3D Shape Layer Stroke Animation

Hi, I have created a 3D shape layer with a circle to animate a stroke on it. Now the shape layer comes with a stroke already, which has no start / end point to animate though, so I *** effects / generate / stroke ... now thing is I only see the stroke the shape layer comes with, but not the effect / stroke yet ... how do I get my animate able stroke turned on ? Just turning off the 1st stroke doesn’t help.
Any hint appreciated.
Regards,
Frank

fhxfhx wrote:
Another question, is there a way to define the normal of a path in AE so that the stroke is rotated on the path itself, I want to use it stand up rather than lay flat ...
This is not possible, but it is possible with plug-ins or with multiple copies of a stroked layer offset by no more than one pixel in Z using an expression. The camera would have to move to the top and look down on the extrusion.
Using Free Form, now included with AE. Animate a stroke on a layer, then use the mesh controls to bend the layer in a semi circle. A spotlight and some ambient light sell the 3D and AE's camera interact perfectly with the shape.
Another option is Particular. You can use a light as an emitter and then fly the light around the path streaming particles that create the line.
Another option is CC Cylinder, but it will take a bit of trickery through expressions to integrate camera movement and the other 3D objects.
Still another option is Canoa, or Borris FX and their cylinder tools. They integrate with AE's 3D camera. The only option that isn't viable is just using a shape layer or a stroke on a solid.

Similar Messages

  • Animating solids on a shape layer

    Hello, using AE CS3 for windows and I can't find this topic on the forums:
    I've been able to animate a rectangle along a shape layer by pasting the properties of the shape layer into the position of the rectangle. (also assigned the alpha matte to the shape layer) so that's the good part.
    but I want to have this rectangle bend with the circular shape of the layer so it looks like "a swoosh". (if you've seen the circles around the comedy network's logo: http://www.comedynetwork.ca/ it's like that.
    I can't beleive it's taken me this long to make a silly line that streaks!
    any help is appreciated.

    Just using a shape layer stroke will give you the option to have a SQUARE start/end stroke along a path.
    You can have it start as a square, and, because it is a stroke, it will bend with your path
    (link to reference does not work)
    Alternatively, you could stack your solids closely together with an offset.
    Also, check out the new path plugins from
    Cycore!

  • Apply 3D stroke to a shape layer?

    hi all
    I have some animated paths set up in a 3D scene, using shape layers (I used shape layers to have square capped lines instead of round caps:)
    I wanted to try using 3D stroke, instead, to give a bit of thickness to these lines/paths... but I'm having trouble
    Is it even possible to apply 3D stroke to a shape layer?  When I try it, the path just disappears (story of my life haha)
    cheers
    LML

    The After Effects CC (12.2) update makes creating Bezier paths easier and more obvious.
    option for creating shape layers based on Bezier paths:
    When a shape tool (Rectangle, Rounded Rectangle, Polygon, Star, or Ellipse tool) is active, you can use the new Bezier Path option in the Tools panel to create a new shape based on a Bezier path, as opposed to the default of creating a new shape based on a parametric path. Holding the Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac OS) key while drawing a shape causes the opposite behavior—i.e., if the Bezier Path option is enabled, holding the Alt or Option key causes the shape tool to create a parametric path; if the Bezier Path option is disabled, holding the Alt or Option key causes the shape tool to create a Bezier path.
    command for converting a parametric shape layer path to a Bezier path:
    You can convert a parametric path to a Bezier path after the parametric path has already been created by context-clicking (right-clicking or Control-clicking on Mac OS) the property group for the parametric path (e.g., Rectangle Path 1) and choosing the Convert To Bezier Path command from the context menu. If the parametric path is animated (keyframed), the converted Bezier path is a static path based on the parametric path at the current time; keyframes are lost.
    IMPORTANT: When you use the Convert To Bezier Path command to convert a parametric shape path to a Bezier shape path, the Bezier path that is created does not animate well (i.e., interpolation between paths behaves strangely and unpredictably). This is related to path direction and how transformations are stored. For now, you should not use these converted paths for animated paths (interpolation between paths); but, if you do want to try, you may be able to work around the issues by reversing the path before conversion.

