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Option Replace Shape Layer
Hey all,
I know you can’t directly “option+replace” a shape layer because it doesn’t have a source, but is there any roundabout way to do this? I have multiple parented layers with several position/rotation properties with expressions and effects applied, so manually copying/pasting those properties over to new layers will be a pain. I don’t need the shape path to carry over, I only need properties and effects.
Is there a way to convert a shape layer to a solid layer or something? If not, it’s not the end of the world, it just seems like it should be possible.
Thanks,
Jono -
7 Replies
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Dave, thanks for the prompt response.
Now that I re-read my question, it was a bit confusing. Basically, I’m wondering if there is a way to replace a shape layer with a JPEG (for example) so that it keeps all of the layer properties (position, rotation, expressions, etc.)?
Thanks again,
Jono -
You’re right, copying/pasting the attributes/properties from the shape layer to the JPEG will work, but I have over a hundred layers, so it will take a long time to do that manually. Especially if I have to go back in and futz with each one afterwards.
I can’t do the “replace footage” command because a shape layer doesn’t have a source (unless there’s another way besides “option+drag” or “option+command+/”). I could do this with any other type of layer though (still, video, pre-comp, null, etc.).
Maybe this feature doesn’t exist. I understand why it wouldn’t, but hopefully it will be added in a later version of AE. It would be nice if there was a way to replace or convert a shape layer to something with a source (like a solid layer or a null), so that it could be swapped out later.
Thanks for the tips. Any other ideas/work-arounds would be helpful, otherwise I’ll get started on the good ol’ manual route!
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Did you find a way to do this? I’m having the same problem.
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Hey Lucas, unfortunately I never found a solution. As a workaround, I ended up just making sure to precomp any shape layers before using them in my master comp, so that I have the ability to option-replace later if needed.
That doesn’t help if your comp/animations are already built though. So, another workaround would be to keep your shape layer in the comp, turn off visibility and/or make shy (as Dave suggested), and use it as a parent for your new comp.
Hope this helps,
-Jono -
Hi,
this did the trick for me: https://aescripts.com/smart-precomposer/
cheers -
Does this plugin still work for you? Its not doing the trick in AE CC 2018 (MAC) for me 🙁
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…for me still working on AE 2020 (Mac)
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