I imported my Illustrator file into After Effects. I then turned the Vector layer into a shape layer. I added a trim path to the shape but the trim path does some weird start to end point mask.
Demonstration of my shape
My shape
Question: How would I set a trim path that would go from one end of the object to the other (start from the arrow and end at the other dot).
Note: When importing Illustrator files. Make sure each path/object is on a separate layer. When you’re ready to import into After Effects, go to file -> import -> file. Make sure to change import as to Composition – Retain Layer Sizes. This will then import each layer so you can “create shape from vector layer” for each illustrator layer.
Answer
You can use a trim path on a shape layer as track matte to achieve a solid and smooth animation without keyframing a mask.
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Bring your shape into After Effects:
- Make sure that no layer is selected in your composition and hit G to enable the pen tool
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Draw your animation path from the bottom to the end of the shape
- Set the contour width of the new created shape layer to a value which covers the shape below
- Set the fill color to
Noneby holding Alt and clicking into the color field - If you roll out the shape layer by clicking on the arrow > button left to the layer’s name, there should be a appear another > Add Button in Track Mattes column. Click it to add a Trim Paths property
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If Trim Paths is assigned to the shape layer go to your last frame, roll out Trim Paths property and click the stop watch of the end value, this should create a keyframe with a value of 100%.
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Go to your first frame and set the end value to 0% to get something like this:
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As last step set the track matte of the solid layer below to
Alpha.
Attribution
Source : Link , Question Author : AndrewH , Answer Author : p2or