Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
In this lesson you will learn how to add and animate Shape Layers.
Exercise Files:
https://dub.sh/aeugfiles
1. Introduction to Shape Layers
1. Definition: Shape layers are vector or path-based footage layers.
2. Methods to create shape layers:
1. Top menu: Layer ... New ... Shape Layer.
2. Right-click in the comp window or Layers panel ... New ... Shape Layer.
3. Using the Shape tool (Shortcut: Q) or Pen tool (Shortcut: G).
2. Creating Shapes
1. Ensure no layers are selected to avoid creating masks instead of shapes.
1. Shortcut: F2 to deselect all layers.
2. Using the Shape Tool:
1. Select the desired shape (e.g., Star tool).
2. Customize fill and stroke colors before drawing.
3. Click and drag to create the shape; use the Spacebar to reposition and the mouse to rotate.
3. Customizing Shapes
1. Properties Panel:
1. Automatically opens when a shape layer is selected.
2. Allows for extensive customization of shapes.
2. Creating additional shapes on the same layer:
1. Ensure the "Create Mask" button is unchecked.
3. Using the Pen Tool:
1. Create custom shapes by adding points.
2. Use the "Roto Bezier" option for curved shapes.
4. Advanced Shape Creation Techniques
1. Double-click on a shape tool to create shapes that fill the entire composition.
2. Holding Shift while creating shapes ensures perfect circles or squares.
3. Centering the anchor point automatically for new shapes:
1. Settings: After Effects menu ... Preferences ... General ... Center Anchor Point in New Shape Layers.
5. Converting Text to Shapes
1. Right-click on a text layer ... Create ... Create Shapes from Text.
2. The original text layer is hidden, and a new folder called "Outlines" is created, containing the shape layers for each character.
6. Transform Properties for Shapes
1. Shape layers have their own set of transform properties (anchor point, position, scale, rotation, opacity).
2. Each shape within a layer also has its own transform properties.
3. Ensure you are modifying the correct set of transform properties (layer vs. individual shape).
7. Adding Shape Attributes
1. Use the "Add" menu under the shape layer to include attributes.
1. Paths: Create new shapes.
2. Paint Operators: Add multiple fills and strokes.
3. Path Operations: Fun and powerful effects like Repeater and Wiggle Paths.
2. Example: Adding a second stroke to a shape.
1. Select the shape, then add the stroke from the "Add" menu.
8. Popular Shape Attributes
1. Repeater: Duplicates the shape layer a specified number of times.
2. Wiggle Paths: Creates a wobbly animation effect with many customization options.
3. Trim Paths: Works best on strokes, creating animations by revealing or hiding the path progressively.
1. Example: Animating trim paths.
1. Add trim paths and keyframe the start and end properties.
2. Adjust keyframes to control the animation direction and timing.
9. Practical Examples and Tips
1. Creating complex animations by combining multiple shape attributes.
2. Reversing animation directions using keyframe assistant options.
3. Copying and pasting keyframes to repeat animations.
In this lesson you will learn how to add and animate Shape Layers.
Exercise Files:
https://dub.sh/aeugfiles
1. Introduction to Shape Layers
1. Definition: Shape layers are vector or path-based footage layers.
2. Methods to create shape layers:
1. Top menu: Layer ... New ... Shape Layer.
2. Right-click in the comp window or Layers panel ... New ... Shape Layer.
3. Using the Shape tool (Shortcut: Q) or Pen tool (Shortcut: G).
2. Creating Shapes
1. Ensure no layers are selected to avoid creating masks instead of shapes.
1. Shortcut: F2 to deselect all layers.
2. Using the Shape Tool:
1. Select the desired shape (e.g., Star tool).
2. Customize fill and stroke colors before drawing.
3. Click and drag to create the shape; use the Spacebar to reposition and the mouse to rotate.
3. Customizing Shapes
1. Properties Panel:
1. Automatically opens when a shape layer is selected.
2. Allows for extensive customization of shapes.
2. Creating additional shapes on the same layer:
1. Ensure the "Create Mask" button is unchecked.
3. Using the Pen Tool:
1. Create custom shapes by adding points.
2. Use the "Roto Bezier" option for curved shapes.
4. Advanced Shape Creation Techniques
1. Double-click on a shape tool to create shapes that fill the entire composition.
2. Holding Shift while creating shapes ensures perfect circles or squares.
3. Centering the anchor point automatically for new shapes:
1. Settings: After Effects menu ... Preferences ... General ... Center Anchor Point in New Shape Layers.
5. Converting Text to Shapes
1. Right-click on a text layer ... Create ... Create Shapes from Text.
2. The original text layer is hidden, and a new folder called "Outlines" is created, containing the shape layers for each character.
6. Transform Properties for Shapes
1. Shape layers have their own set of transform properties (anchor point, position, scale, rotation, opacity).
2. Each shape within a layer also has its own transform properties.
3. Ensure you are modifying the correct set of transform properties (layer vs. individual shape).
7. Adding Shape Attributes
1. Use the "Add" menu under the shape layer to include attributes.
1. Paths: Create new shapes.
2. Paint Operators: Add multiple fills and strokes.
3. Path Operations: Fun and powerful effects like Repeater and Wiggle Paths.
2. Example: Adding a second stroke to a shape.
1. Select the shape, then add the stroke from the "Add" menu.
8. Popular Shape Attributes
1. Repeater: Duplicates the shape layer a specified number of times.
2. Wiggle Paths: Creates a wobbly animation effect with many customization options.
3. Trim Paths: Works best on strokes, creating animations by revealing or hiding the path progressively.
1. Example: Animating trim paths.
1. Add trim paths and keyframe the start and end properties.
2. Adjust keyframes to control the animation direction and timing.
9. Practical Examples and Tips
1. Creating complex animations by combining multiple shape attributes.
2. Reversing animation directions using keyframe assistant options.
3. Copying and pasting keyframes to repeat animations.
