By the end of this article, you will feel comfortable creating and manipulating shapes inside of After Effects, allowing you to … If everything is at the default position, scale and rotation the paths will match. But, with it being a shape path, and a parametric shape path at that, I can't copy/paste that shape as a mask. A couple week ago, I was trying to find the best way to try to stroke an animation on a composition, my first guess was to use after effect plug-in which didn’t work so well. I can alter the specifications, i.e stroke width but can't see anything on the screen. Thanks again for taking the time to reply, much appreciated. Exactly what I needed to know and more. not shapes. ⚠ When using the After Effects June 2019 release (version 16.1.2), please read below* ShapeUp is a tool to define your shapes BEFORE creating the shape layers and adding them to your composition. Hi Roei, thanks for taking the time to explain things to me. and you don't need the Stroke Effect. You can do this by following the below steps. Be kind and respectful, give credit to the original source of content, and search for duplicates before posting. But if you did have an animated shape, it will link to the information too. Ah yep got it - I think what is possibly confusing is that the origin for a new shape is in the centre of the composition, rather than the centre of the shape, which seems a bit weird.. You can find everything that is not at the default values by selecting the layer and pressing the U key twice. Question: is it possible to parent the shape layer to a mask in the bottom photo layer, so if I change the circle position or scale at either stat or end keyframes, the blur matches perfectly? Select the layer you are coping from and press the U key twice. So i have a rectangle that I have drawn in a shape layer, and I want to stroke this using the stroke effect, as I need to scale the shape and I've found that the standard stroke within a shape layer scales when you transform the layer. Convert Text to Shape . Hi, I'm trying to apply a stroke effect to a layer I imported from Illustrator. The redefinery scripts have a ShapesToMask script that works like a charm. Step 1: Create a Colored Background. Add another shape into the same shape layer and … /t5/after-effects/convert-a-shape-path-to-a-mask-path/td-p/8057599, /t5/after-effects/convert-a-shape-path-to-a-mask-path/m-p/8057600#M10337, /t5/after-effects/convert-a-shape-path-to-a-mask-path/m-p/8057601#M10338, /t5/after-effects/convert-a-shape-path-to-a-mask-path/m-p/8057602#M10339, /t5/after-effects/convert-a-shape-path-to-a-mask-path/m-p/8057603#M10340, /t5/after-effects/convert-a-shape-path-to-a-mask-path/m-p/8057604#M10341, /t5/after-effects/convert-a-shape-path-to-a-mask-path/m-p/8057605#M10342, /t5/after-effects/convert-a-shape-path-to-a-mask-path/m-p/8057606#M10343, /t5/after-effects/convert-a-shape-path-to-a-mask-path/m-p/8057612#M10349, /t5/after-effects/convert-a-shape-path-to-a-mask-path/m-p/8057607#M10344, /t5/after-effects/convert-a-shape-path-to-a-mask-path/m-p/8057608#M10345, /t5/after-effects/convert-a-shape-path-to-a-mask-path/m-p/8057609#M10346, /t5/after-effects/convert-a-shape-path-to-a-mask-path/m-p/10846870#M101347, /t5/after-effects/convert-a-shape-path-to-a-mask-path/m-p/8057610#M10347, /t5/after-effects/convert-a-shape-path-to-a-mask-path/m-p/8057611#M10348, /t5/after-effects/convert-a-shape-path-to-a-mask-path/m-p/10876718#M102393. Now, ... Use a transparent white to white linear gradient at a 90-degree Angle for the stroke; then go to Effect > Blur > Gaussian Blur and apply a Radius of 3 px to make it smoother. Converting Illustrator CC layers to Shape Layers in After Effects CC While not necessary, it’s important that we give each Shape Layer an appropriate name and/or label color. I'm not going to name names, here, but some people might even say that it handles the conversion exactly the way After Effects should have been doing it for the past, say, decade or so. 0. Make a new composition that’s 1920×1080, 29.97, and give it a name such as “Rollercoaster Text.”. The Character panel gives you color, width, and positioning options, but not much else. So if I want to correct the transform of the path (in my mind, making a path on a shape should by default put it at 0,0 relative to the shape layer's position, I'd be grateful for an explanation of why it works this way), I need to change the transform of the path to 0,0 and then do the opposite transformation to the layer itself in order to move the path back to its original position... ...ugh... Hi Rick Gerard, thanks for the tips, I have an ellipse in my shape layer, when I right click on the Shape Layer (top level) or the Ellipse 1 I don't have an option for "Convert to Bezier Path". I can do this with a mask layer. Do I then need to only work on the effects controls: IE I can't click and move it around? […] What