So, you've just found the perfect template with all the right effects. But when you go to add it to your video, you realize it's too short. That it doesn't hold long enough for the time that you need. That somehow, you need to extend it so that it synchs-up perfectly with your shot.
Adjusting the duration of a template can be tricky. After Effects and Premiere Pro templates are mostly built using pre-comps or nested timelines which are great for making amazing animations and effects...but no-so-great when it comes to trying to extend or change their duration. Sometimes a single animation is using several timelines and simply adjusting one duration on one timeline isn't enough.
Premiere Pro templates often rely on nested sequences to handle complex animations. Here’s how to extend a placeholder, especially for titles or logos:
- Drag the playhead to where the animation ends.
- Make a cut right after that point using the Razor Tool (C).
- Right-click the second half of the clip.
- Choose Insert Frame Hold Segment.
This freezes the frame at the end of the animation and gives you 2 extra seconds by default. You can then drag the edge of the frame hold to make it longer or shorter.
💡 Pro Tip: Want more control? Nest that frame-hold clip again and apply slow zooms or fades using keyframes for a polished finish.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Problem: You inserted a Frame Hold but the animation jumps.
- Fix: Make sure you're holding a static frame, not mid-transition.
- Fix: Make sure you're holding a static frame, not mid-transition.
- Problem: Extending one layer doesn’t extend the whole scene.
- Fix: Dive into the nested sequence and extend each relevant layer (text, background, effects).