  • Animating Shape Layer Contents Fill

    I'm fairly new to After effects scripting and not too familiar with it's objects.
    how can I access the contents of an existing shape layer, to change and animate it's fill color property?
    thanks in advance

    It's going to depend on the type of shape, but as an example, for a rectangle, setting a keyframe at 3 seconds for the color yellow might look like this:
    var p = app.project.item(1).layer("Shape Layer 1").property("Contents").property("Rectangle 1").property("Contents").property("Fill 1").property("Color");
    p.setValueAtTime(3,[1,1,0,1])
    My advice is to get a copy of Jeff Almasol's incredibly usefel script rd_GimmePropPath.jsx here:
    http://www.redefinery.com/ae/view.php?item=rd_GimmePropPath
    You can use it to get the appropriate syntax for any property.
    Dan

  • Add arrowhead to shape layer using trim paths & expressions?

    Hi,
    I am trying to use expressions to attach an arrowhead to a shape layer.
    I'm using the 'trim paths' effect on the shape layer to grow a stroke over time (using the start/end/offset features).
    I would like to attach an arrowhead to the tip of the stroke, using an expression to animate it dynamically (e.g. the arrowhead follows the stroke when animated using the start/end/offset values)
    I've attached a basic project file if anyone can help?
    94_shapelayerarrowhead.zip
    Thanks for your time, any help appreciated
    Tim

    The easiest way to do this is to use a stroked path to reveal the shape layer, then copy and paste the path to the position property of the arrowhead. Auto orient the arrowhead to the path and adjust the timing of both the stroke and the arrowhead position to match them up.
    Using trim path makes it more difficult to adjust timing than using start and end for stroke and I can't think of an automatic way to match the timing with an expression.
    Another option would be to pre-compose your arrowhead layer after you've used the path for position, then use time remapping to adjust the timing. This may be the easiest solution if you have a lot of timing changes to follow.

  • Can one select the path of a shape layer?

    I previously have created a "route" on a map using the stroke filter which allows me to select the path and then copy it into the anchor point of the map so I can make the map move with the stroke.
    I was wondering if this is possible using shape layers. I know I can create the route using an open shape on a shape layer, but I'm not able to select the "open shape" to paste this into the anchor point as above. Is it possible to select the "open shape" to use it in this manor.
    Sorry if I'm not clear.
    Thanks in advance.
    John Rich

    The After Effects CC (12.2) update makes creating Bezier paths easier and more obvious.
    option for creating shape layers based on Bezier paths:
    When a shape tool (Rectangle, Rounded Rectangle, Polygon, Star, or Ellipse tool) is active, you can use the new Bezier Path option in the Tools panel to create a new shape based on a Bezier path, as opposed to the default of creating a new shape based on a parametric path. Holding the Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac OS) key while drawing a shape causes the opposite behavior—i.e., if the Bezier Path option is enabled, holding the Alt or Option key causes the shape tool to create a parametric path; if the Bezier Path option is disabled, holding the Alt or Option key causes the shape tool to create a Bezier path.
    command for converting a parametric shape layer path to a Bezier path:
    You can convert a parametric path to a Bezier path after the parametric path has already been created by context-clicking (right-clicking or Control-clicking on Mac OS) the property group for the parametric path (e.g., Rectangle Path 1) and choosing the Convert To Bezier Path command from the context menu. If the parametric path is animated (keyframed), the converted Bezier path is a static path based on the parametric path at the current time; keyframes are lost.
    IMPORTANT: When you use the Convert To Bezier Path command to convert a parametric shape path to a Bezier shape path, the Bezier path that is created does not animate well (i.e., interpolation between paths behaves strangely and unpredictably). This is related to path direction and how transformations are stored. For now, you should not use these converted paths for animated paths (interpolation between paths); but, if you do want to try, you may be able to work around the issues by reversing the path before conversion.

  • LACK OF FULL PEN TOOL FUNCTIONALITY WHEN CREATING A SHAPE LAYER

    Hello, I'm going through Chris Meyer's video course on being an AE apprentice and have spent over an hour on the following issue.
    Here is what I know.
    I know I am trying to create a shape layer, not a mask, to create a frame to surround the video of the green field on the attached screenshot.  Therefore, I pressed "F2" to make sure I am doing so.
    I want to define the borders of this picture frame by using the pen tool to draw a path on the layer entitled "Windy Peak".
    I have highlighted that layer in my timeline.
    This video was pasted on to a placeholder shape that I had created using Command Option "/" on my Mac.
    I do have limited use of the pen tool, because it displays properly when I hover it above the borders of the video to be framed.
    But I lack access to the toolbar controls I want to complete my assignment.
    For example, I would like to create a gradient to define the internal coloration of this frame, but I have no use of the eyedropper when I click on the Color Picker.
    Also, I am unable to access or manipulate any of the standard fill or stroke options for use of my pen.
    This is what I know.  
    Thanks for your help!   Matt
    Message was edited by: Matt Dubuque to add the fact that the video had been pasted on to a placeholder shape image by pressing Command Option "/" on my Mac.

