> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://motion-studio.mtmograph.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://motion-studio.mtmograph.com/ae-extension/tools/echo.md).

# Echo

## Description

Echo will duplicate selected layers, preserving property values and keyframes. Once duplicated, you have a large number of Effect Controls at your disposal to modify and control the echoed layers.

## Setup

1. Select a layer you would like to Echo, as well as the Properties that you would like echoed.
2. Open the Echo tool. Choose the number of copies you would like, as well as the options listed below.
3. Run Echo. This will crete a Global Effect Control, as well as a Control for each property that was selected. The Effect Controls can be modified to change the echoed layers, as explained below.

### Options

**Copies**\
Specify the number of copies to create

**Keyframes**\
Will add keyframes to the controller layer that is created. Not required for Echo to function, but helpful if you would like to add easing or retiming to the keyframes afterwards

**Precompose**\
Precompose the newly created Echoed child layers in a separate composition.

**Shy**\
Shies the echoed layers after creation.

## Effect Controls

The Echo tool has the following effect controls:

### Global

**Delay**

* Enable: Activates delay across all echoed layers
* Delay: Percentage of delay between each copy. Offsets the timing of property values progressively.

**Drag**

* Enable: Activates position drag
* Seed: Randomization seed for drag variation
* Range: X and Y offset range for position drag across copies

**Color**

* Enable: Activates color gradient across echoed layers
* Seed: Randomization seed for color variation
* Cycle: Controls how the color cycles across copies

### Property

Each selected property gets its own control with these parameters:

**Delay**\
Enables delay on the individual property. Overrides the global delay setting for this property.

**Drag**\
Offsets the property values progressively across copies.

**Scatter**\
Randomizes property values across the echoed layers.

**Advanced - Dynamics**\
Adds dynamics movement to the property values.