> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://animoia.gitbook.io/animoia-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://animoia.gitbook.io/animoia-docs/readme.md).

# Animoia Introduction

Animoia is a **FREE** design and compositing app built around a familiar layer based workflow. Animoia gives you a powerful, flexible workspace for bringing ideas to life, with everything you need to design, animate, and composite in one place.

## Start here

* [**Animoia user guide**](/animoia-docs/guide.md) — Learn the workspace, create compositions and layers, edit in the viewer and timeline, work with masks and motion tracking, and export finished work.
* [**Properties and animation**](/animoia-docs/properties-and-animation.md) — Shape layer appearance and motion with properties, keyframes, easing, expressions, and animation modifiers.
* [**Effects reference**](/animoia-docs/effects-reference.md) — Browse effects by category and learn what every control changes visually or audibly.
* [**Keyboard shortcuts**](/animoia-docs/shortcuts.md) — Find keyboard shortcuts for tools, playback, timeline editing, and common commands.

## Suggested paths

### Creating your first animation

1. Follow [Project and file workflow](/animoia-docs/guide/project-and-file-workflow.md) to make a composition and bring in media.
2. Learn [Timeline](/animoia-docs/guide/timeline.md) to arrange layers in time.
3. Use [Keyframes and easing](/animoia-docs/properties-and-animation/keyframes-and-easing.md) to add keyframes and shape the motion.
4. Explore [Effects reference](/animoia-docs/effects-reference.md) to develop the final look.
5. Finish by [exporting your composition](/animoia-docs/guide/exporting.md).

> **Tip:** Once you know your way around, the [FX Console](/animoia-docs/guide/getting-around.md#fx-console) reaches any effect, preset, or command by name from the keyboard, which is usually faster than browsing the panels.

### Working with vector artwork

Read [Shape](/animoia-docs/properties-and-animation/layer-properties-panel.md#shape), then continue to [Pen and Mask tool](/animoia-docs/guide/toolbar-and-tools.md#pen-and-mask-tool) and [Paths](/animoia-docs/effects-reference/paths.md) for path-based operations.

### Animating text

Start with [Text](/animoia-docs/properties-and-animation/layer-properties-panel.md#text), then see [Text](/animoia-docs/effects-reference/text.md) for character- and range-based text animation.

### Working with sound

See [Audio](/animoia-docs/properties-and-animation/animation-modifiers.md#audio) for layer audio controls and [Audio](/animoia-docs/effects-reference/audio.md) for audio effects and sound-driven visuals.