How to Trim Audio in After Effects (3 Easy Steps)

Working with audio in After Effects isn’t as intuitive as it is in Premiere Pro, but trimming audio is still totally doable. Whether you're syncing music to motion graphics or just cutting out silence, this quick guide will help you get it done without hassle.

Here’s how to trim audio in After Effects step by step.

1. Import and Add Your Audio File

First things first, bring your audio into the project.

1. Go to File > Import > File and select your audio file.
2. Drag the file from the Project panel into your Timeline or Composition panel.

Once it's on the timeline, you'll see it appear as a layer like any other asset.

2. Use the Work Area or Layer Handles

Now that your audio is on the timeline, you can trim it in two main ways:

Option A: Trim Using Layer Handles

1. Click on the start or end of the audio layer.
2. Drag inward to shorten the clip from either side.
3. This visually trims what plays during your composition.

Option B: Trim Using Work Area

1. Move the Work Area Start/End bars (the light grey bar above your timeline) to define where playback should begin and end.
2. Then go to Composition > Trim Comp to Work Area if you want to cut everything outside that range.

Option C: Use Cut Shortcuts

If you want more precise control over where an audio clip starts or ends, try these shortcuts:

• Split a layer at the playhead:
  Press Ctrl + Shift + D (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + D (Mac).
  This cuts the layer into two parts at your current time indicator. You can then delete or move either section independently.
• Trim layer end point to playhead:
  Press Alt + ] (Windows) or Option + ] (Mac).
  This trims everything after the playhead, keeping only what’s before it.

These shortcuts are handy when you want quick edits without dragging handles manually.

3. Preview and Adjust Timing

To make sure everything sounds right:

1. Press 0 (zero) on your numeric keypad for a RAM preview with audio.
2. If you only want an audio preview, press period (.) on your numeric keypad.
3. Adjust timing by dragging the entire audio layer left or right on the timeline.

You can also use markers (press *) during playback to mark beats or sync points.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I edit the audio length in After Effects?

To edit an audio clip’s length, drag its edges directly on the timeline. You can also set a custom work area and trim the comp using Edit > Trim Comp to Work Area. This lets you control exactly when your sound starts and stops within your project.

Is there a trim tool in After Effects?

There’s no dedicated “trim tool” like in Premiere Pro, but you can manually trim layers by dragging their start and end points on the timeline. You can also use the work area bar for broader trimming across multiple layers at once.

How do I edit audio in After Effects?

After Effects has basic tools for editing audio timing and volume. You can:

1. Trim clips by dragging their edges
2. Adjust volume under Audio > Levels
3. Add keyframes for fades
   For more advanced edits like EQ or noise reduction, use Adobe Audition instead.

How can I trim an audio recording?

To trim an imported recording:

1. Drag it into your timeline
2. Select its layer
3. Drag its start or end point inward
   This removes unwanted sections from playback without affecting the original file outside of After Effects.