What do you call a blank layer that you connect other layers to in Adobe After Effects?

In Adobe After Effects, a blank layer that you connect other layers to is referred to as a Null Object. A Null Object acts as an invisible helper that allows you to control multiple layers simultaneously without being visible in the final composition. By parenting layers to a Null Object, you can easily move, scale, or rotate them all together as if they were a single layer. This feature is particularly useful for complex animations where you want to maintain hierarchical relationships between different elements in your composition.

Other layers, such as Guide Layers, Adjustment Layers, and Parent Layers, serve different purposes in the workflow. Guide Layers are used solely for referencing and do not render in the final output, Adjustment Layers apply effects to all layers beneath them, and a Parent Layer is the layer to which other layers are parented — but they can be visible and affect the final output just like regular layers. The Null Object stands out as it is specifically designed to function purely as a controller without affecting the visual output directly, making it the ideal choice for organizing and managing complex animations.