stroke animation question

[Jef Huey]

I noticed you posted a similar response before. My concern is two things.

First, it seems that creating a path in Write On is not as easy/controlable as with a stroke from a mask (my desire).

Second, I was planning on using a shape layer for the stroke to get some of the options available there.

I don’t think I can get these options with Write On – am I wrong?

Thanks for you help.

Jef

[Kevin Camp]

you can use stroke too… since stroke works on a mask path, you can copy/paste the mask path as a motion path for another layer or point control in an effect.

so for your flare example, you’d select the mask path that you were using for the stroke effect (select the layer, then type ‘m’ to show the mask path) select the ‘mask path’ property and the choose copy. then on the flare layer, twirl down the properties and effect properties for lens flare, select the flare center property and choose paste.

the flare should now track the mask. now adjust the flare center keyframes to time with the stroke effect.

Kevin Camp
Senior Designer
KCPQ, KMYQ & KRCW

[Kevin Camp]

you can animate the stroke property on a shape layer using trim paths (from the ‘add’ menu to the right of the shape layer ‘contents’ choose ‘trim paths’). animating the trim paths properties is similar to the stroke effect (start %, end %, offset).

however it will be tricky to get a motion path from a shape layer… you may need to use auto trace to get a mask path, then past that as a motion path….

Kevin Camp
Senior Designer
KCPQ, KMYQ & KRCW

[Jef Huey]

Thanks Dave and Kevin, you have given me a starting place.

You’ll hear from me when it doesn’t stick … 😉

Cheers,

Jef

[Kian Mckellar]

Kevin,
I’m trying to do what you recommended. I created a mask and stroke and then I tried to transfer the movement to a flare. When I hit M I don’t come up with anything on the mask path or copy to flare. It simply has its position and no key frames. Am I missing something entirely?