    Thanks for pitching in Todd and Rick, I appreciate it very much.
    As previously stated, I do have use of the pen tool, but it only has limited functionality as demonstrated by the path I created on the green meadow.  My Tools Panel remains activated .
    My core problem remains that I am unable to adjust the fill or stroke settings for my pen.
    I have tried changing and resetting various work spaces and this has not helped.
    I'm scratching my head here.
    Matt

  • Shape Layer not showing up in my .swf file.

    Hello All,
    I was working on creating a banner that I export as a .swf file and I tried to create a rounded rectangle with only the stroke showing up so it then the banner would appear to have rounded corners on the website. After I exported the file to a .swf I noticed that the rounded rectangle shape layer I had in my project did not show up. Can anyone help me figure out why?
    Here is a screen shot of the banner with a grey outline shape layer. Its there with 100% opacity and everything.
    And here is what the .swf looks like. (see no outline?!)
    If anyone knows how to make my shape layer appear here that would be fantastic.
    Oh and just in case here are the export options I choose. File > Export > Adobe Flash (.swf)...

    I gave the a try and noticed that the color quality of the other elements in my banner. (colored text) had poor .jpg quality even when I upped the .jpg quality. Do you have any recommendations on how I can rasterize my border? Ill jump into illustrator or photoshop and play around with some files and them import them to see if I can find a work around...
    see crummy color quality that text was suppose to be a nice dark blue.

  • Shape layer questions

    I’m a web designer that’s used to using Illustrator for all my work. Recently many of my new jobs want me to work in Photoshop, so I’m getting back up to speed with it. I have a  few nagging issues that I haven’t been able to figure out:
    With the direct selection tool, how do I select a small shape that’s overlapping a larger shape? For example, a small line on top of a large rectangle. When I try to do this Photoshop automatically makes me select the larger shape in the background. I have to zoom in super close and individually shift-select each corner of the smaller shape before I can move/transform/whatever it. This gets tedious and slow real fast!
    Recently in a document I’m working in, whenver I make a new shape it automatically adds a bunch of layer styles like drop shadow, stroke, etc. These styles aren’t turned on, but it adds unecessary styles to my layers and my client is very strict about recieving only super clean .psd’s.
    How do I make a line that is truly 1px stoke width? My lines seem to always start out as fuzzy 2px worms until I zoom in and surgically make them 1px. Again, what a waste of time! is there some sort of antialiasing setting that I need to turn off?
    Thanks!

    1. With smaller shapes that are difficult to select, try selecting their layer first. If you are not sure which layer, switch to the Move tool (V), hold Ctrl and click on the small shape. With the default behavior in Photoshop you should be able to select the layer and then use the Direct selection tool to select points on the vector path of the small shape. If you want to just move the entire shape when its the only path on a layer, aside form using the Path Selection tool (black arrow), you can just use the Move tool (V) to change the position of the layer. If you have to deal with a lot of shape layers that you just want to click and move, enable the Auto Select for the Move tool in the Properties bar. Then holding Ctrl while using the tool will toggle to its non - Auto Select mode.
    2.On the Tool's property bar under the main menu, make sure the chain button is not pressed then click on the Style swatch or arrow to the right of the chain button to open the style swatch popup and from its menu there choose No Style. Next shape layer you make will not have the current style automatically applied. 
    3. I'm using CS5 on a pc and creating 1 px straight line with the Line tool is buggy with its alignment to grid. The Line Tool draws lines in Shape mode as rectangle vector paths. The difference between the Rectangle Tool and the Line tool is that the Line tool aside from having a Weight attribute, it draws the rectangles starting from the middle if its side. In order to snap it to grid you have to set the grid in the settings to Gridline every 1 pix and Subdivisions 2. If properly working this is supposed to solve your problem if you enable snap to grid and draw your lines starting in the middle of a pixel. The problem is that this doesn't work properly with the Line Tool which does not snap perfectly to the grid. The work around is to draw your lines with the Line Tool in Fill Pixels mode which has an Anti-aliasing option that you can turn off.
    Another alternative for drawing lines on raster layers without anti-aliasing is to use the Pencil tool and hold Shift while dragging with it. The Pencil Tool in Photoshop is the same as the Brush tool but without anti-aliasing. I think more proper name would be non - anti-alised brush.

