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Advanced Layer Control
So I’m trying to set up a template for a corporate lockup.
I’d love to be able to control which layers are available in a Layer Controls dropdown so no one has to dive into any precomps to change the colors of certain elements.
Ideally, I’m hoping that in the main comp, on a control layer, you can choose from one of the four layers that exist inside a precomp to be the “highlighted” layer.
Is this possible? or am I just a dreamer?
Thanks in advance.
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1 Reply
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I do this on almost all my templates. I don’t think the “highlighted layer” idea can be done in the way you’re thinking, but you can absolutely create a control layer in the main comp that sets parameters in other comps. That’s what expression controls are for.
Create a null or adjustment layer in the main comp and name it “Controls”. Go to Effect > Expression Controls > Color Control. You’ll need one control for each element you want to be customizable and name the controls accordingly. In the Effect Controls window, lock the view of those effects, then navigate to the precomp. Any color effects with a color picker like Fill or Tint will easily work with a color control. Expand the effects on the customizable layers, alt+click the stopwatch next to the effect’s color property and then pick whip the corresponding color control’s color property. This will link the properties together and the color will be editable from the main comp, without the need for a user to randomly search through precomps and layers, or have any sort of advance knowledge of AE. I hope this was helpful. Good luck.
Peter Diefenthaler
https://www.ideafirecreative.com/
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