A layer’s quality setting determines how precisely it is rendered, as well as influencing the precision of other calculations involving the layer, such as motion tracking and the use of the layer as a control layer for a compound effect.

The default quality of new layers is determined by the Create New Layers At Best Quality preference in the General preferences category.

Duplicated or split layers retain the Quality setting of the original layer.

To toggle between Best and Draft quality of selected layers, click the Quality switch in the Timeline panel. To choose from all three options, choose Layer > Quality:

Best

Displays and renders a layer using subpixel positioning, anti-aliasing, 3D shading, and complete calculation of any applied effects. Best requires the most time for rendering—both for previews and for final output.

Draft

Displays a layer so that you can see it, but only at rough quality. Draft quality displays and renders a layer without anti-aliasing and subpixel positioning, and some effects are not precisely calculated. Draft quality is often the most useful setting for general work and for video layers (to avoid blurring when matching compositions to raw video footage).

Wireframe

Displays a layer as a box, without layer contents. Layer wireframes are displayed and rendered faster than layers rendered with Best or Draft settings.