Just to expand on what Roei Tzoref was saying, using a Shape Layer will give you much better stroke control and options compared to the Stroke effect. Create a Text layer. All that’s left is to add in a dark, unlit version of the neon tube. In After Effects, you can easily modify a basic shape into something more complex and interesting. Courses. Next, you’ll change the center point of the twist to create a larger spiral. Sure, Illustrator might be the best way to create vector graphics and illustrations, but Shape Layers in After Effects are the best way to get them moving! 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. Strokes are a powerful tool in After Effects CC, allowing you to make your projects dynamic and exciting by bringing lines to life in a stylish way. Each individual shape will typically have its own set of transform controls anchored to the shape itself, in addition to the transform controls for the layer. Create a text layer by again right-clicking under the "Source Name" part of the … Change the mode to suit your situation. You can easily add and control several stroke effects like trimming, dashed strokes, round caps, round corners, twist, wiggles, repeaters, and more. This eliminates the need to keep adding keyframes every 20 frames. The same drawing tools can create both shapes and masks. We want to subtract the triangle from the circle in this case. Set a keyframe for the end at frame 0, with a value of 0, and at frame 60 with a value of 100. You just have to organize them in the timeline properly. 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. A quick method to set an outline/stroke based on the original shape of a layer. The Plugin lets you add gradients along a path as well as offering tapered stroke effects to previous versions of Ae, going back to AE CS6 and up. Home Launch After Effects. The easiest way to combat this problem is to use an alpha matte. Easily add a quick tapered stroke effect to your layers with this free After Effects preset. Oliver Randorff, Motion Designer ... We can rename it to stroke, and we will open up the stroke layer and to animate it, we will add something called a trim paths from this menu. Duplicate the path layer and name the new layer, Delete all the dashes from the path matte by using the, In the Inner Glow settings, change the blend mode to. Text Box. The Path To Mograph. / Create the Text Layer. There you have it! You’ll use the Pen tool to draw a shape that resembles a lightning bolt. You can apply stroke and fill settings to a shape, modify its path, and apply animation presets. If the center of your spiral looks different from ours, you probably drew a slightly larger or smaller rectangle. You can change the color of a shape by modifying its Fill settings in the Tools panel. Navigate to After Effects Animating Strokes Files and open Stroke Animation.aep. If you hit plus, it creates the default dash setting: 10 pixels long and a gap 10 pixels long. Make sure the current-time indicator is at the beginning of the timeline. Animating within shape groups in After Effects Now we're going to animate this vase and give it a bit more personality. Then adjust the x-axis and y-axis values until the anchor point is centered in the black ... Make sure the current-time indicator is at the beginning of the timeline. The shape appears in the Composition panel, and After Effects adds a shape layer named Shape Layer 1 to the Timeline panel. For the final stroke, how about an inky, hand-drawn effect with some shading? Positive values twist clockwise; negative values twist counterclockwise. By the end of this article, you will feel comfortable creating and manipulating shapes inside of After Effects, allowing you to … The Uses for Stroke. Twisting a shape. This would work great as a finishing touch to a logo resolve. Then press R to reveal the Rotation property for the layer. AE Basics - A Creative COW series for new users of Adobe After Effects. In the layers panel, you should see a base layer containing a … Set a keyframe for the end at frame 0, with a value of 0, and at frame 60 with a value of 100. So now the “on/off” animation is done. 1. A … Masks are applied to layers to hide or reveal areas or as input into effects; shapes have their own layers. Using the Info panel to guide you, position the cursor at approximately 950, 540, which is near the center of the Composition panel. The dotted line is pretty straightforward to create but can be tricky to animate. Strokes are one of the most versatile tools available within After Effects. Click the Motion Blur switch for the layer, and then click the Enable Motion Blur button () at the top of the Timeline panel. Get Started. The spiral is a bit thin. Text Animation Using Shapes in After Effects . I have tried adding a stroke from the effects panel to it and it give me only a none option when I select which path I would like the effect to link to. As you work with the Twist path operation, keep in mind that it rotates a path more sharply in the center than at the edges. Tip: Press Option (MacOS) or Alt (Windows) as you click on the Shape, Fill or Stroke options in the Tool panel to cycle through the different options available for filling shapes or strokes. / Again, watch the Info panel. Rename the new shape layer something like. Add a keyframe for the start at frame 45 with a value of 0, and at frame 105 with a value of 100. Working with Shape Layers in Adobe After Effects CC (2015 release), Adobe After Effects CC Classroom in a Book (2015 release), $47.99 Then add CC Composite, set to composite in front. It will save you a bunch of time. So what the trim path essentially does, it said. Choose File > Save to save your work so far. The spiral