

than where the current marker is.

So, I'll place my time indicator a little before

and press space bar to preview.

(upbeat electronic music)

Okay, so I'll just bring my marker in a little,

and that now appears to be right on cue.

The marker is placed just where the music changes.

(upbeat electronic music)

So, next, I'll come over and inspect marker three.

I'll place my time indicator just a little bit before

marker three, and press space bar to preview.

(upbeat electronic music)

Okay, so this one is a little out.

So, I'll just bring my marker out a little,

(upbeat electronic music)

and that's right on cue, perfect.

So, next, I'll come over and inspect marker four.

I'll place my time indicator a bit before marker four,

and press space bar to preview.

(upbeat electronic music)

Okay, so this one is a little out as well.

So, I'll bring my marker out a little.

(upbeat electronic music)

And now, that's right on cue.

So, next I'll come over and inspect marker five.

I'll place my time indicator a bit before marker five,

and press space bar to preview.

(upbeat electronic music)

Okay, so this one is a little out as well,

so, I'll just bring my marker out a little.

(upbeat electronic music)

And that's a lot better, that's right on cue.

Next, I'll come over and inspect marker six.

I'll place my time indicator just a little bit before

marker six, and press space bar to preview.

(upbeat electronic music)

Okay, so this one is a little bit out as well.

So, I'll drag my marker out a little.

(upbeat electronic music)

And the marker is now right on cue, excellent.

So, lastly, I'll come over and inspect marker seven.

I'll place my time indicator

just a little before marker seven,

(upbeat electronic music)

And this one is actually just right.

So, I'll zoom out on my timeline,

and now, I'm 100% happy with the positioning of my markers.

These markers are now going to help me

edit and produce my video presentation

around the music track.

So, once we have established the timeline structure,

we can now move on.

Now, at this point, if you are following along,

I would recommend saving your document

so we can continue on in the next episode.

(light upbeat music)

So, that is the process I always use

to synchronize my video presentations

to a background music track.

With my sections in place, I am now ready to proceed

with the rest of my video presentation.

So, looking back at the Photoshop design,

the next section is Hyde Park.

So, what we are going to do next,

is build up this layer in After Effects.

We are going to create a video sequence

and then animate the type to appear on top.

And in the next video, we are going to begin

with the background part,

and look at how we are going to edit a video clip.

So, see you in the next video.