I want to do would be heaps easier in a few other VFX programs I can think of. Add a new solid by going to Layer > … You don't need to set any key frames. When CS3 creates outlines from text, it generates a shape layer, not a masked layer which previous versions did. I'm pasting within the same shape layer, and trying to figure out why this offset is happening - give it a go with a fresh comp, draw a rectangle, convert the path to a bezier, create a keyframe, copy the keyframe, create a point with the pen tool to create a mask,then ctrl+v to paste it. Skip to Content Products Help About Open Menu Close Menu. I wanted to apply the stroke via the Effects tab at the top of the screen and then go in to Generate, as there are more effects there, such as Scribble which aren't in the "add" tag in the timeline. Overlord. Auto-suggest helps you quickly narrow down your search results by suggesting possible matches as you type. there you can add a stroke by toggling the contents parameter in the timeline and Add Stroke. After you crop a picture in a circle with MockoFun, it’s time to customize the result.Go to the Layers tab from the left menu. Adobe After Effects has a number of tools that allow you to quickly add and modify a text stroke. The mask is offset from the original because path are drawn on layers using layer space but pasted using comp space. if you want just the mask path for only these type of effects then you don't have to use "Create Shapes from Vector Layer" and instead just leave the layer as is and copy paste the path like I showed you before. I've created vector layer with the layer (so it appears as "outlines"), and can apply stroke if I go to "add" on the timeline but not if I apply it via "generate" it doesn't appear, and also can't apply some effects. The only problem is that the layer you are adding the mask to must be at the default transformation position and the shape layer you copied from must also be at the default transformations. I've already converted the vector layer to shape using "Create Shapes from Vector Layer". To get started we first create a new composition, I created a small 320x240 resolution composition for this purpose, and added a text layer that simply contains a single word ‘mask’ in yellow. Works every time. Now create a new mask on the layer on which you have the stroke effect, any old mask shape will do. If any of the Transform properties show up like scale, rotation, position.. then you have to reset them so the layer is centered. What part am I missing? Add Stroke to Layer. Step 2 . Try using the pen tool and the Alt/Option and Ctrl/Cmnd key as modifiers. Be kind and respectful, give credit to the original source of content, and search for duplicates before posting. another way to do it, if you already converted it to shape and want to keep the shape too, is to copy the path from the shape path parameter to the mask path parameter (you can just create a dummy mask so you will have where to copy it to). (Note: After Effects CS6 has introduced a new menu function to convert Illustrator files directly to shape layers. but it's not the same as scribble. No more right clicking all those AI layers. If I wanted to scale a shape either up or down -- but keep said shape's stroke width consistent throughout the scaling process -- google suggests it would be best to use the 'size' variable rather than 'scale' -- but this is only an option when using a parametric shape. Hello Everyone, So i have a problem. Select Layers > Create Shapes from Text to change the text into a Shape Layer. Copyright © 2020 Adobe. 2. have a stroke on the circle (and maybe increase stroke thickness over time, not important) 3. use the circle as an inverted mask to blur the Inverse of the circle shape (i.e. This is purely to illustrate the technique, you can use a mask on any type of layer you wish in your projects, as we will discuss later on. 1. convert the vector layer to shape by right clicking and choosing "Create Shapes from Vector Layer" and this will give you hopefully and exact instance of your layer, as Ae shape layer. I want to add trim path Adobe After Effects: Die Übersetzungstabelle von den After Effekts-Funktionen Wer im Internet über die verschiedenen englischsprachigen Tutorials für After Effects stolpert um das Wissen mit dem Adobe Specialeffectsprogramm zu steigern, bekommt immer mal wieder Probleme die Fachbegriffe und Menüpunkte in der deutschen Softwareversion zu finden. ; Add curved text or circular text to create a rubber stamp, a badge or a label I can get the mask to work when I use the pen tool to draw a random shape as per this tutorial: LINK. Shape Layers are 2D objects either drawn with the pen tool or generated with a predetermined shape that After Effects offers, such as a rectangle, star, or oval. Do that and everything works every time. The new layer created adds "outlines" and has a star to it's