Shape Layer Anchor Point & Scaling

[Scott Mcgee]

I do something similar but using a sourceText rather than a checkbox, so I’m hoping the bits I’ve changed in the below expression works.

I use the size of the shape, so if I change the size (Not scale, but I’ve not tried it with scale) and position, it should work everytime.

anchor point:

R = thisLayer.sourceRectAtTime(time);
I = thisComp.layer(“[Anchor]”).text.sourceText.toLowerCase();
T = R.top;
L = R.left;
W = R.width;
H = R.height;

if (effect(“AnchorLeft”)(“Checkbox”)==1) [L,T] else [W/2,T]

position:

if (effect(“AnchorLeft”)(“Checkbox”)==1)
[transform.position[0] – content(“Rectangle 1”).content(“Rectangle Path 1”).size[0],transform.position[1]]
else
[transform.position[0],transform.position[1]];

[Eli Coogan]

Thanks for your response, Scott!

That seems very interesting. However, I may be doing something wrong– what is this variable for?
I = thisComp.layer(“[Anchor]”).text.sourceText.toLowerCase();

Do you add an additional layer named anchor?

The anchor position swapping works great, but I’m still having the problem of the line jumping when I use the checkbox.

Thanks again, I’m trying to get a better grasp of this.

[Scott Mcgee]

I accidentally left that in from my expression I use, that might have been the reason why it wasn’t working, if it was flagging it as an error it might not work.

So try using this again, with that line you messaged removed.

Anchor Point:

R = thisLayer.sourceRectAtTime(time);
T = R.top;
L = R.left;
W = R.width;
H = R.height;

if (effect(“AnchorLeft”)(“Checkbox”)==1) [L,T] else [W/2,T]

position:

if (effect(“AnchorLeft”)(“Checkbox”)==1)
[transform.position[0] – content(“Rectangle 1”).content(“Rectangle Path 1”).size[0],transform.position[1]]
else
[transform.position[0],transform.position[1]];

[Scott Mcgee]

Just to double check, as I’ve noticed you are using an expression in yours for how you used to cheat the anchorpoint on a shape layer pre cs6 before sourceRectAtTime was introduced.

Do you have cs6 or above. As my expression won’t work?

If you do…

number 2 are you putting the position expression in the transform Position or rectangle position.

My expression needs to go into transform, not as you have it in your example you gave.

See if that works aswell.

[Scott Mcgee]

Alternatively, if anyone is using cs5.5 or lower like I do at home.

I got your method of doing it to work Eli

If you put this expression into the shape position.

content(“Rectangle 1”).content(“Rectangle Path 1”).size/2;

and this, into the Transform:Rectangle AnchorPoint (not to be mistaken for the normal anchor point in transform) (I accidentally did the expression to work based on the right…Just swap it round if you want left)

if (effect(“AnchorRight”)(“Checkbox”) == 1)
[content(“Rectangle 1”).content(“Rectangle Path 1”).size[0],0]
else
[0,0]

Then in the Transform Position add this.

if (effect(“AnchorRight”)(“Checkbox”) == 1)
transform.anchorPoint
else
[transform.anchorPoint[0]+content(“Rectangle 1”).content(“Rectangle Path 1”).size[0],transform.anchorPoint[1]]

Essentially the top two bits are determining are cheating to find the left and right top corners, but it’s moving the shape. So the third expression is just counteracting the top to so it remains in the same spot.

[Eli Coogan]

Hey Scott,

Thanks for all the info! I just tried your code, but am still getting the position jump. Can’t figure it out… I must be doing something wrong.

(with checkmark on)

(with checkmark off)

I’ll keep playing around with it though. I really do appreciate your time!

Thanks.

[Scott Mcgee]

Hey Eli,

In you image. 4 items up it says position. It’s that position you need to add the third expression.

The position you’ve added it to disrupts the way the other two expressions cheat the anchor point to be in the top left and right corner.