What function does the "Pick whip" serve in After Effects?

The "Pick whip" is a very powerful tool in After Effects primarily used to link properties and expressions between layers. By using the Pick whip, you can easily create relationships between different items, such as linking the opacity of one layer to the position of another. This linking allows for more complex animations and effects since changing the linked property on one layer will automatically affect the other. The operation is visual and intuitive, as users can simply drag the Pick whip from one property to another to establish a relationship, making it an essential tool for animators and motion designers looking to create dynamic content.

Other options hint at different functionalities within After Effects. For instance, creating a new composition involves accessing the composition settings from the menu, while masking layers is done through the use of shape tools or masks, and adjusting timeline frames pertains to the navigation and editing of the timeline rather than linking properties. While all these functions are essential in After Effects, the Pick whip specifically focuses on property linking, which is why it holds prominence in workflow efficiency for expressions and animations.