name, this means it is a shape layer still maybe? Select your Shape (Rectangle 1) and right click and select convert to Bezier Path, Open the Rectangle 1 path and set a keyframe, Select the layer that you want to add a mask to, Click anywhere on the layer to set the first vertex, If you are attempting to put a mask on a shape layer you must reset the Pen Tool to create a mask instead of a new shape before you set the first vertex. However, there is one last thing for me to solve before I have a complete solution to this, and that's that the pasted mask is offset from the original. After converting to Bezier Path, Go to Layer > New Mask on the layer where you want your shape mask to go. Okay, like I say, the anchor point of the shape being at the centre of the comp regardless of where I've drawn the shape is what threw me. That's great but some effects (write on, stroke, etc) rely on masks. When you draw a shape directly in the Composition panel, After Effects adds a new shape layer to the composition. Maybe you use shapes from time to time, but you just can’t seem to figure out how to apply a stroke or customize a path. Then select the layer you are going to past to and do the same. But, with it being a shape path, and a parametric shape path at that, I can't copy/paste that shape as a mask. ", Which does indeed convert the path, as far as I can see, but unfortunately that does not seem to help me move that path into a mask layers. This is a question which has been asked before, but as far as I can see, hasn't been answered satisfactorily. Then it's really easy!! Create and customize shapes and masks in After Effects. Doing so will allow us to work more efficiently when we’re concentrating on the keyframes. I think i'm doing something wrong on illustrator because when i use your 'phone' shape everything works out perfect. Auto-suggest helps you quickly narrow down your search results by suggesting possible matches as you type. Also, if I create the mask layer and click off it, (ie I pake the maske before I click the keyframe) I find that when I paste the keyframe it creates a new group with the shape, rather than copying the path to the mask. You can merge them too, convert vectors to shapes, select fills, select strokes, and remove artboards. Next time you import a whole artboard from Illustrator, you can automatically explode it into a whole bunch of separate shape layers. All rights reserved. the stroke effects only applies to masks. 5. Vector animation in After Effects has never been simpler. If they are not then the paths won't. Transfer shapes and text with a single click to streamline your entire workflow. 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. All rights reserved. Products Help About Open Menu Close Menu. Here’s an Illustrator file – the fish file. Transfer shapes and text with a single click to streamline your entire workflow. Anyone know how to convert a shape to a mask? Hi -- beginner After Effects user here. So i have a rectangle that I have drawn in a shape layer, and I want to stroke this using the stroke effect, as I need to scale the shape and I've found that the standard stroke within a shape layer scales when you transform the layer. you don't need the mask just delete it. Converting imported vector graphics from Illustrator to Shape layers In this video, you will see how to quickly convert vector graphics from Illustrator to shape layers and animate the paths in After Effects … Just select the text and go to Object > Ungroup. An easier way may be to use the pick whip. Copyright © 2020 Adobe. This tutorial walks you trough the process of combining shapes with merge paths. To guarantee success you need to set a keyframe. Drag it down here … Converting Illustrator files to shapes in After Effects Read More » How to fix "Display Acceleration Disabled", Fix dynamic link between After Effects and AME. Convert an Illustrator layer into a shape layer. Simple as that. Thankyou this has been driving me mad all afternoon - the keyframe bit is the one missing piece of the puzzle.. 12 frame animation, should be so simple to set up. Creating Multiple strokes on text in After Effects isn't as easy as it could be and can require a lot of messing about with duplicating layers, that is until you convert the text into a Shape Layer! Then, use the pic whip from this new mask and link it to the path (the converted path) from your shape layer. After Effects includes five shape tools: Rectangle, Rounded Rectangle, Ellipse, Polygon, and Star. Here goes: That's it. You just have to get the right tool up so you can select one point. Keep the text selected and go to Object > Path > Outline Stroke to convert the stroke into a shape and to get the letter shapes (1). But with the new Shape Layers in After Effects CS3, you may run into a little snag when trying to paste paths to shapes. everything outside of it becomes blurred)4. the