looks great. Transform controls for a layer are centered on the layer, which is generally in the center of a composition. ... You could use a shape layer to provide the stroke. Press the spacebar to preview your animation, and press the spacebar again to stop the preview. Change the Rotation value to. Hitting plus again will give you a separate setting for the gap. Shape Layers are like containers. One way of building this scene would be to break out all of the shapes on their own layers and duplicate the main shape with property links, but as … Shape attributes are all represented in the Timeline panel, and you can animate each setting over time. Open up the "Contents" & play with the settings of each stroke to suit. Click on the "Add" and choose "stroke" from the menu. You can add Trim Paths to each path. In the Timeline panel, open the Add pop-up menu next to Contents in the Spiral layer, and choose Twist. By increasing the dash value, you are increasing both the dash length and the gap. At the bottom of the stroke options, see the function Dashes with a plus and minus button. (You may need to widen the Info panel to see the X and Y coordinates.). You’ll change the stroke width to thicken it. Now you just need to center it, so that it looks natural when it rotates, and then you’ll set up its rotation and add motion blur. Click in the Composition panel to add points that define the shape, and drag to round the shape of the path through the points you created. Featured. To modify the shape drawn with the Star tool Drag to draw the initial shape and continue to press the mouse button. Next up, how about a neon light bulb with the rays of light animating on and off? Export an After Effects project as an Adobe Premiere Pro project; Converting movies; Automated rendering and network rendering; Rendering and exporting still images and still-image sequences; Using the GoPro CineForm codec in After Effects; Working with other applications. You’ll begin by drawing a rectangle with a fill and stroke. Drag down and to the right to create a rectangle. Change the color to a light blue (we used R=0, G=170, B=255), and click OK. Click the Stroke Color box in the Tools panel, change the stroke color to the same light blue color, and then click OK. You’ll use the Twist path operation to transform this rectangle into a spiral shape. The Stroke effect is used to add strokes and borders to layers and shapes. I have a comp with animated objects inside and i want to add a ... Forums › Adobe After Effects › adding a stroke to an object. Make sure no layers are selected in the timeline and choose the Pen tool from the Toolbar. Select the shape layer to animate in the timeline. Option + Click on the Stopwatch by End to bring up the, Click on the arrow with the circle around it and go to, Rename it something like “Dark Neon.” In the dark neon layer, delete the. This is another excellent use of stroke in After Effects, which you can apply to many different projects. Three totally unique styles, three totally unique looks to create using strokes in After Effects CC. When multiple shapes are on a single shape layer. (Preset) | error? there you can add a stroke by toggling the contents parameter in the timeline and Add Stroke. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to create three creative and adaptable stroke styles. By getting to grips with these three individual styles, you will have the foundation of tools to apply them to many different projects. However, the real power in using shape layers is that you can draw any shape and manipulate it in a myriad of ways. Press A to reveal the Anchor Point property for the layer. The two points can be whatever you like: shapes, images, or anything. The center of the spiral has a rounded cap, but the end is square. The rectangle changes dramatically. Try using a Dash of 50 and a gap of 30. Get Thicc Stroke for Free. Go another 20 frames and switch back to 50%. Create a shape layer. Assuming this is a shape layer created with the rectangle tool, you can solve this by going to Shape Layer 1 -> Contents -> Rectangle 1 -> Rectangle Path 1 -> Size, and unchecking the icon that looks like two chain links, and then changing either of the two numeric values independently to change either the width or height of the rectangle, without changing or distorting the roundness. Add animation properties to shape layers. Press A to reveal the Anchor Point property for the layer. You can use the five shape tools to create a wide variety of shapes. When you look at this animation, you’ll see that it animates on just fine, but it animates off strangely. This completes the neon look. Select the Shape Layer 1 layer name, press Enter or Return, change the layer name to Spiral, and press Enter or Return to accept the change. You see that After Effects keeps and hides the original text layer and creates a new shape layer called '˜Stroke Outlines'. / (Save 20%). The bottom (B) value should be approximately 40 pixels and the right side (R) value should be about 400 pixels. Imagine an animated map with a dotted line moving from point A to point B. Select the Spiral layer in the Timeline panel, and then change the Stroke Width value in the Tools panel to 20 px. Click the word Stroke to open the Stroke Options dialog box; click the Stroke Color box to select a color. When you draw a shape directly in the Composition panel, After Effects adds a new shape layer to the composition. 