What is the primary benefit of using the "Composition" panel in After Effects?

The primary benefit of using the "Composition" panel in After Effects is to arrange and preview animated elements. This panel acts as the workspace where you can see how your layers come together to form the final animation or video piece. It allows you to view the timeline, manipulate layers, and apply effects in real time, which is essential for refining the overall look and feel of an animation.

When you work within the Composition panel, you can not only place your layers in the desired order but also adjust their timing, apply transformations, and see how they interact with one another. The live preview feature enables artists and animators to see changes immediately, facilitating a more intuitive and efficient workflow.

In contrast, while editing audio files, importing media, and exporting projects are all important tasks in After Effects, these functions are handled in other panels or menus rather than primarily within the Composition panel itself. The Composition panel's focus is specifically on the visual interplay between all elements, making it a cornerstone of the animation and design process in After Effects.