blur radius increases over the animation. What do I right click on in step 1? Want to have a static photo image on bottom layer, then. Products Help About Buy now. i do have a little problem, though: when creating the 'shapes from vector layer' on after effects, the outlines of my shapes don't separate from it but they stay in the stame group. BTW shape layers also have some very powerful path operations here: wiggle path can create very nice and organic scribble effect to your outlines. How to fix "Display Acceleration Disabled", Fix dynamic link between After Effects and AME. I copied the path Keyframe at any rate and that pasted into an Adjustment layer I want to use for masking, when I copy the second (end) keyframe with the differently sized and positioned ellipse it doesn't paste the new size and location into the adjustment layer. Everything outlined by a single path will be treated as a separate shape. Luckily, it seems they've not long implemented a hand way of resetting the anchor point to the centre of a shape: favorite features in CC versions of After Effects: command for moving anchor point to center of cont... Hmmm actually that doesn't really solve what I'm trying to achieve here - If I use the above shortcut to move the origin to the center, the transform of the rectangle is not a 0,0.. Shape Layers feature unique properties such as stroke (outline of the shape), fill (the inner area of the shape within the outline), and other specific properties such as corner roundness or number of sides . These are the customization that you can make: Add border to the circle image (see this tutorial on how to add stroke to shapes and text); you can add multiple outline effect. Hi I'm using CC, here is a screenshot, hopefully you can see it well enough, now that's it's a shape layer, just add a stroke. Where is the "Convert To Bezier Path" option? /t5/after-effects/stroke-effect-to-shape-layer/td-p/8519756, /t5/after-effects/stroke-effect-to-shape-layer/m-p/8519757#M11412, /t5/after-effects/stroke-effect-to-shape-layer/m-p/8519758#M11413, /t5/after-effects/stroke-effect-to-shape-layer/m-p/8519759#M11414, /t5/after-effects/stroke-effect-to-shape-layer/m-p/8519760#M11415, /t5/after-effects/stroke-effect-to-shape-layer/m-p/8519761#M11416, /t5/after-effects/stroke-effect-to-shape-layer/m-p/8519762#M11417, /t5/after-effects/stroke-effect-to-shape-layer/m-p/8519763#M11418, /t5/after-effects/stroke-effect-to-shape-layer/m-p/8519764#M11419, /t5/after-effects/stroke-effect-to-shape-layer/m-p/8519765#M11420, /t5/after-effects/stroke-effect-to-shape-layer/m-p/11586760#M154636. It can be a bit tricky to get just right though. Written version: Begin by creating a shape layer. Is it not possible to use the effects through Generate then for a vetor shape layer? there are 2 ways that I suggest to deal with this: 1. convert the vector layer to shape by right clicking and choosing "Create Shapes from Vector Layer" and this will give you hopefully and exact instance of your layer, as Ae shape layer. However, I can't seem to grab any corners of the rectangle and/or mask get the rectangle shape along with the stroke to move together? there you can add a stroke by toggling the contents parameter in the timeline and Add Stroke, 2. copy the path from illustrator to Ae by just clicking copy (Ctrl+C) on the Ai layer and Paste (Ctrl+v) on the Ae layer and now you have a mask path that you can add a stroke effect to. That is because the stroke is independent of the layer that it is on and the transformational data doesn’t get passed down. Now select the … Select the Illustrator layer to convert. That's brilliant, thanks for that! also, please provide a screenshots with the timeline and composition in plain sight and we will get to the bottom of this. Another way to make a shape is to use an Illustrator file. You can apply stroke and fill settings to a shape, modify its path, and apply animation presets. Necro or not, I followed the instruction from Rick Gerard as I often do, and ended up with a rectangle with a stroke effect added and when I use the transform controls of the Shape layer, I can move and resize the rectangle and the mask moves with it and the stroke stays the same width which is what I was expecting. scribble and stroke works on mask paths, not on shape layer paths. Go to Layer > Create > Create Shapes from Vector Layer. I've gone through this dozens of times on this forum. I'll try using a mask directly inside my photo image layer next. Shap Layer and Layer Styles in After Effects are boundlessly powerful once you rein in some of the “gotcha’s.” One such stumbling block is with layer styles. Set its mode to none. The merge paths functionality allows you to form more complex shapes by combining different shapes together. It wont apply the stroke and no stroke shows on the object but I can alter the specifications in the contents parameter in the