  • How to get shape layer's content parameters in AEGP?

    Hi all,
    I have no idea when I want to export the parameters from the Contents of shape layer.
    Now I add Polystar Path1, ZigZag 1, and Repeater1, three contents of shaper layer.
    Content seems not equal to effect. I used AEGP_GetNewEffectStreamByIndex can get the effect's parameter of Shape layer. But no any information about Content.
    Does anyone know how to get the content's parameter?
    Thanks.

    Thanks for your reply and sorry about my unclear question.
    I use the picture to describe my question. There is a shape layer include "Contents" and "Effects".
    I can use AEGP_GetLayerEffectByIndex to get the parameter of effects (Blue point).
    However I can't find out the correct method to get the parameter of Contents (Yellow part, include Polystar, Zig Zag and Repeater).
    The yellow part is also not the Stream, I can't not use stream suite to get information.
    BTW, I have the same problem about Text Animator. (Yellow part of follow picture)
    lapula

  • Photoshop CC Shape Layer Gradients Not the Same as CS6

    I'm demo-ing Photoshop CC, and I came across an unexpected behavior when opening a CS6 PSD.
    I have a shape layer that is composed of closed curves which use the path operation "Intersect Shape Areas." In CS6, I added a layer style with a tight gradient that is vertically positioned to show a certain part of the gradient, and the gradient seems to be confined to only the visible intersection of the paths.
    In CC, however, the gradient seems to be applied to the entire region of the paths, and not just the intersection - as if there were no path operation performed. Here's an image to show what I mean:
    The only way I could reproduce the desired effect in CC was to merge the shape components. But, I'd rather be able to keep the shapes editable at a boolean level.
    Is there some setting that I'm missing?

    I don't want to just start a new thread with the same topic so thought I would tag onto this one.
    The behaviour described by K_SEREBY is something which I am also experiencing, and for me is a bit of a deal breaker. For files opened in CC which were created in an earlier version gradient fills/ styles on shape layers do not appear the same.
    The only way to have them appear the same is to do as K_SEREBY says and "merge shape components", which is a completely destructive way of working.
    It isn't something which is consistent either across Layer Styles, gradients behave as described, whereas inner glow, inner shadow and stroke for example all work as they did before, taking into account shape interaction.
    Having said that using the stroke feature of vectors available on the top bar again works differently as shown in the below image. On the left the result of 3 interacting vector shapes with a vector stroke - no stroke visible. On the right the same shape with the same stroke effect but after merge shape components has been done - vector stroke visible.
    It's all very confusing and not very pleasant to use, is there a work around? The video linked doesn't shed any light on the problem at hand, only highlighting something else which doesn't even show up for me when a shape is selected i.e. Live Vector Properties, but that is another story.

  • [OSX] Photoshop CC bug - can't change Shape Layer colour from layers panel

    Hi there,
    I have a persistent bug where after a certain amount of time (potentially after the iMac goes to sleep and reawakes?) that after creating a new Shape Layer I can no longer change it's colour from the layers panel. If I double-click it the colour palette appears and it seems to record the colour but the Shape Layer does not reflect this. If I go into the Shape Layer bar at the top of the screen I can still change the Fill and Stroke.
    If I re-open the program it works again.

