animating a line

[Jj00820]

thanks for all the info

can you please provide details on the Text tool method?

fantastic help

[Steve Roberts]

It’s similar to the other method.

1. Use the type tool and start typing some dashes in the comp window.
2. Make that layer 3D.
3. Add a new camera — try 24 mm lens. Don’t worry about the other settings.
4. Using the pen tool, with the type layer selected, draw a line that matches your desired path as viewed from above. This is an open mask.
5. In the text parameters in the timeline, under “path options”, choose mask 1, adjust the character size and character tracking until you like the look. Make the fill colour yellow or whatever. Animate (with keyframes) path options>First Margin to make the dashes snake along the line.
6. with the text layer selected in the timeline, hit R then change its X rotation so it is now angled horizontally, like the ground. Hit shift-P to make the position controls visible, then change those values to suit. You may need to also change the anchor point (A) so the anchor point is closer to the snakey part of the text.

[Jj00820]

excellent! works like a charm
thanks again for the help

[Jj00820]

One last question, I’ve been practicing using this effect in a variety of compositions. In one composition I have a map graphic, and want the dashed line to move across the map, starting at one point on the map and ending at another.

For some reason my line starts off screen and then moves to the first point and then follows the path to the end, and then right off screen. I have tried keying and the various adjustments. How to I get the line to start at the first point and move from there, without following the path starting and ending off screen? I am using the text tool

thanks J