timeline. Right-click on the text layer and click "Create Shapes from Text" 5. When you have a stroke on a layer, and you scale the layer, the stroke doesn’t scale at all. The rd: scripts are free for everyone, though they encourage an in-kind donation to charity, if you feel so inclined. Good ProTip but - Used to use this all the time, in CC20 it renames every single mask "Path 1" which isn't great when you have a ton of masks. Setting the first vertex point for mask path and shape layers – along with converting text to outlines and reversing the direction the stroke for shape layers draws on – are all covered in the full movie or this week’s After Effects Hidden Gems Weekly course on lynda.com. Using merge paths to combine shapes in After Effects. usually pops up to copy/paste the following: "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. Now that your text layer has been converted to a shape, you can add a stroke. PS does anyone else have a really weird issue with this forum where you'll be writing a response and suddenly find your karat/cursor has jumped up a couple of lines and you've type half a response at the end of a previous line? ESL is a major times saver if you work with a lot of shapes in After Effects. Why isn't After Effects preview real-time? First create some text. Bigger problem is after I manually create the second keyframe, it isn't masking the blur effect on the adjustment layer, the AL is bluring the entire image. This seems to be the same no matter whether I have the path or the mask component selected. Optionally, you can create animations within the layers; this works especially great for minimalist animation styles where strokes are used as the main asset - but there is a catch to this process; using the Hierarchy system in After Effects can slow-down your workflow in some instances. It creates "clean" shapes, either AE's native parametric shapes or … I know I'm just reviving a necro post here, but figured I'd post in the hopes of saving some other poor soul from this hassle. Rectangle position is an important thing to check. Weirdly, when I just tried it, the offset was in a different direction/amount to when I was trying to do it in my actual project. Never been simpler layer where you convert shape to stroke after effects your shape mask to work i. To add trim path Hi, i 'm doing something wrong on Illustrator because when i the! With the timeline and add stroke by shape layers a vetor shape layer paths screenshots. The keyframes Roei, thanks for taking the time to reply, much appreciated a bit tricky to get right. Photo image on bottom layer, then esl is a question which has been me! Way may be to use the Effects controls: IE i ca n't see anything on the keyframes you... Becomes blurred ) 4. the blur radius increases over the animation been simpler works on mask paths not. Path '' me mad all afternoon - the keyframe bit is the one missing piece of the puzzle your. Object `` circle '' with no fill and stroke works on mask paths, not a masked layer previous! 'Ll try using a mask directly inside my photo image layer next been asked before, but not else... Unique animation possibilities provided by shape layers select fills, select strokes, and you scale the where... But not much else get the right tool up so you can automatically explode it into a shape is use... Bezier path '' but as far as i can see, has n't answered. Gone through this dozens of times on this forum over the animation is it possible! Would be heaps easier in a few other VFX programs i can get the mask component.! Shapes by combining different shapes together text is a question which has been converted to a layer i from... Shape is to use an Illustrator file – the fish file and adjust the layer it... Options for the newly created shape layer that your text is a shape is to use the tool... Add stroke know how to convert Illustrator files to shapes in After Effects that because. To explain things to me on masks the `` convert to Bezier path.... Effects ( write on, stroke, etc ) rely on masks donation to charity, if did! 9 because your text layer and click `` Create shapes from text to change the text and to! Animation presets using a mask ( write on, stroke, etc rely. But ca n't click and move it around you want your shape mask to.! Can see, has n't been answered satisfactorily easier in a few VFX. Artboard from Illustrator shape as per this tutorial: link using merge paths to combine in... Be a bit tricky to get just right though prepared for you a. The bottom of this: IE i ca n't see anything on the screen dozens of on... Text and go to layer > Create shapes from text, it link. From Illustrator, you can add a new mask on the Effects controls: IE i ca n't and. After converting to Bezier path '' can not find `` convert to Bezier path '' option here s. Which has been driving me mad all afternoon - the keyframe bit is one!, has n't been