    Had the same problem. Turns out I needed to use the Path Selection Tool and click the path right on the canvas, not in the layer panel. This re-enables the Live Shape properties.
    Here is a short video with more details if you're interested -> http://www.michalkopec.com/blog

  • AE CS5 - Shape Layer - Anchor point moves after position keyframe

    I am experiencing unintuitive (to me) behaviour with a brand new shape layer. Here are the steps to reproduce the issue. I have made a screen cap of the problem but can't figure out how to upload it to this forum.
    1. In an existing composition, I create a new Shape Layer
    2. By default the anchor point (center point) is in the dead center of the shape layer. Perfect.
    3. I turn on Position keyframing, and add a position keyframe at my current time
    4. Instantly the anchor point now jumps to the center of the composition, and so now when I scale my shape layer it doesn't scale properly
    If I try to use the Pan Behind tool, I get position keyframing. Besides, I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO DO THIS, since the anchor point was in the correct spot to start with, and it's only because of this keyframing "bug" that the anchor point jumps.
    What am I missing or doing wrong? How can I add a position keyframe to a BRAND NEW LAYER that has no other animation on it, and still keep the anchor point in the dead center of my shape?
    Thanks for your advice,
    Tom

    Thanks to Rick and Mylenium for your helpful answers. Rick, I'd prefer not to have to manually reposition, because I'm never going to be as mathematically precise as the software for positioning the Anchor Point dead center.
    Using the transform controls on the shape rather than the global container certainly did the trick! You guys are great. Thanks.
    [rant]
    In my defense as far as the constant exhortations to "RTFM", we all know that most veteran software users only go to the manual when there's a problem. You also know that Adobe's help system (particluarly in regards to search) has gotten worse over the years, not better. So when I run into a situation like this, I'm going to search through the help for what I believe the problem is: namely "anchor points", "transformations" and "keyframes", and maybe "shape layers". This is a fair amount of research, and it's exactly what I do as my first line of defense.
    The second line of defense that most tech savvy folk do, is a Google search; for example: "anchor point moves after position keyframe" or "After Effects shapes layer anchor point moves keyframe" etc. And you spend your time sifting through forums trying to find the relevant answers. I feel that THAT is my true due diligence, rather than reading the F'n Adobe manual that is so very very sparse.
    So after my due diligence, I turn to the experts communities, because there I know I will get educated, reliable help within a reasonable turnaround time. And because I myself contribute to these same forums in areas where I have higher than average expertise. The Adobe Forums have proven to be one of the great online resources.
    Finally, now that I have a great answer from two knowledgeable experts (thanks again!), I've also enriched the community, because of the way I have crafted my post title, hopefully the next poor ******* who has a similar problem and a similar methodology to finding resolution will stubmle upon my post because I've tried to overload the title with relevant keywords that will generate hits in google.
    Through my question, and your accurate answers, the global knowledgebase has improved.
    So forgive me for not memorizing the F'n Adobe online help. I go to the resources that are the most useful, expedient, and provide the greatest value as a whole.
    [/rant]
    Peace,
    Tom

  • Is there a way to motion track a point in a shape layer?

    Hi all,
    Is there a way to motion track a point in a shape layer?
    Thanks

    As Mylenium points out, you can't to it directly.  But if you're willing to jump through a hoop, you can: Precomp that shape layer! 
    Now AE will see it as another piece of footage, which can be motion tracked.  You can use Mocha or AE built-in motion tracker, depending on the nature of your precomp.
    Alternately, you can simply parent a null object to the shape layer.  After you do so, you can adjust the null's position, positioning it precisely where you want it to be in relationship to the shape layer.  It will then maintain that relative position, following right along with any animation applied to the shape layer.

  • Feather a shape layer

    This has to be possible. Right?
    I am trying to create a mask for an animated layer. The animated layer is increasing in scale while changing its position to move off the bottom of the composition. I can create a perfect MASK for that layer, but it moves with the layer. If I could lock the mask, that would be great.
    So, instead, I am trying to create a TRACK MATTE. The problem is, I can create the right ellipse to MATTE the animating layer underneath. But, I can't soften it's edges. I've tried adding a glow effect, but it's not enough.
    I know this is simple. I've spent 45 minutes trying to do it myself and looking for similar questions/posts... but nothing has helped.

    Feathering in Illustrator just adds a blur that's limited to the boundary of the layer. It also is a raster effect. That means if you bring the an Illustrator layer into AE and push in and expect it to behave like a vector with CR turned on, it won't because Feather changes the layer from a vector to a bitmap.
    If you really need a shape layer and you want a fully controllable feathered edge just create a rectangle shape layer, add a mask to the shape layer, then use the Mask Feather tool to control the feathering. You'll end up with far more control than you can get in Illustrator or with a blur, and the layer will still continuously rasterize.

Maybe you are looking for