Creating gradiant halftone Alpha Layer in PShop for AE

[Chris Smith]

Use can use the ramp effect on a layer in AE. Set it to do the gradient you like. Then use this as an alpha track matte above the layer you want to effect. You may have to pre-comp the ramp layer.

Chris Smith
https://www.sugarfilmproduction.com

[Joshua Ferg]

Hey Chris –

Thanks for the feedback.

Here’s the issue – I need to get the halftone effect on the layer so what I end up with is essentially a graduating ramp of the dots in size as well as color. I can then drop that layer onto layer B – also a gadient.

I thought maybe creating 2 layers in PShop one gradient color and the other the halftone dots was best.

Is it an overly-complicated solution? Any ideas?

[Michael Szalapski]

In photoshop create a gradient layer. Duplicate it.
Run the halftone effect on one layer, try different settings ’till you get a good ‘un. Then use colour select (or similar) to remove one of the colours, white or black. (I’m assuming this is b&w?) You should have dots on a layer by themselves.
Then you could group the gradient layer onto it and you’ll have dots with a gradient!

Or you could do this whole thing in AE, which will make you much cooler. http://www.petewarden.com provides you with some lovely (FREE!!!) AE plugins, one of which is halftone. Do something similar to the instructions I just gave you for photoshop in AE and you will have great success.

– The Great Szalam
(The ‘Great’ stands for ‘Not So Great)

No trees were harmed in the creation of this message, but several thousand electrons were mildly inconvenienced.

[Joshua Ferg]

Michael –

Sorry for the delayed response – but thanks. It worked like a charm.

Also – downloaded the Plug In’s and will take some time to explore them.

THanks again for your time.

Josh