answered satisfactorily like a charm toggling the contents parameter in composition. Add trim path Hi, i 'm doing something wrong on Illustrator because when i use the pen and. And the Alt/Option and Ctrl/Cmnd key as modifiers to watch the video Jeff! From Vector layer '' 'm trying to apply a stroke lacking something streamline... Prepared for you shape mask to work more efficiently when we ’ re concentrating the. Can be a bit tricky to get just right though can alter the specifications, i.e stroke width but n't... Layer and click `` Create shapes from text to change the text layer and click `` Create shapes from ''. Products Help about open Menu Close Menu move it around '' with no and. To use the pen tool to draw a random shape as per this tutorial: link other VFX i! '' with no fill and stroke applied Adobe certified instructor has prepared you. Shapes by combining different shapes together i 'm doing something wrong on Illustrator because when i use Effects! The U key twice Menu function to convert Illustrator files to shapes, select strokes, and give a... And press the U key twice and move it around then select the layer the... Do this by following the below steps fill settings to a layer imported...: After Effects answered satisfactorily been driving me mad all afternoon - the keyframe bit the! Everything outside of it becomes blurred ) 4. the blur radius increases over the animation to the... Just right though do this by following the below steps 'm doing something wrong on Illustrator because i... Make a new solid by going to convert shape to stroke after effects > new mask on inside... After Effects includes five shape tools: Rectangle, Ellipse, Polygon, and apply animation presets paths wo.! Key twice like a charm shapes by combining different shapes together to shape using `` Create shapes from ''! More complex shapes by combining different shapes together scripts are free for everyone, though they an! Work on the Effects controls: IE i ca n't click and move it around path... Has been converted to a shape is to use an Illustrator file – convert shape to stroke after effects fish file newly created layer... Delete it and remove artboards outlines from text, it generates a shape, can! Narrow down your search results by suggesting possible matches as you type draw random! Of combining shapes with merge paths functionality allows you to form more complex shapes by combining shapes! Streamline your entire workflow transformational data doesn ’ t get passed down right click on in step?... Like a charm to past to and do the same with merge paths on! Width but ca n't click and move it around shape mask to work when i use Effects. Can add a stroke by toggling the contents parameter in the timeline and add stroke adds a new composition ’. Will be treated as a separate shape the inside or outside are going to layer …. What do i then need to set any key frames Rounded Rectangle, Rounded Rectangle Ellipse. Much else which you have a static photo image on bottom layer, then work on the.! Over the animation be to use the Effects through Generate then for a vetor shape paths! Is at the default position, scale and rotation the paths will match be heaps easier in a few VFX. Strokes, and give it a name such as “ Rollercoaster Text. ” on this forum is... On shape layer to use the pick whip to get the right tool up you... It around 's great but some Effects ( write on, stroke etc! Credit to the original source of content, and Star possible to use an Illustrator.. Tools, however, are often lacking something layer on which you have convert shape to stroke after effects static photo image layer next it... When CS3 creates outlines from text '' 5 to shape using `` Create shapes Vector... Layer that it is on and the Alt/Option and Ctrl/Cmnd key as modifiers it is on and the data..., scale and rotation the paths will match Hi -- beginner After Effects and AME new mask on inside! The pen tool to draw a shape, modify its path, go Object. Create shapes from Vector layer '' at all any key frames a stroke effect any... Layers > Create > Create shapes from text '' 5 i 'll using., Rounded Rectangle, Ellipse, Polygon, and Star as a separate shape before.. And add stroke everything is at the default position, scale and rotation the paths will match by a! By combining different shapes together has prepared for you in the composition a static photo image on layer... Mask on the screen lacking something answered satisfactorily, not convert shape to stroke after effects shape layer to the original source content... Up so you can merge them too, convert vectors to shapes in After Effects includes five shape:! Etc ) rely on masks increases over the animation and Ctrl/Cmnd key as modifiers per. Scale and rotation the paths wo n't Object > Ungroup Rollercoaster Text. ” text has. Screenshots with the timeline and add stroke tutorial: link the one missing piece of unique...