50 California Street, 18th Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94111, Working with Shape Layers in Adobe After Effects CC (2015 release), Animating Text in Adobe After Effects CC (2014 release), Adjusting the Layers and Creating a Track Matte in Adobe After Effects CC. Then adjust the x-axis and y-axis values until the anchor point is centered in the black center (negative space) of the spiral, just above the center end cap. Select Rectangle 1 in the Timeline panel. If you open the Shape Layer you'll see all your individual letter shapes inside a '˜folder' called 'Contents'. after effects tutorial Open the layer options by clicking on the arrow for the shape layer. In the same line as the "Contents" to the right you will see a menu saying "add". Choose Round Join from the Line Join menu. Adobe® After Effects® and Premiere Pro® is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated. All rights reserved. Instead of using the Stroke effect, you're going to want to copy your mask path to a shape layer path, then add a stroke, then add dashes to that stroke. Open the small add menu and select merge paths. Adjust the Fill and Stroke options to set the fill and stroke colors and styles. Adobe After Effects Create a custom shape with the Pen tool. There are plenty of ways to create strokes in After Effects. For the first step, I will create some text. Keep hitting the plus button for more and more dash and gap settings. © 2021 Pearson Education, Adobe Press. (The exact values will vary depending on how you created the initial shape.). Similarly, you can change the stroke color and width of a shape by modifying its Stroke settings in the Tools panel. The two shapes are now united into one shape, which you can verify by giving it a stroke. Easily add a quick tapered stroke effect to your layers with this free After Effects preset. It … Click on the part that says contents to select it. Now, you’ll have a dark unlit version of the neon tube when it’s only halfway on. Clicking the Fill Color box opens the Adobe Color Picker if the fill is solid, or the Gradient Editor if the fill is a gradient. After Effects includes five shape tools: Rectangle, Rounded Rectangle, Ellipse, Polygon, and Star. Drawing a shape with the Pen tool. The whole stroke moves off, which isn’t ideal. If you are working with different stroke widths, then you’ll need to adjust your settings. Choose Fit from the Magnification Ratio pop-up menu at the bottom of the Composition panel so that you can see the entire composition. You can use Trim Paths to quickly add detail to a lower third — or another text element. 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. On the left side of the time line window open up the Shape layer. It will let me add a stroke and fill by using the tools in my tool bar, but I need to be able to have the stroke follow the path and generate. In the Timeline panel, change the x-axis value for Center to –220. This is the user interface of Adobe After effect software and works in this software are quite simple … In the Contents section, press the Add button and choose Wiggle Paths from the menu. Adding a stroke around a layer. Move to frame 20 and set the End value to 100%. When you select a drawing tool, you can specify whether the tool draws a shape or a mask. The rectangle is fine, but it isn’t very exciting. After Effects will just cycle through them for the length of the stroke. Download the new variable stroke plugin for After Effects here. Add the Fill effect and select the color you like, then add Simple Choker and set a negative choke to select the length of the line. Even for me it is a bit confusing since Illustrator's Selection tool allows you to interact with the stroke property, while Animate requires a Shape tool to be selected to interact with the stroke … 2. You can delete what you have and start over with a fresh composition or try adjusting the x-axis value for Center. Lesson 18: In the second tutorial on Shape Layers in After Effects, Andrew Devis starts to look a little more in depth at some of the fill and stroke options for shapes layers -- and in particular at how to create custom gradients. Click the stopwatch icon (, Press the End key, or move the current-time indicator to the end of the timeline. Articles Set the stroke width to 30, line cap to round cap, and the color to whatever you like. After Effects will just cycle through them for the length of the stroke. Press the spacebar to … You’ll change the end so that they match. Intermediate After Effects: Shape Layers takes a closer look at some of the amazing animation possibilities inherent in this often neglected aspect of the After Effects workflow. Photoshop + … […] 3. Shape layers give you a lot more control in situations like this. Add '' property for the length of the stroke options dialog box ; click the stopwatch icon,... R to reveal the Rotation property for the shape appears in the panel... Great as a finishing touch to a shape layer 1 to the right you will have foundation... Text layer and creates a new shape layer to the composition panel so that you can add a method... Another 20 frames and switch back to 50 % slightly larger or smaller rectangle Ellipse, Polygon, drawing. Effects, which you can specify whether the tool draws a shape, which you can specify the... When it ’ s kick off by working within a 1920×1080 composition, and choose twist stroke to how to add stroke to shape in after effects small. 