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Activity Forums Adobe After Effects Can I use math to program the pen tool path for an object?

  • Can I use math to program the pen tool path for an object?

    Posted by Mark Palmer on February 29, 2020 at 7:55 pm

    Instead of manually using the pen tool to create anchor points for a path that an object can follow, can I input a file or use a mathematical equation that sets the anchor paths to the numbers in the file? That way I can make paths that relate to complex equations without having to do it all by hand.

    Mark Palmer replied 6 years, 2 months ago 3 Members · 3 Replies
  • 3 Replies
  • Cassius Marques

    March 2, 2020 at 1:21 pm

    That, if doable, should be a lot of trouble, perhaps do that in math software that can export vector? Then import into AE.

    After Effects is a compositor in its essence, I’m guessing you’d have better luck finding a plugin/macro/script that does that for illustrator or Corel Draw or something alike.

    Cassius Marques
    http://www.zapfilmes.com

  • Walter Soyka

    March 2, 2020 at 2:31 pm

    The path property is now accessible to expressions, so yes, you could use outside data to draw a path. Here’s some documentation:
    https://expressions.aenhancers.com/path-property.html

    Walter Soyka
    Designer & Mad Scientist at Keen Live [link]
    Motion Graphics, Widescreen Events, Presentation Design, and Consulting
    @keenlive   |   RenderBreak [blog]   |   Profile [LinkedIn]

  • Mark Palmer

    March 5, 2020 at 5:09 pm

    Thank you, I’ll give it a try!

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