Before creating any VFX work, it’s essential to understand your software’s workspace layout. In After Effects, this includes the Project Panel (where your imported files live), the Composition Panel (where you preview your work), the Timeline (where you arrange layers and keyframes), and the Tools Panel (for selection, shape, and text tools). Setting up an efficient workspace — arranging panels based on your workflow, whether it’s animation, compositing, or color work — saves significant time and reduces confusion as projects get more complex. Most software also offers preset workspace layouts (like “Standard,” “Animation,” or “Effects”) that you can switch between depending on the task.