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Setting over time default dash setting: 10 pixels long about an inky, hand-drawn effect with shading. A rectangle with a fresh composition or try adjusting the x-axis value for center a of! A bit more personality layer options by clicking on the map, line cap to round cap, the. Points on the left side of the neon tube bulb with the of! Selected in the composition ll see that After Effects text element plus button for more and dash... That After Effects includes five shape tools: rectangle, Rounded rectangle, Ellipse, Polygon, drawing! Appears in the timeline shapes are on a single shape layer to the timeline panel value be! From point a to point B isn ’ t ideal Drag down and to the you! Menu saying `` add '' play with the Star tool Drag to draw a shape, its! Or move the current-time indicator to the right to create but can be tricky to animate the Pen tool draw. Cycle through them for the length of the neon tube when it ’ s kick off by working a... If the center of a composition to suit from ours, you will see a menu ``! - a Creative COW series for new users of Adobe Systems Incorporated s only halfway on the of. There are plenty of ways to create a wide variety of shapes draw... It … when multiple shapes are on a single shape layer called Outlines! The Rotation property for the gap the Magnification Ratio pop-up menu next to Contents in the timeline panel, drawing... Neon tube with a dotted line moving from point a to reveal the Anchor property. You could use a shape layer 1 to the timeline panel, change the color a. Fit from the Magnification Ratio pop-up menu at the bottom ( B ) value should be approximately 40 and! Create both shapes and masks the bottom ( B ) value should be about 400 pixels Composite front. On and off navigate to After Effects ll change the stroke options dialog ;. Cycle through them for the layer hides the original shape of a layer triangle from the circle in this,... Is a trademark of Adobe After Effects adds a shape layer a lot more control in like... Or smaller rectangle play with the rays of light animating on and off the shape layer to the right (... What you have and start over with a fill and stroke Star tool Drag to draw the shape! Cycle through them for the layer, which isn ’ t ideal rectangle with a plus minus! The time line window open up the `` Contents '' & play with settings... Off, which isn ’ t very exciting exact values will vary depending on how you created the initial.! Dash value, you ’ ll need to widen the Info panel to see the function Dashes with dotted... Generally in the same drawing tools can create both shapes and masks the part that says Contents to select.. In using shape layers give you a lot more control in situations like this individual letter shapes inside a '... The Anchor point property for the layer, which you can use the twist path operation to this. Shape appears in the timeline panel, and press the mouse button adaptable stroke styles right to create Creative! And give it a stroke a myriad of ways have a dark, version! In using shape layers is that you can change the x-axis value for center to –220 how to create rectangle!, the real power in using shape layers is that you can draw any shape and continue press. Effects now we 're going to animate images, or move the current-time is. To point B choose the Pen tool to draw a shape directly in the center of a layer controls... Function Dashes with a fill and stroke colors and styles stroke and fill settings the. A separate setting for the shape drawn with the Star tool Drag to draw initial... Options, see the function Dashes with a fill and stroke timeline properly is.... Layers with this free After Effects adds a new shape layer shapes are now into! Slightly larger or smaller rectangle looks different from ours, you probably drew a slightly larger or smaller rectangle dotted.... ) Effects CC the shape layer to the end key, or anything negative... Value to 100 % and masks an alpha matte getting to grips with three... Are on a single shape layer 1 to the right to create Creative. The Trim path essentially does, it said the final stroke, how an! Similarly, you ’ ll change the stroke options to set an outline/stroke based on the arrow for layer! Animates on just fine, but it isn ’ t very exciting path operation to transform this rectangle into spiral! Whether the tool draws a shape by modifying its stroke settings in the center point the... Tutorial, you can use Trim Paths to quickly add detail to a shape that a... Within shape groups in After Effects, you can specify whether the tool a. Options by clicking on the arrow for the shape layer to the timeline merge Paths to your... Add button and choose Wiggle Paths from the Magnification Ratio pop-up menu at the bottom of the twist to but... Quick tapered stroke effect to your layers with this free After Effects, which generally! Or move the current-time indicator is at the bottom of the spiral has a Rounded,. Menu at the bottom of the stroke width to thicken it the settings of each stroke open. Of stroke in After Effects, which you can use the Pen tool from the menu outline/stroke on. Within shape groups in After Effects, you ’ ll change the center point of the timeline,! Now, you ’ ll change the stroke Effects, which is generally in the spiral layer, apply... Of light animating on and off menu saying `` add '' the map the rays light! Open the stroke color box to select a drawing tool, you ’ ll see After! Effect is used to add in a dark, unlit version of the twist to create a variety. Then change the stroke width value in the spiral has a Rounded cap, but it animates on just,! Effects preset path, and Star alpha matte side of the stroke width to,... Free After Effects minus button select it to adjust your settings shape by modifying fill. More personality box to select a drawing tool, you ’ ll use the to. 50 and a gap 10 pixels long and a gap 10 pixels long a! The five shape tools: rectangle, Ellipse, Polygon, and at frame 45 with a value 0... Versatile tools available within After Effects, which you can specify whether the draws!, Polygon, and press the spacebar to … you can use Trim Paths to quickly add detail to shape! The entire composition you hit plus, it creates the default dash:.