• Adobe After Effects Expressions

  scripting: replaceSource for null layer

  Posted by Ross Klettke on April 25, 2016 at 9:22 pm

  Hi,
  I’m trying to write a simple script that will do batch source replacing — specifically to attach footage to C4D particles exported as AE nulls.

  An example project file (AE 2015) and script can be downoaded here: 10016_replacesourceofnull.zip
  The script is also posted below.
  (To use the script, first select the project item to be swapped in and then the null layer.)

  The problem: running replaceSource() on a null layer results in an “invisible” layer — the swap appears to be successful in the timeline view (and I make sure that the layer’s opacity is at 100%) but it is not visible in the Composition Viewer, though the layer’s bounds do appear to be updated.

  Replacing the null’s source manually (using opt+drag or the keyboard shortcut) works fine — and I’m confused why there’s a difference between that and replaceSource()

  Maybe I’m overlooking something obvious? Any Ideas?

  Thanks,
  –Ross

  *using AE 2015

  app.beginUndoGroup("Source Swap");

  app.activeViewer.setActive();
  var theSelectedLayers = app.project.activeItem.selectedLayers;
  var theSelectedItemsToSwapIn = app.project.selection;

  if(theSelectedLayers.length > 0 && theSelectedItemsToSwapIn.length > 0){
  for(var i = 0; i < theSelectedLayers.length; i++){
  var j = i % theSelectedItemsToSwapIn.length;
  theSelectedLayers[i].replaceSource(theSelectedItemsToSwapIn[j], true);
  }
  } else {
  alert("Error: Please select 1 or more layers and 1 or more items in the Project window");
  }

  app.endUndoGroup();

  Ross Klettke replied 10 years ago 1 Member · 0 Replies
• 0 Replies

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