Adobe After Effects is not just about animations — it’s also a powerful tool for styling layers to add depth, glow, shadows, and more.

Layer Styles let you apply popular Photoshop-like effects directly inside AE!

✨ What are Layer Styles in After Effects?

Layer Styles are a collection of visual effects (like shadows, glows, bevels) that can be added to any layer, especially text and shape layers, to make them look more dynamic without creating complex compositions.

You can find effects like:

Drop Shadow
Outer Glow
Bevel and Emboss
Gradient Overlay
Stroke
...and many more!

🛠️ How to Add Layer Styles Step-by-Step:

✅ Step 1: Select the Layer

Choose a Text Layer, Shape Layer, or Solid Layer in your Timeline.

✅ Step 2: Apply Layer Style

Right-click on the layer → go to Layer Styles →
Select any style you want (like Drop Shadow, Bevel and Emboss, etc).

Go to the top menu:
Layer > Layer Styles > [Choose Effect]

🎯 Now you’ll see a new 'Layer Styles' folder under your selected layer in the timeline.

🔥 Popular Layer Styles and How to Use Them:

🕶️ 1. Drop Shadow

Adds a soft or sharp shadow behind your object.
Customize: Distance, Size, Color, Opacity.

🎯 Perfect for giving layers a sense of depth!

✨ 2. Outer Glow

Adds a glowing aura around the edges of the layer.
Customize: Color, Spread, Size.

🎯 Great for highlighting or magical effects!

🪞 3. Bevel and Emboss

Creates 3D highlights and shadows on the layer.
Customize: Depth, Direction (Up/Down), Size, Soften.

🎯 Makes text and shapes look engraved or raised.

🎨 4. Gradient Overlay

Applies a colorful gradient over your layer.
Customize: Colors, Angle, Style (linear/radial).

🎯 Perfect for stylish backgrounds or texts.

🖌️ 5. Stroke

Adds a border/outline around your layer.
Customize: Size, Color, Position (inside/outside/center).

🎯 Useful for highlighting text or emphasizing shapes.

🎛️ How to Edit Layer Styles Settings:

Expand the 'Layer Styles' dropdown in the Timeline.
Each effect (like Drop Shadow) will have its own settings.
Tweak properties like Color, Opacity, Angle, Size, etc., directly inside the Timeline panel.

🧹 How to Remove a Layer Style:

Simply select the Layer Style effect under your layer → Press Delete.

Right-click the layer → Layer Styles > Clear Layer Styles to remove all at once.

💡 Pro Tips:

🎥 Animate Layer Styles:
You can set keyframes for Layer Style properties like Opacity, Distance, Size, and animate them over time for dynamic effects!
🛠️ Combine Layer Styles:
Use multiple styles like Bevel + Gradient + Outer Glow together for amazing layered designs.
⚡ Use Layer Styles Sparingly:
Overusing too many styles can slow down your render times.

🚀 Final Thoughts:

Layer Styles in After Effects are a quick and powerful way to add stunning visual effects without heavy plugins or extra layers.
They are simple to apply, fully customizable, and they bring your layers to life with just a few clicks!

CGi Hub

Layer Style in Adobe After Effects: Step-by-Step Tutorial & Guide