Layer name doesn’t always text entered

[Kevin Camp]

i think i follow what you are talking about… in the timeline you can rename a layer, but that does not change the name of the source layer. you can toggle between the layer name and the source name by clicking that column header in the timeline (where it says either ‘layer name’ or ‘source name’)… this way, as you duplicate elements they don’t generate duplicate the assets in the project window, it just generates an instances of the same source layer.

if you wanted to duplicate a solid (or any layer generated in ae, like an adjustment layer or null) and have it be a new asset in the project window, when you want to rename it, choose layer>solid settings, enter the name there and make sure the option to ‘affect all layers…’ is unchecked.

the result will create a new solid in the project window too.

Kevin Camp
Senior Designer
KCPQ, KMYQ & KRCW

[Roger Burton]

Yes Kevin, I thought maybe I explained it badly so good of you to attempt an answer.

I understand the points/processes you mentioned however … say I have a text layer … in the comp panel it reads “Big Sale” and in the timeline panel in the column headed “Layer Name” the Layer’s Name reflects the Text Layers content in the Comp window eg it says Big Sale … so – rather than create a brand new layer for some more text I just duplicate the layer – in the comp window the dupe says Big Sale of course and also the dupe layer has Big Sale 2 – I then double click the dupe layer this highlights the text in the comp window and I type “Starts Today” and the text in the comp window reads “Starts Today” but sometimes (and only sometimes, that’s my problem, it’s not consistent, the dupe layers name remains “Big Sale” ie it doesn’t always automatically update the layer name to reflect the content of the layer in the comp window !

[Roger Burton]

Good try Dave, I must say it was the first thing I tried and it’s not that … it’s so good of you guys to try and solve this … it’s really not a big deal because I can always get around it but it’s intriguing … Roger

[Ross Turiano]

I have exactly the same problem. I also think it’s not a big deal and just some kind of glitch or something, the only way I was able to fix it is to manually rename the duplicated text layer.

The source text is different, but the layer name and source name on the timeline are the same as the original layer that I duplicated.

It is odd, but as long as the source text is different, I think it’s just copying some information from the original layer

[Roger Burton]

Yes Ross I think you’re right, I’ve learnt to live with it … life’s too short.

I just get it in my head sometimes and then spend hours trying to work out why there’s a glitch … I fail and then come to visit the COW !

have a good day

Roger

[Wbarger]

I think I have the answer to this question… but a year later it’s not going to help much. I read this thread because I was having the same problem. This is what I came up with.
It appears that sometimes you have to delete the name of the text layer before it will update. If you right click on the layer, choose rename and than delete the layer name, it will update the layer’s name making it the same as your text. After you’ve done this, the layer will update every time you change the text…. is that the answer?

[John Mullins]

Thank you WBarger! I was having the same problem as the other were, but your solution fixes the problem. Thank you!

[Lee Harper]

Nice to see you on here Roger, – for everyone else, we used to work together years ago – I’ve searched for just this problem and found your post.

I was getting the same issue and I think I’ve worked it out (I think).

If you manually rename a text layer’s Layer Name in the timeline (select the layer in the timeline, hit Enter, type the new layer name, then Enter again), it will remain that name even if you modify the text in the Comp. I’m guessing After Effects thinks that’s the name you want the layer to be, so it won’t change it.

If you duplicate that renamed text layer, it will become (for example) “Big Sale 2” and will remain that name if you modify the text in the Comp.

By clearing the Layer Name text in the timeline (select the layer in the timeline, hit Enter, hit Delete, then Enter again) you reset the Layer Name to mirror what is in the text layer in the Comp.

I think that’s what seems to happen anyway, hope that helps.

Thanks
Lee

Lee Harper
Animation Director
Gizmo Animation
http://www.gizmoanimation.co.uk

[Roger Burton]

You always were a smart a%& Lee … clever boy …. nice to see you.

x Rog

[Guido Giardino]

Wbager have the answer! Many Thanks! Years figuring how can I reset the layer name!