After Effects Apprentice: 14 Shape Layers

Learn how to create and animate vector-based artwork directly inside After Effects.

Introduction

• Welcome
• Software versions and exercise files

1. Drawing Shapes

• Shape tool overview
• Drawing parametric shapes
• Drawing pen paths
• Convert to Bezier paths

2. Multiple Shape Paths

• Creating multiple shape groups
• Creating multiple paths in the same group
• Creating compound paths

3. Shape Effects

• Exploring shape effects
• Wiggle Paths
• Repeater
• Wiggle Transform
• Combining Wiggle Transform with the Repeater

4. Crosshair Exercise

• Editing gradients
• Creating open paths

5. Abstract Texture Exercise

• Automatic animation
• Creating a swarm
• Blending multiple shapes into a texture

6. Map Path Exercise

• Creating a RotoBezier path
• Dashes and gaps
• Animating a line

7. Animated Logo Exercise

• Using the Repeater to create an end pose
• Using Brainstorm to create an animation

8. Ray-Traced 3D and Shapes (CS6 only)

• Geometry options (new in CS6)
• Material options (new in CS6)
• Animating a 3D shape (new in CS6)

9. Sidebars

• Tips for stylized bars
• Additional shape presets
• Convert vector layers to shapes (new in CS6)
• Convert type to shape layers