> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://cotovan.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # How to Use the New Layer Tab in Descript Underlord - URL: https://cotovan.com/post/how-to-use-the-new-layer-tab-in-descript-underlord/ - Published: 2024-06-17T00:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-02-22T09:43:33.000Z - Author: Cristi Cotovan - Tags: Descript Articles The [Descript](https://cotovan.com/descript) Underlord update introduced a new **Layer** tab (now renamed to Properties) in the right sidebar. This is where you'll now find all the properties for whatever you have selected — whether that's your script, a shape, text, or any other element on your canvas. In this article, I'll explain how the Layer/Properties tab works and how to use it for common tasks like adjusting volume, applying effects, and changing element properties. ## What the Layer tab shows The Layer tab reflects **what you currently have selected**. If you click somewhere in your canvas without selecting anything specific, the Layer tab simply lists the layers in your current scene — but doesn't show detailed properties for any of them. Once you click on a specific layer — for example, the Script layer — the tab expands to show all relevant controls: volume, audio effects, Studio Sound, opacity, layout, animation, and more. ![Descript Layer tab showing audio controls, Studio Sound, opacity, layout, effects, and animation settings for the selected layer](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5b/aa/5baa4306-14e9-442c-8242-49463a36912f/content/images/2026/02/descript-underlord-layer-tab-properties.jpg) The Layer tab displays all editable properties for the selected layer, including audio levels, effects, opacity, and animation. ## Adjusting volume with the Layer tab To change the volume of your audio, click on the **Script layer** in the Layer tab. The volume slider appears immediately. You can drag it to adjust the level for the entire clip (or the selection, if you made one using the Range tool). If you only want to change the volume for a specific portion, use the [**Range tool**](https://cotovan.com/post/all-descript-tools-walkthrough-with-examples-a-complete-guide/) in the timeline to make a selection first, then adjust the volume. You'll see the volume change applied only to that selected range — visible as a dip or boost in the timeline waveform. You can also select text in the script editor and adjust the volume for just that sentence or paragraph. ### A gotcha with scene-level selection One confusing behavior: if you click on the scene itself (in the left panel), the Layer tab may show all layers as selected — but dragging the volume slider doesn't actually change anything. To reliably change volume, either select the Script layer directly, use the Range tool in the timeline, or select text in the script. ## Working with elements When you add elements like shapes, text, or dynamic objects from the **Elements** panel, each one becomes a separate layer in the scene. You can click on any element — either in the canvas or in the Layer tab list — to see and modify its properties. For example, adding a circle to your scene creates an Ellipse layer. Clicking it reveals controls for color, opacity, position, and more — all within the Layer/Properties tab. ## Layers vs. tracks Descript uses the term "layers" for individual objects on your timeline. These are **not** the same as traditional tracks. In Descript, layers within a scene do not necessarily play simultaneously — they're stacked visual elements. The only true "tracks" in Descript exist inside a [**Sequence**](https://cotovan.com/post/sequences-vs-compositions-in-descript/), where [multiple media items](https://cotovan.com/post/how-to-correctly-assemble-multi-track-sequence-in-descript/) play in sync. Cuts made outside a sequence affect all layers, which is the track-like behavior. ### Related guides [How to Correctly Assemble Multi-track Sequence in DescriptThis tutorial covers the correct way to create a multi-track sequence in Descript.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5b/aa/5baa4306-14e9-442c-8242-49463a36912f/content/images/icon/Cristi-2-35.jpeg)Cristi CotovanCristi Cotovan![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5b/aa/5baa4306-14e9-442c-8242-49463a36912f/content/images/thumbnail/descript-multitrack-sequence-zYp4KsS4muE.jpg)](https://cotovan.com/post/how-to-correctly-assemble-multi-track-sequence-in-descript/) [Apply Object Properties to All Scenes in Descript StoryboardIf you have an object you added to your composition and you've created multiple scenes, it can be tedious to apply the same properties to it if you've changed your mind or modified it. Clicking through 20 or so scenes just to change one property can quickly become time-consuming. In Descript Storyboard, some properties can be replicated across all scenes the object appears in, using the new "Apply to all scenes" button in Descript. This button is a tricky one though. It only appears when it wa![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5b/aa/5baa4306-14e9-442c-8242-49463a36912f/content/images/icon/Cristi-2-31.jpeg)Cristi CotovanCristi Cotovan![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5b/aa/5baa4306-14e9-442c-8242-49463a36912f/content/images/2025/09/108_apply-object-properties-to-all-scenes-in-descript-storyboard-1.jpg)](https://cotovan.com/apply-object-properties-to-all-scenes-in-descript-storyboard/) [Create a Typewriter Text Effect in DescriptYou'll learn how to add and customize text elements, set up the typewriter effect using the latest animation features, and apply both in and out animations for a polished look. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5b/aa/5baa4306-14e9-442c-8242-49463a36912f/content/images/icon/Cristi-2-31.jpeg)Cristi CotovanCristi Cotovan![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5b/aa/5baa4306-14e9-442c-8242-49463a36912f/content/images/2025/06/Descript-Typewriter-Text.jpg)](https://cotovan.com/create-typewriter-text-effect-descript/) [All Descript Tools Walkthrough with Examples: A Complete GuideDescript packs a lot of tools into one editor — and if you're not sure what each one does, you might be missing features that could save you hours. In this walkthrough, I'll show you every major tool in Descript with real examples, so you can understand how they all work together. The Underlord Panel (Now, AI Tools) Underlord is Descript's AI-powered command center (Now renamed to "AI Tools". When you open a new project, you'll see it in the right sidebar, organized into three sections: \* S![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5b/aa/5baa4306-14e9-442c-8242-49463a36912f/content/images/icon/Cristi-2-31.jpeg)Cristi CotovanCristi Cotovan![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5b/aa/5baa4306-14e9-442c-8242-49463a36912f/content/images/2026/02/descript-all-tools-walkthrough-tutorial.webp)](https://cotovan.com/all-descript-tools-walkthrough-with-examples-a-complete-guide/) Do you need help or wish to learn Descript the right way? Join me on ****a one-on-one Descript coaching session.** [Book a call with me](https://cotovan.com/coaching). I'm here to help you with any questions you have and to guide you through the best workflows, tips, workarounds, or just answer any questions you may have! [Book a session ](https://cotovan.com/coaching) ## Free Descript Tips, Tricks, and Training in Your Inbox I create regular training content on [Descript](https://cotovan.com/descript) \- if you're trying to learn the platform, I teach all the ins and outs. Subscribe here and when a new article or video goes live, you'll be the first to know! Subscribe for free Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.