> 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/effects-reference.md).

# Effects reference

Use the right-side **Effects** browser to find an effect, then double-click it or drag it onto a compatible selected layer. Effects render from the top of the stack downward. Drag effect headers to reorder them, and use the header menu to rename, copy, duplicate, reset, disable, lock, or remove an effect. See [Keyframes and easing](/animoia-docs/properties-and-animation/keyframes-and-easing.md) for keyframes and [Animation modifiers](/animoia-docs/properties-and-animation/animation-modifiers.md) for procedural animation.

Text effects need a text layer, Audio effects need an audible layer, and Paths effects need editable shape geometry. A few operators never appear in the browser at all because a viewer tool creates them: see [Pen and Mask tool](/animoia-docs/guide/toolbar-and-tools.md#pen-and-mask-tool) and [Puppet Pin tool](/animoia-docs/guide/toolbar-and-tools.md#puppet-pin-tool).

## Categories

**What each category does**

| Category                                                          | Effects | Purpose                                                           |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------- | ------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [Blur & Sharpen](/animoia-docs/effects-reference/blur-sharpen.md) | 12      | Softens or sharpens image detail.                                 |
| [Color](/animoia-docs/effects-reference/color.md)                 | 16      | Adjusts tone, contrast, and color balance.                        |
| [Stylize](/animoia-docs/effects-reference/stylize.md)             | 17      | Turns the image into a graphic or textured treatment.             |
| [Distort](/animoia-docs/effects-reference/distort.md)             | 17      | Warps, displaces, or reshapes the image geometry.                 |
| [Lighting](/animoia-docs/effects-reference/lighting.md)           | 5       | Adds light, glow, and shading.                                    |
| [Generate](/animoia-docs/effects-reference/generate.md)           | 4       | Draws new imagery that can be blended over the layer.             |
| [Keying](/animoia-docs/effects-reference/keying.md)               | 2       | Removes colors or tones to create transparency.                   |
| [Transition](/animoia-docs/effects-reference/transition.md)       | 17      | Reveals or removes a layer over time.                             |
| [Text](/animoia-docs/effects-reference/text.md)                   | 9       | Animates the characters of a text layer.                          |
| [Time](/animoia-docs/effects-reference/time.md)                   | 2       | Changes which moment of the layer is shown.                       |
| [Audio](/animoia-docs/effects-reference/audio.md)                 | 7       | Processes or visualizes a layer’s sound.                          |
| [Paths](/animoia-docs/effects-reference/paths.md)                 | 6       | Reshapes editable vector geometry before it is filled or stroked. |
| [Mask](/animoia-docs/effects-reference/mask.md)                   | 2       | Uses a drawn path to limit where a layer is visible.              |

## Shared effect behavior

### Layer, mask, and audio references

A **Layer** control chooses another composition layer to drive the effect. A **Mask** control chooses a mask on the same layer, which is how generated effects are drawn along a path — see [Pen and Mask tool](/animoia-docs/guide/toolbar-and-tools.md#pen-and-mask-tool). Audio references choose the layer whose sound drives or receives processing.

### Effect stack groups

Animoia applies path operations first, then text animation, then visual effects, then audio processing. Moving an effect inside its group changes the order in which its look is combined with its neighbors. Lock an effect to protect its settings and its stack position.

> **See also:** [Properties and animation](/animoia-docs/properties-and-animation.md) for keyframing effect properties, and [Keyboard shortcuts](/animoia-docs/shortcuts.md) for the keys that apply, copy, and remove effects.


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