Anchor Point

The anchor point is the reference pivot of a layer, the spot around which rotation spins, scaling grows or shrinks, and position is measured. By default it sits at a layer's center, but moving it changes how transforms behave: place it at a corner and rotation swings the layer around that corner; place it at the base of a graphic and it scales up from the ground. Motion designers reposition the anchor point constantly to make natural animation, such as pivoting an arm from a shoulder, swinging a sign from its top, or popping a logo from its center. In After Effects it is distinct from position, and tools exist to recenter it without shifting the layer. Setting the anchor point correctly before animating is what makes movement feel intentional rather than awkward.