[Robert Paynter]

I want the child layer to move half as far in the same amount of time as the parent

[Robert Paynter]

After adding a mask to the layer it allows me to collapse transforms and use a mode .. Not sure what the reason is but would love and explanation.

[Robert Paynter]

Of course. Thanks.

[Robert Paynter]

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

I tried doing myself and 1500 layers were a bit much to control. The Particular tip was great

[Robert Paynter]

Here is an old expression from Dan Ebberts

minOnTime = .5;
maxOnTime = 2.0;
minOffTime = .5;
maxOffTime = 1.5;

i = 0;
tEnd = 0;
seedRandom(index,true);

preRun = random(maxOnTime);
while (time + preRun >= tEnd){
i++;
if(i%2){
tEnd += random(minOnTime,maxOnTime);
result = 100;
}else{
tEnd += random(minOffTime,maxOffTime);
result = 0;
}
}
result

[Robert Paynter]

perhaps this is what you are looking for?

https://www.redefinery.com/ae/view.php?item=rd_Slicer

[Robert Paynter]

In Photoshop, slice up your image using slice tool

Use Save for web and devices = picture and html create a folder and save there. Then, using Bridge, Select all images in the folder which you have slices.

Tools > Photoshop > Load files into photoshop layers.
You should have PSD with slices as layers

This might work

[Robert Paynter]

Isolate the head, create a junk matte. Duplicate the layer. Use keylight on one layer and linear color key on the other. I’ve found using combinations can sometimes give great results.

[Robert Paynter]

Duplicate the smoke layer.
Use the duplicate as a alpha matte.
Make sure to turn the visibility for this layer off.
Precompose the two layers and make the color corrections you wish.

[Robert Paynter]

Apparently I had copied a frame from a Quicktime movie to the PSD. after deleting this layer in the PSD and saving, the document now imports correctly