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Import AI files and simple questions
I have some elementary questions since I have not used After Effects in a long time. How do you import Adobe Illustrator files into a Comp window without the hang ups? Do you copy and paste the text from Illustrator? Do you import the AI file as a composition? Can you change the text color once you import the file (text is currently black)?
My second question relates to using the smoother on motion sketch path. Apparently, the smoother’s apply button remain grayed out until you deselect the first and last keyframe. If you select all the key frames then you can not apply the smoother for some reason. Does this scenario seem common?
Third, how do you copy a motion sketch key frames into a new composition as a mask shape. I am trying to animate a path mask and the position key frames do not copy properly into the mask shape. Why?
I am sorry about the simple questions, yet find myself having some trouble with basic tutorials and need assistance on getting past these issues.
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3 Replies
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1. Import the AI file as footage or as a comp if you want to maintain the layers. You will not be able to edit the paths. If you want to edit the paths, you have to copy the paths in AI, then paste into a solid layer so the paths become masks. Make sure that in AI, your clipboard prefs are set to AICB. You can change the colour of the text in AE 6.5 by applying the render>fill effect, but the text has to be in a separate layer. If you want to scale up the imported file, you need to click the continuous rasterization button. There should be more info in the manual/help.
2. Not sure how to help — I just used Motion Sketch, selected all KFs, and Smoother was available.
3. You need to select the keyframes, hit copy, the select the mask shape property of the receiving layer and paste. If that doesn’t work, make a keyframe for the receiving mask shape first.
Steve
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You have given me really good advice. Yet AE still rejects my AI files for some reason. I am using 3D invigorator to import some AI files. The plugin tells me that no useable path exists. Could this situation relate to the Illustrator file version (using CS2)?
Do I need to convert the type into paths?
Under AI preferences, I have several options: Copy As: PDF; AICB – Preserve Paths; Preserve Appearance and Overprint.
In addition, it would help to know how to determine the Illustrator file version too.
Does the size of the solid matter in this case?
Oh, I just found the 3D invigorator forum, but your suggestions may lead to asking better questions. The project involves rotating each character along the Y axis. Presently, I can not animate the Y rotation, so this issue may relate to the layers in the AI files. Please let me know any useful information. I need to get up to speed and beyond basic compatibility and setting issues.
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Ah … you didn’t mention Invigorator. 😉
It has its own needs, as John D can confirm. Text has to be outlines, for one thing. Search his recent Invigorator posts for more info.
AICB-preserve paths.
I don’t know how you can determine the Illy file version.
Size of solid does not matter, AFAIK.
Regarding the rotation (within Invig?) you must have the characters on separate layers. John and Serge (among others) are the Invig experts, though. Hopefully, they’re watching …
Steve
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