Countdown Timer in After EffectsTo create a Countdown Timer,1. Create a new composition. After that, create a new Solid Layer. You can do so by going into Layer > New > Solid. Make sure the solid is exactly of your composition size.2. Now select the Solid Layer you just created and go into Effects > Text > Number. This will apply the Numbers plugin on the solid layer. We will be using this to create our Countdown Timer.3. When you click on Numbers, you will be prompted with a pop-up where you can choose a Font, Style, Alignment i.e. Left, Right or Center and Direction i.e. Horizontal or Vertical. Choose the appropriate settings and click on OK.4. You will see 0.000 in your composition. Now, we will alter few values under the settings panel of the Numbers plugin.5. Since we are creating a Counter Timer like 10,9,8,and so on, we do not require the decimal values. So decrease the Decimal Places from 3 or any other value to 0 so that we get a whole number.

6. Now, increase or decrease the size according to your need. You can also change the Fill Color to change the color of the Font.7. Now we will use the Value/Offset/Random Max value to create a Countdown. We are going to create a Countdown Timer that goes from 10 to 0.8. We will be using key frames to create the Timer. using the timeline slider, go to the frame from where you want the Countdown Timer to start.9. Now, click on the stopwatch at the Value/Offset/Random Max, this will add a key frame. Change its value from 0 to 10.

10. Move the timeline slider 10 frames forward, since we are creating a 10 seconds countdown. For instance, if you wish to create a 30 seconds Countdown Timer, then set theValue/Offset/Random Max to 30 and move 30 frame forward in the timeline.11. After moving 10 frames forward, change theValue/Offset/Random Max value back to 0. It will add a key frame in your timeline.

12. RAM preview the composition to check if your Countdown Timer works or not. Experiment and play with the looks to customize the appearance of the Timer.